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Two controversial planning applications including 87,300 sq ft of proposed offices, houses and takeaways and 492-bed student accommodation are being recommended for approval. Birmingham City Council's planning officers have called for the plans to pass despite objections from West Midlands Police and the Regulatory Services.

It comes ahead of a council planning committee meeting next week.

The first scheme, proposed for the Alum Rock site in Birmingham, comprises 14 houses and two four-storey blocks. The blocks would feature retail and hot food units, offices, a gym, community centre and car parking for 94 vehicles.

Fourteen houses would be constructed in a cul-de-sac to the back of the proposed scheme. The applicant behind the plans is Wembley-based developer Sherak.

A social club building and bowling green were demolished several years ago and the site is currently vacant.

Excluding employment created by the offices and shops, the scheme is set to create 27 jobs.

But the police have expressed concern over the security of the basement car park, potential for congestion within the square and the potential "honeypot" effect of the proposed takeaway in what it calls "a high crime area".

Regulatory Services' pollution control department said that noise assessment was "inadequate and does not fully consider the impact of each element of the proposal on existing and future residents".

Some local residents also objected to the application, with one stating: "The area needs more housing and health centres, not shops and traffic".

Despite the objections put forward, planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.

Planning officers said in a report: "It would bring into use a long-redundant site providing new commercial space and community and leisure facilities within an existing centre, and large family dwellings which are in demand in the area."

Alongside the former social club site, councillors will also decide whether to agree to KD Imports' application to demolish an existing warehouse on Bagot Street in the city and replace with student accommodation.

As the second stage of the £40m student accommodation development on the street, the scheme will comprise two blocks of eight to 16 floors to provide 492 student bedspaces, retail space on the ground floor and cycle storage.

A bin store, plant room, common room, laundrette and reception space are also included in the plans.

The applicant has agreed to make a financial contribution of £237,500 to the accomodation plans, which would serve Birmingham university students.

Three objections were received for the construction of the buildings. The first was from a local resident and related to the money it would cost to build, while the second was from Regulatory Services which identified the noise pollution as a potential problem.

The third objection was from Aston University on the grounds that on the grounds that the applicants have "failed to demonstrate a need for the development".

The university added: "Figures for student numbers suggested by the applicant are out of date and overinflated, and that there is no short fall of student accommodation for new students.

It went onto say that there was "an oversupply" of student accommodation surrounding Aston University, an issue that will be exacerbated once Aston University's own accommodation is completed in 2013.

However, officers have recommended the plans for approval, subject to a legal requirement.

Officers said: "The proposed development provides an opportunity to redevelop this vacant site and enhance the presence of the city centre when approaching from New Town Row.

"I believe that the proposed development would make a positive contribution to the area and provide prospective residents with a high quality place to live. Any material harm that the development would otherwise give rise to would be offset by the attached conditions."

Both proposals will go before Birmingham City Council's planning committee on Thursday 13 October.