Green light for regeneration scheme in Coventry
Planners approve more than 60 new homes on site of Wyken tower blocks
Planners have given the green light to a scheme to regenerate part of Wyken following the demolition of two tower blocks.
The scheme will see 63 homes built on land off Attoxhall Road occupied by the now demolished Vincent Wyles House and William Malcolm House which is soon to be bulldozed.
All of the Citizen properties will be for social rent and will consist 39 houses and 24 apartments. There had been 144 flats in the demolished tower block while William Malcolm has 112 flats.
A design statement drawn up by architects Baily Garner explains: “Both buildings were part of a broader effort during the mid-20th century to address housing shortages and provide modern living spaces.
"Over time, however, they faced issues of deterioration and were eventually included in this regeneration project to replace them with 63 modern homes.”
Their report adds that a number of good quality perimeter trees will be retained where possible and incorporated into the proposals. It goes on: “The new development will replace outdated high-rise flats with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, offering better living conditions and more sustainable housing options.
“The regeneration project involves consultation with the local community to ensure the new development meets residents’ needs and preferences. The enclosed site can foster its own identity and community, benefiting from tree-lined boundaries and existing greenery for privacy and visual appeal.
"By incorporating new amenities and green spaces, the project will enhance the overall quality of life and create family housing as well as usable public open space.”
That public consultation highlighted concerns over untidiness and dumping issues. The report explains that Citizen hope evergreen hedgerows will enclose boundaries to enhance security.
Also, the layout has been designed to maximise visibility, ensuring that public and communal areas are overlooked by windows and active spaces to help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.
Planners at Coventry City Council approved the scheme, adding: “The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will not result in any significant impact upon visual amenity, neighbour amenity, highway safety, ecology or infrastructure, subject to relevant conditions and contributions.
“The scheme is considered to provide an overall enhancement through green space improvements on site. There is no scope to locate a local area for play on site and a contribution will be provided to locate this offsite.”
“The housing strategy team welcomes and supports this proposal. They
note that there is a shortage of social rented homes in the city, with the Homefinder register now standing at around 10,500 applicants.
“Social rented housing, particularly larger family-sized homes, is their highest current priority. They particularly welcome the inclusion of 12 four-bed houses.”