Top of new councillor’s agenda is fighting proposals for thousands of new homes
FIGHTING plans for thousands of new houses and reducing the number of students in residential homes have been highlighted among the priorities of Coventry’s new councillor.
Cllr Mattie Heaven retained the Wainbody seat for the Conservatives after securing 53 per cent of the vote in last week’s by-election.
Top of her agenda is fighting proposals for up to 2,500 homes in the Kings Hill area near Finham - potentially rising by thousands more - with her petition so far receiving more than 550 signatures.
“We don’t need 4,500 more homes and even if we did there is no current or planned infrastructure to support it,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in her first week in the role.
Cllr Heaven is also eager to help free up residential homes for families rather than see students living in them.
She said: “A lot of residents are outraged with the level of multiple occupation homes in Cannon Park. Nobody is anti-student but a lot of these homes are filled by students.
“It is about having a balance and we have got to understand the needs of the residents.”
Other priorities include calls for a children’s playground which she said the ward lacks.
She is also wants traveller defences on land near to Cannon Park Shopping Centre, which has twice been hit by unauthorised encampments in recent months.
“It really is costly for the council, so preventing it is really key,” she added.
Cllr Heaven, who has lived in Coventry for 30 years, is a human rights activist, with other work including highlighting the misconception of Islam and radicalisation.
Outside of her political life, she plays Daf - a form of drum - in a Persian-influenced band called Soveida Assemble.
She steps into the role of Wainbody councillor following the sudden death of previous incumbent Gary Crookes.
Cllr Heaven said: “Gary really did great work in the ward. It is a sad way of losing him and it is big shoes to fill but he has given me the inspiration to do the job.”
She added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the electorate in Wainbody for putting their trust in me and giving me such support and I look forward to serving all residents, regardless of what their political affiliations are.
“It is a tremendous honour and very humbling to become one of your three councillors - and to join the strong team of John Blundell and Tim Sawdon.”
Fellow ward councillor John Blundell said she will be a “fantastic addition”.
He added: “It is sad circumstances with Gary and the important thing is we carry the legacy of Gary and the good work he has done.”