COUNCIL powers which have not been used in Coventry for around 20 years have been flexed to prevent further unauthorised demolition work taking place on a historic building in Earlsdon.
Coventry City Council has issued a Stop Notice and Enforcement Notice to prohibit further works being undertaken on the site of the former NatWest building at 34-36 Earlsdon Street.
The council’s Planning Enforcement Team had previously served a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) in early January after demolition work began without planning permission.
With the TSN due to expire at midnight tonight (Tuesday February 25), the council issued the new notice to ensure no further unauthorised works happen on site until planning permission has been granted.
Andrew Walster, the council’s Director of City Services, said: “We have been listening to the concerns of residents and working with ward councillors to find a solution, but so far, we have not received any future plans from the property owners.
“This is frustrating for everyone concerned and we are determined to find a way forward. That’s why we have taken the step of servicing a Stop Notice.
“The Earlsdon area was designated a conservation area, and the demolition work carried out so far has had a serious impact on the character of the neighbourhood.”
Last month, the council’s opposition leader Coun Gary Ridley launched a petition to rebuild the building – describing the issue as a ‘wake-up call for the city’.
He raised concerns about the effectiveness of the conservation area safeguards, fearing ‘far wider implications for heritage protection across Coventry’.
He said: “If something like this can happen in a conservation area, what does that say about the protection of historic sites across our city?
“The city, celebrated for its historical landmarks and architectural significance, risks losing its unique identity unless conservation measures are strengthened and rigorously enforced.
“We must stand together because only firm and decisive action can protect Coventry’s heritage and prevent similar incidents in the future.”
His petition calls for the council to fully investigate the circumstances of the demolition, use all available sanctions against those responsible, ensure the building is fully restored, and reassure residents that the protections afforded by the conservation area are fit for purpose.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4zn3pyuk to sign the petition.
