120-home plan and HQ move set for nod
A SCIENCE equipment manufacturer in Coventry is edging closer to relocating its headquarters in Tile Hill, with 120 new homes built in its place.
Bruker UK Limited has bid to demolish its existing headquarters on Banner Lane as it plans to relocate to a new purpose-built facility to the north of the site.
On the site of its old headquarters, it has put forward plans for 120 homes.
Separate applications for the two schemes have been recommended for approval by council officers ahead of a decision by the Coventry City Council planning committee tomorrow.
“The relocation to the new facility means the bulk of the existing Bruker site is available for redevelopment,” the manufacturer for science equipment said.
“The most appropriate use for the site is for new residential dwellings, as the site is surrounded on three sides by existing housing and is a sustainable location with facilities nearby and good quality public transport connections.”
Bruker has submitted an outline application or the homes scheme, while full planning permission is sought for the construction of their new HQ. The homes plan includes a mix of apartments; and terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, incorporating 25 per cent social homes.
The bid maintains existing site access off Banner Lane and includes 233 parking spaces, and in planning statements Bruker said it would meet a “pressing need” for new homes.
The firm has said its current headquarters is too big and they need a new “fit-for purpose” space, with the application site bringing into use a “neglected and derelict site” – currently vacant grassland.
A three-storey office and laboratory facing Banner Lane with a single-storey store unit to the rear are proposed, along with a 36-space staff car park.
The firm, which reported an annual revenue of $2 billion in 2019, describes itself as a leading international manufacturer in high performance scientific instruments.
Five letters of objection have been received against plans for a new headquarters, while 26 letters of objection have been received against the homes plan, raising concerns over loss of light on neighbouring properties, over-development, and impact on the environment.
Planning officer Dean Leadon has deemed both acceptable but a final decision will rest with Thursday’s committee.