Plans to build thousands of homes on former green belt land
FEARS have been raised over plans to build up to 2,625 homes on former green belt land in Eastern Green.
Developers Hallam Land Management Ltd have submitted an outline planning application for up to 2,625 dwellings, a new primary school, retail centre and business units.
The site is allocated for development after it was removed from the green belt in December 2017 when Coventry City Council’s Local Plan was approved.
A consultation deadline is due to expire on December 13 but local Conservative councillors have demanded an extension to the deadline, fearing it does not give residents enough time to have their say.
Cllr Peter Male said: “We’ve said from day one that we need a Local Plan for local people and not this developer’s charter.
“Just like the Local Plan itself this application is being rushed through and it’s just not good enough.
“This is a complex and detailed planning application and we all need time to properly respond.
“If anyone is to have a shred of confidence in this process the people’s petition must be heard.”
The potential development, by the A45 trunk road, would include 25 per cent ‘affordable homes,’ a 10,000 sq metre retail facility and a business park to accommodate around 1,500 to 2,000 new jobs.
A two-form entry primary school is also part of the proposals, while there is also scope for a GP surgery.
A new separated junction with the A45 would also be created to help traffic flow.
But Cllr Gary Ridley, leader the Conservative group, has concerns over the scale of the development.
He said: “We already have concerns that the developers have sought to cram hundreds of additional homes onto this site than previously anticipated.
“What impact will this have on the final development? Will it be able to cope with additional traffic? Will there be a green buffer between existing homes and new development?
“These questions keep coming and three weeks just isn’t long enough to bottom out these issues.”
Independent Cllr Glenn Williams said he has also asked for an extension to the deadline.
He added: “This area is part of Allesley Parish and the ancient Arden.
“To have in excess of 2,600 houses here plus a whole number of warehouses does not respect the rural nature of this area.
“There is a real lack of care for our people and that has been demonstrated through the whole Local Plan process.”
Coventry council said residents have already had a chance to comment on the plans during meetings with the developer, and added comments will be accepted beyond the consultation deadline.
Tracy Miller, the council’s head of planning and regulation, said: “My own team have always been
clear with people that although there is a set three week period, we always take comments, objections and support right up to the day of decision.
“I’m sure there will be lots of interest in this application. Anyone that comments in the threeweek period will automatically be written to, to see if they also wish to speak if the application goes to planning committee. We can also use our discretion to allow late speakers - and we do this when necessary.”
In an application, Hallam Land Management said the proposal strikes “an appropriate balance between the need to provide housing with the need to protect and, where possible, enhance the existing environment”. A planning statement added: “The site’s allocation was examined as part of the Local Plan, and was included as a sustainable location for new, strategic growth.
“The proposals are shown to have relatively limited residual environmental impacts which are outweighed by the range of environmental and other benefits the proposals would bring, including new biodiversity features and public open space provision.”
The outline proposals are for approximately 2,625 homes on land north of Eastern Green, Coventry, which would become a new mixeduse community.
As well as providing a mix of much-needed new housing, the inclusion of the employment land and a new district centre means the proposed development would also create new jobs.
There would be areas of green open space including a new park as well as play areas, sports facilities, and allotments for new and existing residents to enjoy.
The draft illustrative masterplan for the site included proposals for:
Approximately 2,625 new homes, including up to 25 per cent affordable housing and provision for the elderly.
Publicly accessible green corridors along the Pickford Brook and tributaries along with green open spaces, play areas, allotments and sports facilities.
A new two form entry primary school.
Provision for neighbourhood shopping facilities and a community hall in the local centre on site.
District centre to provide retail and other facilities for the new and wider community10 hectares of employment to the north of the site closest to the A45.
There will also be additional employment opportunities in the school, as well as both the local and district centres.
The provision of a grade separated junction on the A45, which has received provisional government funding to assist in the early delivery of this large infrastructure item.
Connecting the site to the existing public transport service and cycle/ pedestrian accessBetterment of local drainage conditions designed to deal with existing overland flows and surface water disposal from the development itself.
Sensitive habitats on the site will be protected and enhanced, including through retention of the majority of existing trees hedgerows, and the creation of new habitats onsite.
The city council’s Local Plan has released the Eastern Green site from the green belt to enable its development. Green belt land can be altered as part of the Local Plan review process, to meet development needs in a sustainable and appropriate way.
This followed a comprehensive review and assessment of the green belt by the city council.
The land surrounding the Eastern Green site, will remain protected as part of the green belt.