The City Council has reported that a full Stop Notice has now been served to prevent further unauthorised works at Ethe former Natwest Bank in Earlsdon Street. But the future of the premises is still uncertain.
The Council has taken the action to serve a Stop Notice and Enforcement Notice to prohibit further works being undertaken on the site of a former Natwest Bank in Earlsdon.
The Council’s Planning Enforcement Team served a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) following unauthorised demolition of 34-36 Earlsdon Street at the beginning of January.
Since then, the Local Authority has bombarded with concerns by local residents and Ward Councillors.
The previous Temporary Stop Notice required all unauthorised works of construction / development and / or demolition to cease immediately. The legislation only permits a Temporary Stop Notice to have effect for a maximum period of 56 days and the Notice expired at midnight on Tuesday 25 February 2025.
Unfortunately, to date no valid planning application has been received for the rebuilding of 34-36 Earlsdon Street and so the Council considers it necessary to take the further action to ensure that no further unauthorised works happen on site until planning permission has been the granted.
This is the first time in around 20 years that the Council has served a Stop Notice.
Legislation does not permit a further temporary notice to be served which is why the Council has therefore served a Stop Notice and Enforcement Notice to prohibit further works being undertaken on site.
Andrew Walster, Director of City Services at the Council, 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.”