Derelict former pub site could be used for flats

The site, at the corner of Jobs Lane and Jardine Crescent, has lain empty for 20 years

A new block of flats could be built on a piece of land in Coventry that has been empty for 20 years.

Developers want to build a three-storey 12-apartment block on the corner of Jobs Lane and Jardine Crescent in Tile Hill.

The planning application says the half-acre (0.2 hectares) plot, once home to the New Star Inn run by former Coventry City footballer George Mason, was earmarked for homes 10 years ago.

But the site, now made up mostly of hardstanding and some shrub, grassland and trees at its boundaries, has remained undeveloped.

A previous plan to build the homes was rejected by Coventry City Council last year, after officers said the building would be out of keeping with the rest of the street.

But documents for the new application claim its design is "sympathetic to the site and surrounding environment".

Developers said the flats would not harm the surrounding area and would actually improve its "architectural merit".

They added that they would also provide "much needed residential accommodation" at an "affordable cost".

Plans show there would be six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats, all market housing.

The New Star Inn was later rebranded as The Woodsman, which closed down in 2002 and was later demolished.

A decision on the application is due to be made in June.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.