CONTROVERSIAL plans to build up to 345 homes on land at Browns Lane will go before Coventry City Council’s planning committee next Thursday, September 14 after last week’s meeting was cancelled.
A council spokesperson told the Observer the meeting containing the item regarding Browns Lane, originally scheduled for August 31, was adjourned as it was not quorate – which means having at least five members in attendance who can vote.
The spokesperson added this was due to the number of legitimate apologies from committee members and a small number of conflicts of interest.
“Members of a planning committee need to avoid any appearance of bias or of having predetermined their views before deciding on a planning application.
“After seeking independent legal advice, it was agreed that two members of the committee would be open to challenge on this.”
Officers have recommended the application be delegated to the council’s planning lead and be approved subject to conditions and the completion of a section 106 agreement.
Section 106 agreements determine what infrastructure and facilities should be paid for by the developer.
The controversy from the development comes from the proposed land being considered locally to be part of the popular Coundon Wedge beauty spot.
A petition against the proposed development, which also includes a two-hectare care home, infrastructure, open space and landscape enhancements, gained 900 signatures and was submitted to the authority in December.
The council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, Coun Jim O’Boyle, said the land that would be used has been identified for development for Jaguar since the 1970s, adding the authority intends to uphold its pledge to protect Coundon Wedge.
