Flats plan for site by Coventry social club as historic building to be saved

Early 1900s buildings in Coventry could soon get the go-ahead to be converted as part of plans for flats next to a social club. It comes after locals and urban designers raised "concerns" about potentially losing an Edwardian farmhouse at 401 London Road.

Developers got permission to knock down the home and other old buildings in 2021. They put forward a drawing showing how the site could be turned into a four-storey block of 24 flats and car park - though noted other designs were possible and work would continue.

At the time the council admitted that as the historic house has no official listing, its demolition "cannot be resisted." But detailed plans now show the site's "Seven Stars" farmhouse and old granary will not be bulldozed, but instead turned into three apartments by developers.

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Planning documents note the concerns raised about losing the buildings and said the design keeping them was developed "on reflection." A statement adds that the scheme seeks to keep "buildings of character which are long established in the street scene[.]"

Developers also want to build two two-storey blocks of flats on the land providing 11 one-bedroom homes. These will be aimed at "young professionals" as the site is near Jaguar's Whitley plant and the airport, according to the document.

Final plans known as "reserved matters" for the site in Binley by the Folly Lane Members Club will go to the council's planning committee for a decision on Thursday, 7 November, at the request of councillors. Officers recommend that it is given the green light.

But there is one objection to the move from Morris Homes and Homes England which are developing the next-door Whitley Pumping station site, a report for the meeting reveals. The groups have raised concerns about land ownership and the homes' designs.

However, council officers say the developers have made "positive" changes to the scheme and claim land ownership is a "private matter" between the parties. Further details can be found in papers for this week's meeting and the council application reference is PL/2023/0002649/RESM.