Victorian houses under threat

Artists impression of what the George Devall houses would have looked like

The Victorian Society has begun a campaign to save six historic Victorian and Edwardian houses on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

Planning permission is being sought on Thursday, 13 January to demolish the buildings.

If granted, the site would be developed into a Florida-style retirement village consisting of 240 modern flats.

The formerly grand homes are unlisted but all lie within the Barnsley Road Conservation Area.

Rundown and boarded up - one of six houses set to be demolished

"We are extremely concerned. The city council has a responsibility to care for its built heritage and conservation areas are part of that protection', said Tim Bridges, Conservation Adviser for the Victorian Society.

"The Barnsley Road Conservation Area has been identified as at risk by English Heritage, and we have long been worried about the condition and vulnerability of several properties within the area."

The houses under threat include number 324, built in 1895 and the only surviving house in Birmingham by the Arts and Crafts architect, Ernest Barnsley.

Two houses designed in the early 1900s by local architect, George Henry Devall would also be demolished.

Tim added: "We believe that the buildings should be restored and incorporated within a more sympathetic scheme. These houses are attractive, robust and adaptable and if kept would enhance the redevelopment of the site. A more imaginative and sustainable approach is needed."

Demand overwhelming

But speaking on BBC WM today, John Payne, the partnership director for The Extra Care Charitable Trust said this is the right area of the city for the proposed development and it will meet the needs of local older people.

"We've got the overwhelming support of the local older population to develop a retirement village on the site", he said.

"There's overwhelming demand. We've got on this particular site about a thousand people who've pre-expressed an interest.

"English Heritage had the opportunity to seek listing of this and they chose not to."