𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞

Coventry’s Planning Committee rejected the proposed housing development at the former E.ON headquarters at Westwood Business Park, with cross-party support for the refusal. Cllr Mattie Heaven and Cllr Pratibha Reddy spoke alongside residents, raising concerns about the loss of employment land and the proposed vehicle access through Ten Shilling Drive. A residents’ petition opposing the application attracted 96 signatures. In its response to Coventry’s Local Plan consultation, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce highlighted an employment land shortfall of at least 57.23 hectares and stated: “We ask that the Westwood Business Park be ‘repurposed’ for other employment use.” Commenting on the decision, Cllr John Blundell said: “The application raised questions about employment land and access arrangements. With Coventry facing a significant shortfall in employment land, protecting existing sites is important to support businesses and jobs alongside the city’s housing needs.