Two-storey commercial unit at 34 - 36 Earlsdon Street, Coventry

What was proposed

A two-storey, 456-square-metre Use Class E commercial building was proposed, with a canopy, chimney, plant area and associated works.

“The application seeks consent for the erection of a two-storey commercial unit within Use Class E which extends to 456 sq. m of gross internal floor space, with associated works. The application site has been subject to a number of previous planning applications and has also been subject to enforcement matters which have been well publicised in recent months.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site is in Earlsdon Local Centre and the Conservation Area, with homes and gardens beyond its rear boundary.

“The site lies within the centre of Earlsdon within the Conservation Area. Earlsdon Street is a defined Local Centre within both the adopted and emerging Local Plans and provides a range of shops, restaurants and commercial units. In recent years, works to a number of neighbouring properties have been undertaken, and at the time of writing the former Butcher’s Shop which adjoins the application site is undergoing extensive renovation and extensions to the rear.”

“When considering site constraints, the site lies within the Earlsdon Conservation Area and is within the city-wide Air Quality Management Area, the site is also within the defined local centre of Earlsdon. Other than the fact the site lies within flood zone 1 there are no other overarching site constraints which are directly relevant to the determination of this application.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and enforcement

Earlier permissions included rear extensions, while unlawful demolition led to an enforcement notice and left the site requiring redevelopment.

“At the present time, the site is subject to an enforcement notice which precludes works being undertaken, which is in response to the unlawful demolition which took place circa January 2025. Whilst it is understood that there are ongoing enforcement matters relating to the site, this application has been submitted to bring forward the site for a new purpose- built structure which will replace the former buildings.”

“The application site relates to the former Natwest Bank which occupied both No’s 34 and 36 Earlsdon Street. The site has been vacant for a period of time owing to the fact that in December 24/January 25 events within the site led to the structure ceasing to exist as a building., The first floor and roof has been removed although the ground floor front facing elevation and elements of the internal area and some structural form is retained to the rear.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide commercial premises, reuse a derelict site and make a positive contribution to the area.

“The application is recommended for approval owing to the fact that the weight afforded to the creation of a new purpose-built commercial premises set within a local centre weighs heavily in favour of the development in accordance with Policy R3 of the adopted and emerging Local Plan. Together with the delivery of a new building, the development also brings forward a currently under-utilised and derelict site which can make a positive contribution to Earlsdon Street.”

Officer report

Main planning considerations

Officers considered the development acceptable for the local centre, conservation area, neighbouring amenity, highways, ecology and infrastructure, subject to conditions.

“In this case the site lies within the highly sustainable location of central Earlsdon within the defined centre. Within the vicinity there are noted to be parking restrictions on street, albeit with some short stay on-street provision and a car park accessed off Warwick Street to the rear of the site. As a designated local centre, much of the visitation to the local centre seeks to serve local need.”

“Conclusion The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will not result in any significant impact upon neighbour amenity, highway safety, ecology or infrastructure, subject to relevant conditions. The revised proposals are now considered to result in an acceptable building in keeping with the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Archaeology and ecology raised no objections; other consultees supported the proposal subject to conditions, while the Coventry Society objected to the design.

“No objections received from: • Archaeology • Ecology No objections subject to conditions/contributions have been received from: • Environmental Protection: No objection subject to plant details and associated noise assessment. • Conservation: No objection, subject to conditions. • Highways: No objection, subject to cycle parking details to be secured via condition.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Lapsa and the petition organiser spoke against the application, Councillor Tucker raised objections, and the agent spoke in support.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions after considering the further objection, petition and supporting and opposing statements.

“The Late Representation report indicated that a further objection had been received and that the objections raised had been addressed within the report. Additionally, it outlined a petition with 43 signatories, sponsored by Councillor Lapsa, and a supplementary objection document including officer responses where relevant to indicate which matters were material considerations. Lastly, there was a minor amendment to the wording of condition 6.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be granted in respect of Application PL/2026/0000534/FUL subject to conditions.”

Minutes