A DEVELOPER which began tearing down a historic Edwardian building in a Coventry conservation area without permission is now appealing against a legal order which halted the work – and residents have just weeks to object.
Ascot Property Developments has launched an appeal against Coventry City Council’s decision to issue a Stop Notice and Enforcement Notice to prohibit further works being undertaken on the former NatWest building at 34-36 Earlsdon Street, after demolition work was started without planning permission in December.
Coun Gary Ridley, Opposition Leader at the council, is urging residents to submit a formal objection to the Planning Inspectorate to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the community.
He said: “If the appeal succeeds, the developer could legally resume demolition, potentially destroying materials that could be salvaged for a rebuild. It would also undermine the value of the conservation areas status sending a signal that protections won’t be enforced.
“These buildings were torn down in direct breach of strict planning laws designed to protect historic areas. And instead of accepting responsibility, the developer has doubled down on this illegal demolition by trying to wriggle out of it.
“This wasn’t just a planning breach; it was a violent act of cultural vandalism. And if historic buildings in a conservation area can be demolished without consequence, what hope is there for the rest of the city?
“It’s time for the whole community to come together with one voice and show them we won’t stand for this. The stop notice must hold.”
Coun Ridely launched a petition in January calling for the council to fully investigate the circumstances of the demolition, use all available sanctions against those responsible, ensure the building was fully restored, and reassure residents that the protections afforded by the conservation area were fit for purpose. It was signed by 680 people.
The council’s Planning Enforcement Team had previously served a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) in early January after demolition work began without planning permission.
When the TSN expired a month later, the council issued the Stop Notice and Enforcement Notice – the first time it had done so in around 20 years – to ensure no further unauthorised works took place until planning permission had been granted.
Speaking at the time, 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.”
