The Twentieth Century Society has formally objected to plans to demolish the Grade II-listed Coventry Central Baths, arguing that the proposal would result in the total and unjustified loss of a significant post-war heritage asset. The Society says the application for listed building consent fails to meet national and local planning policy requirements for the demolition of protected buildings.
Designed in 1956 by Coventry City Architects Department under Arthur Ling, the baths were built to replace facilities destroyed during the Second World War and are recognised for their architectural ambition and importance to Coventry’s post-war reconstruction. The Society highlights their close relationship to other designated heritage assets, including Coventry Cathedral, and warns that demolition would erode the coherence of the city’s historic post-war plan.
While the applicant cites potential public benefits such as regeneration, job creation and housing delivery, the Society argues these claims are vague and could apply to almost any city-centre site. It says the only quantified benefit—a reported annual saving of £400,000—does not outweigh the permanent loss of the building. The objection also raises concerns about the absence of detailed structural reports, the lack of a defined future use for the site, and insufficient exploration of reuse or partial retention alongside enabling development.
The Society concludes that the proposal conflicts with both national planning policy and Coventry’s Local Plan and urges the council to refuse consent or refer the decision to the Secretary of State.
The Coventry Society response to the application to demolish the baths is shown here. You can still respond personally to the application here.
