Developers win appeal to build 690 homes in Coventry

The scheme includes seven blocks between four and 21 storeys high

Developers have won an appeal to build 690 homes in Coventry, despite it being turned down last year.

Plans for housing blocks on the old Transco gas works at Abbotts Lane in Coundon were rejected by Coventry City Council's planning committee.

Residents and a local school also signed a petition against it.

Now, 212 of the homes have "full" permission and 478 just need more details approved before work can start.

The scheme will be made up of seven blocks between four and 21 storeys high, and include commercial or similar space.

Developer Complex Development Projects' appeal was accepted on Monday following an inquiry into the Abbotts Park scheme by a government inspector.

The inspector dealt with a range of concerns including its appearance, effect on parking and traffic and the types of homes provided.

He concluded the scheme was of "a very high standard of design" and would actually improve nearby heritage sites.

'Relieved'

The inspector added it could be a "car free" scheme due to its positioning and would likely improve road safety.

While the council's planning committee were against it, council officers and Coventry Society were in support and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) had offered funding, according to a report.

While the developers said they were "relieved" by the decision, there was a mixed reaction from councillors.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Labour's David Welsh, was in support of the scheme in 2021.

However, he said this situation showed "the bind local authorities are in".

"Planning Committee turned it down but it got overturned by the inspector. That's the world we live in," he said.

"There's a limit to what we can enforce through planning, that's what we have come up against."

Coventry City Council has been contacted for comment.