Revised proposals for a major residential tower in Birmingham were granted detailed planning permission last Thursday.
The Civil Aviation Authority asked architect Ian Simpson to reduce the height of the Holloway Circus Tower last November, amid fears over the safety of tall buildings in the wake of the events of 11 September.

The building, including it mast, was originally designed to reach a height of 192 m – which would have made it the UK's second tallest residential tower.

At the time, Simpson said: "The building is in the city core, which is not critical as a flight path. Normally you would try to argue the point, but after 11 September they are less likely to accept a relaxation of the regulations."

The design for the tower has now been cut from 44 storeys to 39. Without the mast, the project falls from 154 m to 121 m, but will still be the tallest residential building in Birmingham.

Simpson and developer Beetham Birmingham are negotiating with the Civil Aviation Authority to retain the mast.

The project originally contained 213 apartments and 913 m2 of office space. It is now considerably denser, with 185 apartments above a 221-bed hotel. The hotel will be run by operator SAS/Radison.

The developer is now seeking a contractor for the scheme. Up to five firms are expected to be invited to pitch by the end of next month.