The latest chapter in the saga over the redevelopment of the Spon End estate has been completed. First mooted in 2019, the proposals have now received planning permission from the City Council.
Housing association, Citizen, and The Hill Group are already well-advanced on the demolition of Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House, as part of the first stage of the redevelopment of Spon End estate. This work commenced in May.
Coventry Society has supported the redevelopment of the area since 2019. But we have, firstly, expressed concern over the lack of education and health provision as the number homes is significantly increased.
Secondly, we want to ensure that the local heritage is protected, as part of the neighbourhood is within or adjacent to two conservation areas.
Thirdly, in line with our theme for 2025 of improving the River Sherborne, we wish to see measures implemented to improve open space provision and enhance the river setting.
Coventry City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans for the future of the Spon End estate on 16 October. The regeneration scheme will see 700 new homes built by Citizen Housing, the successor to Whitefriars Housing, which took over the city’s council housing in the early 2000s.
The redevelopment will be spread over three phases with work on the first likely to start in March next year, with the final phase aiming to be completed in 2035. The first phase will see 257 apartments built in four separate blocks. These will be one and two-bedroom units, 100 per cent affordable, with two of the blocks featuring commercial premises on the ground floor.
The second phase will see a further 462 one, two and three-bedroom apartments built, a quarter of which will be affordable, while the final phase will see 27 two, three and four-bedroom houses built.
There was considerable debate at Planning Committee. A number of councillors raised concerns over a shortage of parking spaces. The length of time to complete the scheme – over 10 years – was a worry.
Others highlighted the issues that we have previously raised such as local facilities and improving the River Sherborne.
Nevertheless, the planning application was approved with conditions including negotiating a planning agreement with Citizen. This could amount to over £5 million (in addition to the overall demolition and redevelopment costs of £125 million). This extra money will be used, for example, to provide the necessary additional school places and health facilities as well as open space provision.
Councillor Seyi Agboola, a member of the Planning Committee summed up the benefits stating that the scheme would “breathe new life into the area, support local shops and businesses” and make it “safer and more attractive”.
He also said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise one of our city’s most historic and important neighbourhoods.” Furthermore, “it will generate construction jobs, support the local economy and help meet our housing targets.” Finally, he commented that “We have a fantastic opportunity to transform Spon End by delivering affordable housing, greener public spaces and a stronger community.”