Council plans to develop greenbelt land across Coventry are a step closer to reality after a public inquiry lasting months. Despite significant opposition from local residents, the Planning Inspector overseeing the inquiry has proposed only minor alterations to the Council’s ‘Local Plan’.
Subject to a vote of all Councillors at a meeting on Tuesday 14th March, the plan will be subject to a further consultation period of six weeks. It’ll then go back to the Planning Inspector for final approval.
In its ‘Local Plan’ the Council wants to see new homes built on greenbelt land at Eastern Green, Keresley and in Westwood ward. It also proposes a new shopping centre the size of Canon Park on Eastern Green, 240 houses on Cromwell Lane and has earmarked several hectares of land for the construction of warehousing - similar to that approved at Lyons Park off Browns Lane.
Until now, the greenbelt status of Eastern Green meant that planning applications for large scale developments were likely to be rejected by city planners. Cromwell Lane has been been removed from previous plans. However, this decision means that bulldozers could move onto greenbelt land at Eastern Green within months.
Councillors representing Woodlands and Westwood ward are opposed to the development of greenbelt land at Eastern Green for a number of reasons. They believe that brownfield sites should be developed before any greenbelt land is released. They’re also worried about the impact of development on the transport network.
They believe that the population growth estimates, which the plan is based on, should be reviewed. In light of the UK’s imminent withdrawal from the EU immigration could fall, yet one study estimated that 95% of Coventry’s population growth would come from immigration.
Speaking on the announcement Woodlands Councillor Julia Lepoidevin said; “We’re deeply concerned by this decision and we’ll study the 300 page document carefully. This entire process has been developer-led from the start and we seem to be rushing to develop greenbelt land based on half-truths and alternative facts. Much of the ‘evidence’ presented to the inquiry was based on erroneous projections about population growth. It’s also based on a real optimism about the ability of existing infrastructure to cope with these changes.”
Fellow Woodlands Councillor, Cllr Peter Male said; “This plan is a developer’s charter; we’d like to see an approach which prioritises the development of brownfield sites across the city before the release of greenbelt land. Once the greenbelt is gone it’s gone forever yet this plan contains no safeguards for the greenbelt in the event that the economy slows or in light of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Greenbelt sites are cheaper to build on and they’re easier to market so it seems pretty obvious to me that on day one of this plan developers will head straight for Eastern Green.”
Woodlands Ward Councillor, Cllr Gary Ridley said “This announcement will be deeply worrying for many people who will feel betrayed and ignored by this failing Labour led Council. This could have a huge impact on the local transport network and public services. We remain opposed to this plan and we’ll work towards achieving the best possible outcome for local residents. What we need is a local plan for local people - not a developer’s charter.”
Councillor Tim Mayer for Westwood ward said; “The plan for Cromwell Lane has been removed from previous plans as it significantly reduces the boarder gap with neighboring areas reducing openness and Green Belt land. We currently have major issues with parking, increased traffic flows and a lack of road infrastructure. If this goes ahead I do not know how the Council will effectively manage travel demand and reduce congestion in our ward"
Fellow Westwood Councillor, Cllr Marcus Lapsa said; “It doesn't make sense that the Labour run Council are giving this the go ahead when we have brown field sites across the area that could be used to accommodate 240 houses. I want a local plan for local people. I absolutely back our Mayoral candidate Andy Street when he states he will commit to a ‘brownfield first’ policy and pledges to make this a reality in the first case by using the WMCA’s £200 million to get brownfield land ready for housebuilding and commercial use".
Westwood Ward Councillor, Cllr David Skinner said “This recent turn of events is very concerning. In particular the extra and potentially dangerous traffic that would be generated by massive further building in Cromwell Lane, quoting the directive in 2008, by Mr Nigel Payne, the relevant Inspector, that the site be deleted. As a team the 3 Westwood Ward Councillors will be opposing this".
If approved the final consultation period on the Local Plan will run from Wednesday 15th March to Friday 28th April.