Residential and employment scheme gets approval following appeal
Wilsons Lane plans for up to 73 new homes and employment space on the outskirts of Coventry have been given the final go-ahead following an appeal.
L&Q Estates submitted a cross-boundary planning application to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Coventry City Council in June 2020 to create up to 73 homes and up to 55,750 sqm of commercial premises on land off Wilsons Lane/the A444 in Longford.
The majority of the site, which falls within the Nuneaton and Bedworth boundary, received planning permission from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council last March.
A smaller section of the wider scheme, which falls within Coventry City Council’s jurisdiction, was recommended for approval but was rejected by planning committee members last October.
Warwick-based L&Q Estates appealed the decision and a planning inspector has now given the go ahead for the scheme after they concluded that the proposed development would not unacceptably harm the living conditions and amenity of nearby residents.
The inspector also upheld an application for a full award of costs against the council, citing its “unreasonable behaviour in not following the advice of its professional officers to approve the development”.
The scheme will comprise a mix of both market and affordable properties and up to 55,750 sqm of employment space, together with the creation of a play area, footpaths, cycle routes and landscaping.
Adrian Clack, managing director at L&Q Estates, said they had listened to the concerns of residents during the application process.
“We are pleased to have received outline planning permission for this site off Wilsons Lane which will provide much-needed new housing and employment in the area,” he said.
“During the consultation, we reduced the eaves heights of the buildings in the two employment areas and relocated the access.
“The site is perfectly situated for businesses involved in the logistics sector due to its proximity to the M6, which will help in turn to provide valuable employment opportunities and economic growth.”
