Councillors representing Woodlands ward have raised concerns at the prospect of more new housing on greenbelt land in an area which has repeatedly suffered from heavy flooding. It was recently revealed that plans are afoot to build 200 new homes on Greenbelt land off Broad Lane that straddles the Coventry/ Solihull border.
The proposals, brought forward by Solihull Council, are in addition to plans to build 2000 new homes, warehousing and a retail centre the size of Canon Park on Greenbelt land in Eastern Green - announced by Coventry City Council. If the development goes ahead it will create additional housing in an area that’s suffered badly from flooding recently and councillors say residents are concerned that more housing will make the problem worse.
Representing Woodlands ward, Cllr Julia Lepoidevin said; ‘The situation at the culvert has been known for a number of years and is getting much worse. This can be evidenced by the devastation to a number of bungalows in Goldthorn Close and Broad Lane Caravans earlier this year. Despite promises made in many meetings and ward forums this situation is still not resolved. I am calling for action now as a priority - It is a disgrace that with all the building that has been allowed to take place in the area that this has not been resolved!!’
Speaking on the news Cllr Peter Male said; ‘Many residents were shocked when we told them about the plans. The council has already earmarked Eastern Green for a huge development and residents just feel that enough is enough. If the development went ahead, it could make the flooding situation worse on Broad Lane and begins a process of merger between Coventry and Solihull. It would bring us closer to Birmingham and put pressure on road networks and local services.’
Fellow Woodlands ward Cllr Gary Ridley said; ‘We’ve already seen plans rushed through by the council to build on Greenbelt land at Eastern Green. These proposals will bring further distress to residents living nearby who’ll be worried about traffic, the loss of green space and the fear that the flooding situation could deteriorate.’
The councillors want to make residents aware of the plans and they’re urgently seeking more information on the proposals from Solihull Council. Plans to develop greenbelt land at Eastern Green are about to undergo inspection by an independent inspector after receiving approval from Coventry City Council earlier this year.
The councillors set up a petition on change.org to oppose development at Eastern Green and they’re urging people to support it.
