Insider Media Limited

Birmingham's Broad Street skyline could soon be transformed as two controversial applications for high-rise buildings go before councillors this week. Furniture store Lee Longlands has submitted two proposals to create either a hotel, student accommodation or retail space in locations on Broad Street and the corner of Tennant and Granville Street.

The Tennant Street proposal – which could see the creation of a 135-bedroom hotel - follows Lee Longlands' submission to build up to 20 floors above its own premises on Board Street.

Both proposals – which are recommended for approval by planning officers – will go before Birmingham City Council's planning committee on Thursday (26 May). Glenn Howells Architects, based in the city, has been appointed to both schemes.

Lee Longlands' submission relating to its own premises on Broad Street would include the erection of a tower up to 20 storeys high above the furniture shop. The first proposed use of the site includes a basement car park, up to 173,568 sq ft of office space and 23,680 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Alternative plans are either a 310-bedroom hotel or accommodation for 338 students along with the same retail and leisure space.

All three proposals would incorporate a basement car parking level with between 18 and 23 car parking spaces, along with a basement plant area.

The Broad Street proposals received several complaints from residents. These included arguments that the city's three universities are located "well away" from the site and the worry of an increase in anti-social behaviour, noise and vandalism from any inhabiting students.

Another complaint said that "the wrong type of development is proposed, there needs to be more high class uses and destinations on Broad Street". However, the scheme is recommended for approval.

The company's second proposal involves the development of the land at the corner of Tennant Street and Granville Street. Plans for the creation of a ten-story building have been submitted, with possible uses listed as either a 135-bedroom hotel or 128-bed student accommodation alongside 4,843 sq ft of retail space.

Planning officers said the application would have a "positive" effect on sustainability as it would involve the use of a brownfield site, which is currently used for surface level car parking.