73 dwellings at Land Off Old Farm Lane, Coventry

What was proposed

Reserved matters were sought for the appearance, layout, scale and landscaping of 73 homes, including 18 affordable homes and associated works.

“SUMMARY The application that has been submitted is for reserved matters for appearance, layout, scale and landscaping to be considered for the residential site, which is for the erection of 73 dwellings.”

Officer report

The site and access

The mainly pastoral site is bounded by major roads, homes, commercial areas and a wildlife site, with access through Old Farm Lane and Wilsons Lane.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The proposed residential site is triangular in plan and is approximately 3.34 hectares. The application site is bounded by the A444 Jimmy Hill Way to the west and the B4113 Pickards Way to the north.”

“The site is mainly pastoral, and grass land currently accessed from Wilson’s Lane. There are a cluster of farm buildings to the northeast, which are proposed to be demolished as part of the outline scheme. The northern part of the site is constrained by overhead National Grid powerlines and pylons and a Severn Trent Water easement. There are two existing public rights of way across the site, defined as B23 and B25.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

An outline permission was allowed on appeal, while related residential and employment applications had also been granted or remained under consideration.

“(CMP); imposed on the CCC permission APP/U4610/23/3319687 (OUT/2020/1505) granted on 15/09/2023 for the erection of 55,750 sqm of employment/commercial floor space, diversion of a Public Right of Way and associated works- Granted 03/07/2025 Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council Planning Applications: • Ref:037237 - Outline application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of up to 73 dwellings and up to 55,750 sqm of employment/commercial floor space…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, finding the proposal acceptable in principle without unacceptable effects on highway safety or neighbours’ amenity.

“RECOMMENDATION Planning Committee are recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.”

“REASON FOR DECISION • The proposal is acceptable in principle. • The proposal will not adversely impact upon highway safety. • The proposal will not adversely impact upon the amenity of neighbours. • The proposal accords with Policies: AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, GE3 and GE4 of the Coventry Local Plan 2017, together with the aims of the NPPF.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

The layout, separation distances, parking, access arrangements, paths, trees and other matters were considered acceptable within Coventry’s administrative area.

“Policy AC3 of the Local Plan acknowledges that the provision of car parking can influence occurrences of inappropriate on-street parking which can block access routes for emergency, refuse and delivery vehicles, block footways preventing access for pedestrians, reduce visibility at junctions and impact negatively on the street scene.”

“CONCLUSION Where the matters relate to land within Coventry’s administrative boundary, the reserved matters are considered acceptable. The reason for Coventry City Council granting planning permission is because the development is in accordance with the principles of the outline planning permission and in accordance with Policies AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 GE3 and GE4 of the Coventry Local Plan 2017, together with the aims of the NPPF.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Several consultees raised no objections, while highways and the tree officer supported the scheme subject to conditions and informatives.

“CONSULTATION No objections received from: - • Lead Local Flood Authority • Urban Design • Ecology • Environmental Protection No objections subject to conditions & informatives received from: - • Tree Officer • Highways • Warwickshire County Council…”

“No comments were received from:- • Public rights of way • Sustainable Energy Neighbour consultation Notification letters were initially sent out to neighbouring houses and two site notices were displayed on the 28 th October 2024 and a press notice was posted. The following sets out the consultations carried out as part of this planning application and sets out what is considered to be material and non-material.”

Officer report

Objections and petition

Residents objected to overdevelopment, rear footpaths, parking, play space, privacy, landscaping, housing mix and other details; a petition had 44 signatures.

“The two letters of objection have been received, raising the following material planning considerations: • The play area is not satisfactory • Overdevelopment of the site • Concern regarding tall hedges impacting daylight in habitable rooms • Footpaths should not be located at the rear of properties.”

“Following amendments submitted by the Agent a consultation period was carried out and three objections were received two of which raised material planning considerations: • Impact sunlight • Loss of views • Overdevelopment of the site • Footpaths should not be located at the rear of properties • Do internal floor space meet standards • Too many 1 and 2 bed properties proposed • The visitor parking space near plot 1 could be used as a drop off area for the employment site…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Bigham spoke about the petition, and the applicant spoke in support of the application.

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be granted in respect of Application PL/2024/0002053/RESM subject to conditions.”

Minutes