1 April 2026

This is an update to the note below that we provided on 26 March 2026:

As a result of further legal action, BCC wrote to us on 30 March 2026 and agreed to publish the Full Business Case for the partnership with Lovells incorporating the Overarching Business Plan for the redevelopment of Druids Heath.  This document has now been added to the Council’s CMIS (Committee Management Information System) portal for the Cabinet meeting dated 20 January 2026, the document link is at the bottom of the Meeting Details page.

Despite publishing this “fundamental blueprint” for the Druids Heath Strategic Partnership Agreement, BCC says it will not put the document in front of the planning committee on 16 April 2026 when it considers the new outline planning application for the Druids Heath redevelopment scheme.

What the Full Business Case (FBC) Says and Why It Matters?

The Full Business Case (FBC) is the key financial and delivery document behind Birmingham City Council’s £400+ million regeneration of the Druids Heath estate. It sets out:

• The true cost of the scheme and how it will be funded
• The number of affordable homes that will actually be delivered
• The phasing and timeline for demolition and rebuilding
• The risks to the Council and community if funding falls short

This document was used by the Council’s Cabinet on 20 January 2026 to approve the Strategic Partnership Agreement with Lovell Partnerships Ltd. It is the blueprint for how the regeneration will happen.

What the FBC Reveals

The scheme has a £329 million funding gap, a shortfall that could affect delivery.

Despite promises of 51% affordable housing, the FBC shows that only 11.4% is financially viable without major external funding.

The Council is relying on uncertain grants from Homes England and the West Midlands Combined Authority to close the gap.

If funding doesn’t come through, the Council may have to use its own Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which could impact other housing services.

The FBC empowers BCC and Lovells to make decisions on demolition, rehousing, compulsory purchase etc, but does not describe an enforceable structure for resident involvement or challenge.

Why This Matters

The FBC was kept secret from the public and councillors until after the Cabinet made its decision.

Residents were denied the chance to see or comment on the real numbers before the deal was signed.

The Planning Committee is now being asked to approve the outline planning application without full access to the FBC, even though it directly affects viability, delivery and resident engagement.

What You Can Do

Ask your councillor: Have they read the FBC? Do they support approving a plan with a £329m gap and only 11.4% affordable housing?

Demand transparency: The law says documents like the FBC should be public when councils are deciding on their own developments.

Speak up: Contact your local councillor or Planning Committee members before the 16 April 2026 meeting.

This is your community. You deserve to know the facts—and to have a say in the future of Druids Heath.