A PETITION to reconsider plans to develop up to 350 homes at Browns Lane was presented to city councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting by Coun Tarlochan Singh Jandu after gaining almost 900 signatures.
The controversial plans, set to be considered by the planning committee, would see development at the site, which is close to the popular Coundon Wedge beauty spot.
Plans also include a two-hectare care home, infrastructure, open space and landscape enhancements.
The petition will be considered by the council’s planning committee alongside the planning application.
Coventry Conservatives say local concerns include the potential impact the development could have on the area and loss of open green space, as well as worries it could pave the way for development on Coundon Wedge in the future.
Other concerns include the development resulting in increased traffic, pollution and poor air quality in the area.
The site was declassified as greenbelt land in the 1970s to support the expansion of the Jaguar factory.
However, Coventry Conservatives claim by 2009, after the plant had closed, the land was ‘returned to the greenbelt by a Conservative administration’ before again being earmarked for development when Labour gained control of the council.
Opposition Leader Coun Gary Ridley said: “I’m not surprised so many people have signed this petition, everyone I’ve spoken to is outraged.
“Sadly, residents have found out the hard way that they just can’t trust this failing Labour administration.
“The blame rests firmly with them and many people are now worried about the future of the wider area.”
Coun David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said the council had listened to residents’ views during a consultation period, including reducing the original allocation of 475 homes.
“What has happened more recently is nationally the Conservatives’ plans for the number of houses have more than doubled, which has given cities like Coventry a 35 per cent uplift.”
He added the council would fight the government to keep Coundon Wedge as green belt.
“I understand and respect there are different views on this, but Coundon Wedge was allocated as greenbelt and this site was allocated for development.”
