Planning Applications in
Birmingham
Birmingham has a population of approximately 1,144,900 and is part of the West Midlands region. Search any postcode in Birmingham to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
Search Birmingham Planning Applications
Search any Birmingham postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.
Planning Application Types in Birmingham
Based on 2566 applications tracked between 2026-01-29 and 2026-10-26.
Householder
34% of all applications
Full
12% of all applications
Full Planning
10% of all applications
Outline
9% of all applications
Conditions
6% of all applications
Advertisement
3% of all applications
Birmingham Planning Statistics
Data period: 2026-01-29 to 2026-10-26 · Updated 28 October 2026
What PlanWatch Is Tracking in Birmingham
PlanWatch currently holds 2,566 Birmingham planning records across 1,704 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2026-01-29 to 2026-10-26. The most common categories in this dataset are Householder (868), Full (301), Full Planning (261).
Use this page to start with a postcode search, then open the official council record for the decision notice, drawings, consultation deadline and any later conditions. That matters because a short application description rarely shows the details neighbours and buyers care about: side windows, roof forms, access, drainage, tree works, opening hours or amended plans.
Planning Battles in Birmingham
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Birmingham area.
Birmingham Smithfield Regeneration Delays
2024The £1.9 billion Smithfield regeneration project — the largest city centre development in UK history — faced repeated delays and masterplan revisions after the demolition of the former wholesale markets. Originally planned to deliver 3,000 homes, significant public realm, and a new market, the project stalled amid Birmingham City Council's Section 114 bankruptcy notice in September 2023.
Why this matters: The largest city centre regeneration in the UK is directly tied to the financial health of a bankrupt council — monitoring ensures residents can track whether commitments on affordable housing, public space, and infrastructure are being honoured.
Perry Barr Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village Conversion
2023The 2022 Commonwealth Games athletes' village in Perry Barr was converted into 1,400 homes post-games. The project drew criticism over the demolition of the original 1960s estate, displacement of existing residents, and questions about whether the replacement homes genuinely addressed local housing need or served as market-rate investment properties.
Why this matters: Major event-driven regeneration can prioritise prestige over local needs — monitoring conditions and affordable housing delivery is crucial for displaced communities.
Moseley and Kings Heath Conservation Battle
2023-2025Residents in Moseley and Kings Heath have fought a long-running battle against what they describe as overdevelopment of Victorian suburban streets. A series of applications to convert large family homes into HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) prompted the council to impose an Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights for HMO conversions in parts of South Birmingham.
Why this matters: HMO conversions can dramatically change neighbourhood character — monitoring applications in Article 4 areas ensures conversion attempts are spotted before consultation deadlines pass.
HS2 Curzon Street Land Acquisition Controversies
2020-2025Compulsory purchase orders for the HS2 Curzon Street terminus displaced businesses in Digbeth's creative quarter, including long-established artists' studios, independent venues, and small manufacturers. The Custard Factory and Digbeth's cultural community campaigned against what they saw as destruction of a unique creative ecosystem.
Why this matters: Nationally significant infrastructure projects override normal planning controls — monitoring CPO notices and associated planning applications is the only way affected property owners can protect their interests.
Major Developments to Watch in Birmingham
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of Birmingham.
HS2 Curzon Street Terminus
2024-2030High Speed 2's Birmingham terminus at Curzon Street, currently under construction, with associated development zones in Eastside and Digbeth bringing thousands of homes and commercial space.
Birmingham Smithfield
2024-203517-hectare former wholesale markets site being transformed into a new urban quarter with 3,000 homes, public realm, a new market hall, and cultural facilities — the largest city centre development site in the UK.
Paradise Birmingham
2015-2026£700 million transformation of the area around Chamberlain Square, delivering premium office buildings, hotels, and public spaces. Multiple phases largely complete.
Icknield Port Loop
2020-2028Canal-side urban village on a former industrial peninsula near the Jewellery Quarter, delivering over 1,000 homes including innovative self-build and custom-build plots through the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust.
What Makes Planning in Birmingham Different
- Birmingham City Council declared a Section 114 notice (effective bankruptcy) in September 2023, severely impacting its planning service's capacity to process applications and enforce conditions
- The council's Big City Plan (adopted 2011, refreshed) guides city centre development but is being superseded by area-specific masterplans for HS2, Smithfield, and Eastside
- Birmingham has one of the highest rates of HMO applications in England, particularly around its five universities, leading to multiple Article 4 directions
- The Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area is one of the most complex in England, with over 200 listed buildings requiring Listed Building Consent for even minor external alterations
- Birmingham's Green Belt is under intense pressure, with the Birmingham Development Plan allocating several greenbelt sites for housing to meet a shortfall of approximately 37,900 homes that cannot be accommodated within the urban area
Birmingham processes approximately 5,000-6,000 planning applications annually, but the Section 114 financial crisis has led to significant staff losses in the planning department. Application processing times have deteriorated, with only 59% of major applications determined within the 13-week target (well below the national average). The Birmingham Development Plan (adopted 2017) set a housing target of 51,100 homes to 2031, requiring approximately 3,650 homes per year, though delivery has consistently fallen short.
Key Areas in Birmingham
UK's second largest city with average house prices around £220,000. Massive regeneration programme underway, particularly around HS2 Curzon Street terminus. Significant housing pressure in inner-city wards, with new build flats dominating applications. Sutton Coldfield and Edgbaston command premium prices above £400,000.
Recent Planning Applications in Birmingham
Latest applications submitted to Birmingham council.
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of existing first and second floor offices (Use Class E) to 2 no. residential flats (Use Class C3)
221 - 223 High Street, Birmingham, B23 6SS
Erection of 6 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 2.9 metres, eaves height 2.8 metres
253 Brook Lane,Billesley,Birmingham,B13 0TL
Erection of 8 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 4 metres, eaves height 3 metres
187 Coleshill Road,Hodge Hill,Birmingham,B36 8EA
Erection of 6 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 3.8 metres, eaves height 2.9 metres
142 Antrobus Road,Handsworth Wood,Birmingham,B21 9NX
Erection of 4 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 3 metres, eaves height 3 metres
18 Sorrel Grove, Birmingham, B24 0RP
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the Birmingham council website.
Visit Birmingham planning portal →Objecting to a Planning Application in Birmingham
Birmingham Council can only weigh objections that raise a material planning consideration. Personal disputes, loss of a view and property value are not material and are set aside. These are the grounds that do count, with what Birmingham's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.
Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach Birmingham Council inside the 21-day consultation window.
Frequently Asked Questions — Birmingham Planning
How do I check planning applications in Birmingham?
How do I object to a planning application in Birmingham?
How long does planning permission take in Birmingham?
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in Birmingham?
What planning applications don't need permission in Birmingham?
Can planning applications affect my property value in Birmingham?
Does Birmingham have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?
Save a Birmingham postcode to your free PlanWatch account
Free accounts save one postcode in Birmingham so it is ready whenever you want to check what has been applied for nearby. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.
Free: search plus one saved postcode. We never sell your details, and you can remove your postcode at any time.
Read the planning guides →Nearby Councils in West Midlands
Explore planning applications in other West Midlands councils.
Planning Guides for Birmingham Residents
Do I Need Planning Permission For...?
Specialist Topics
Common Planning Situations
Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- Birmingham council planning portal — www.birmingham.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 28 October 2026
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