A THOUSAND people have signed a petition opposing plans to build 600 homes and a burial ground on fields in Coventry.
Woodlands Ward Councillors who launched the petition say the proposed ‘Hawkshurst’ development next to Bannerbrook Park would directly impact Coventry residents.
They say Coventry would ‘shoulder the burden on local services’ while council tax revenues would go to Solihull Council, as the site lies under its jurisdiction.
They have expressed concern that mourners from across Solihull Borough attending the new cemetery could lead to increased traffic, and that the scheme could exacerbate existing flooding problems.
The land earmarked by developer Barratt Redrow has been newly-classified as ‘grey belt’ land.
But the Woodlands councillors say new rules – which require at least 50 per cent affordable housing on grey belt developments – are being used to justify ‘what is effectively a greenbelt development’.
Coun Julia Lepoidevin, who launched the petition, said: “The site was previously deemed unsuitable for development by Solihull Council in its Local Plan. However, they subsequently withdrew the plan because they were not able to demonstrate a five-year rolling supply of land.
“The absence of a plan, and the new classification of grey belt, means that a developer is more likely to succeed on appeal even if Solihull Council refuses permission.
“Under this proposal, Solihull Council would benefit from additional council tax revenue. But residents in Coventry would experience a significant increase in traffic from the multi-faith cemetery and new housing with an additional strain on local public services.
“It’s just not right that we should bear the strain with no benefits for our residents at all.”
Fellow Woodlands Ward Councillor, and Coventry City Council Conservative Group Deputy Leader, Coun Peter Male added: “Anyone can see the site is farmland in a countryside setting, but the changes have allowed developers to argue this land is so-called grey belt land.
“They’ve already approved development on huge swathes of greenbelt in the northwest of Coventry. Yet another development on these fields would further erode the greenbelt known as the ‘Meriden Gap’ between Coventry and Birmingham. This must not be allowed to happen.”
Woodlands Ward Councillor and Conservative Group Leader Coun Gary Ridley said: “This development has already put paid to the flood alleviation scheme suggested by the Environment Agency, and more homes will just contribute to the problem.
“Add a cemetery into the mix and the prospect of contaminants entering the water system is a chilling thought. It’s just plain wrong, and I call on Coventry City Council to vigorously oppose it.”
Solihull Council has been contacted for comment.
A formal planning application is expected later this summer.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/p3zcvu6k to sign the petition.
