Architects in Birmingham: residential redevelopment at 623 Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding
30 new homes on a 0.35ha brownfield plot behind the Kingstanding Road parade, delivered through a planning-led design process and coordinated technical evidence.
Lapworth Architects were appointed by NPS Contractors and Ashlee Homes to design a residential scheme at 623 Kingstanding Road in Kingstanding, north Birmingham. The 0.35 hectare site sits behind the Kingstanding Road parade within the wider Kingstanding Circle area and had been vacant for several years following the removal of a former community centre.
The plot is enclosed by service yards, long rear gardens and local open space. The design response needed to be compact and efficient, but still sit comfortably in a suburban setting and protect amenity at the boundaries.
What was delivered
The proposal is a single apartment building set centrally within the site. It provides 30 homes across three storeys: twelve one-bedroom apartments and eighteen two-bedroom apartments. The height follows nearby rooflines and avoids competing with the commercial frontage nearer Kingstanding Road.
Brick and render are used in vertical elements to break down the elevations and manage massing. The intention was a steady rhythm that reads well from the recreation ground and from the surrounding rear gardens.
Project at a glance
Site: 0.35ha brownfield plot
Homes: 30 apartments (12 x 1-bed, 18 x 2-bed)
Parking: 46 spaces (secure)
Amenity: approx. 900 sqm shared external space
Access, parking and amenity
Access uses the established service route off Kingstanding Road. Within the site, the movement pattern is simple, with a turning head, clear footpaths around the building and secure on-site parking for 46 vehicles.
Around 900 square metres of shared amenity space is provided to the north and east. This supports separation distances to nearby properties, retains boundary planting, and aligns with the spacing guidance in Places for Living and with the established pattern of plots across Kingstanding, Perry Common and Great Barr.
Planning and technical constraints
As with many enclosed brownfield sites, planning work focused on constraints and technical coordination. Ecology, tree retention, drainage, noise and contamination were reviewed and resolved through the submission.
The council noted that the height matched the surrounding roofscape, that the layout improved natural surveillance of the open space, and that internal areas met Nationally Described Space Standards. Affordable housing was secured through a financial contribution following an independent viability review.
Digital workflow and AskArchi
The submission was prepared through our digital workflow, including UK Planning Gateway for version control, consistent document naming and coordinated uploads. AskArchi was used to support early option testing and evidence checks, helping the team validate key parameters during design development, including massing constraints, separation distances and daylight-related considerations, before the final package was issued.
Architects in Birmingham, and architects in Kingstanding
For developers searching for architects in Birmingham or architects in Kingstanding, 623 Kingstanding Road is a clear example of how a long-vacant brownfield plot can be brought back into use through appropriate massing, careful coordination and a design that respects suburban character while adding to local housing supply.
FAQs
Can brownfield land in Birmingham be redeveloped for housing?
Yes. With a context-led approach, appropriate massing and robust planning evidence, brownfield sites like 623 Kingstanding Road can be successfully redeveloped for new homes. Lapworth Architects specialise in balancing site constraints with viable, policy-compliant residential design.
What was the architectural approach for 623 Kingstanding Road?
We delivered a three-storey apartment building with 30 homes, aligned with surrounding roof heights and suburban character. The design uses vertical brick and render elements to manage massing while providing 900 sqm of shared amenity space and secure on-site parking.
How were planning constraints resolved on this brownfield site?
Constraints relating to ecology, trees, drainage, contamination, noise and access were addressed through coordinated technical assessments. Birmingham City Council supported the scheme, noting its compliance with space standards, natural surveillance improvements and contextual height.
How does Lapworth Architects use AI in planning and design?
AI tools, including AskArchi, support early-stage massing, daylight testing, layout optimisation and policy checks. Combined with UK Planning Gateway for version control and coordinated uploads, this helps keep submissions clear and reduces avoidable validation issues.
Why choose Lapworth Architects for residential developments in Birmingham?
Lapworth Architects bring deep expertise in Birmingham’s planning policy, brownfield constraints, suburban character and multi-unit housing design. We coordinate the technical and planning evidence needed to reduce avoidable delays and queries and support decision-making.
Do Lapworth Architects support developers at feasibility stage?
Yes. We support feasibility through early massing studies, planning risk reviews, layout options and coordinated input on key constraints, helping developers understand viability before committing to full design work.
Do you work on residential schemes across Kingstanding, Perry Common and Great Barr?
Yes. We deliver residential and mixed-use schemes across North Birmingham, including Kingstanding, Perry Common and Great Barr. Our approach respects suburban character while meeting density and quality expectations.
Can Lapworth Architects improve planning outcomes for brownfield sites?
Yes. We combine design rationale with coordinated technical evidence across ecology, transport, drainage and amenity, producing structured submissions that reduce planning risk and make the package easier to review.
If you are assessing a brownfield or multi-unit residential site in Birmingham, we can support feasibility, planning strategy and delivery through to submission.
