The demolition of a famous recording studio, where the likes of Black Sabbath, ELO, Slade and Robert Plant have all jammed, could be put on hold.
Rich Bitch Studios, based in a converted engineering factory in Bristol Road, to make way for a block of 347 student flats.
But a report prepared for this week's Birmingham City Council planning committee meeting urges councillors to refuse permission because is too large.
In the report, planning officer Andrew Conroy said: "The scale, massing and density of the proposed development would appear out of character with its immediate surroundings. The design and appearance of the development would also be poor."
He says the planned building, opposite the campus, would be overbearing to neighbours and could limit future development on next door sites.
But he suggests that a smaller student block development would be acceptable on the site and could still go ahead.
Last year Rob Bruce, owner of Rich Bitch Studio, which has been in the base for more 30 years, said he needed to downsize anyway and was prepared to move the business to smaller premises - preferably in the same area.
The studio has been a home for thousands of aspiring Brummie bands and musicians over many years as well as hosting some international greats including Earth, Wind and Fire, Ruby Turner and US rockers Skid Row.
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Residents in Selly Oak have previously blasted the plans.
Chairman of the Selly Oak Community Partnership Barry Toon said: "It's a grain silo for students, not a useful contribution to either further education or Selly Oak.
"It’s a totally inappropriate use of the site, with the developer only concerned with packing as many students into the development as possible, irrespective of the impact on the occupants’ health and welfare, or the best interests of the local community."
A report on behalf of Aston Spring Developments, submitted with the planning application, stated the location was ideal for student accommodation and in keeping with the council’s planning policy.