Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has welcomed news that a 690 home scheme will be built on old industrial land in Coventry – saying it will help protect cherished open spaces from being developed.
The plans, for the old Transco gas works at Abbotts Lane in Coundon, were originally turned down by Coventry’s Planning Committee last year, but the decision was overturned by a government inspector after council officers recommended they go-ahead, while the Coventry Society also voiced their support.
Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said the proposals were a ‘great example’ of building new homes on former industrial land, that would help protect the greenbelt.
He said: “Since I became Mayor, I have promoted a clear ‘Brownfield First’ policy, which has been successful in attracting millions of pounds in money to reclaim old derelict sites – removing eyesores and helping to protect the greenbelt from developers.
“That’s why I’m delighted Coventry’s Abbotts Lane appeal has been successful, meaning we can finally get redeveloping this brownfield site for housing.
“This development is a great example of that Brownfield First strategy - to put it simply, every home we build on sites like is one fewer home that could be built on our cherished green spaces.
“We need more homes across the West Midlands, but planners should follow ‘Brownfield First’ to protect greenbelt land like Coundon Wedge.”
The WMCA is providing funding to prepare the site for development, as well as creating a ‘linear park’ nearby.