Call for limit on student homes in Earlsdon and Chapelfields

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A Coventry councillor is calling for restrictions on the number of student homes in one of the most densely populated areas of the city.

Coun Bally Singh says Earlsdon and Chapelfields are being over developed, pointing to data showing the area combined is the second most populous in the city.

Information published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows an average population density of 72 people per hectare in the area which roughly corresponds with Whoberley Ward – compared to 32 for the city as a whole.

Only Hillfields is more densely populated in Coventry.

Coun Singh (Whoberley, Lab) said: “There are now too many student homes in Earlsdon and Chapelfields.

“Although we welcome the benefits that our two universities bring, this should not be at the expense of sustainable communities.

“I am glad that the council recognises this and seeks to encourage purpose-built student accommodation, but maybe more needs to be done. The effect of over-crowding in the area is telling; with the parking squeeze, litter, over-loaded wheelie bins.

“There are also a lack of family homes.”

Coun Singh is calling on Coventry City Council to introduce new restrictions on the number of Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) allowed in a given area. A similar initiative has been introduced in Nottingham.

He points to a recent attempt by a developers to knock down the 100-year-old Pails Bakery in Craven Street, Chapel Fields, and replace it with a block of student flats.

The planning application for the three-storey block was withdrawn but is expected to be resubmitted.

Coun Singh is also calling on the developer behind a building site earmarked for student accommodation to make the area safe.

It follows complaints about a 25ft drop in Latham Road, Earlsdon, where a planning application for 13 student flats was recently refused. The site already has planning permission for a residential house.

“The fencing around the site seems pretty insecure especially given the precarious nature of the drop,” Coun Singh said.

“The developers have a duty to ensure public safety on the site, and it was only after pressure from residents that they were forced to put in the current fencing.”

He added: “The amount of student homes is rapidly increasing and changing the balance of the community in Earlsdon and Chapelfields.

“This kind of over-development is not conducive to the sustainable communities we all want.”

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Student homes area in Earlsdon a burglary hotspot

POLICE have sent a mailshot to homes in a crime hotspot at Earlsdon warning about thieves targeting students.

Rented properties in Earlsdon, Coventry, between Hearsall Lane and Westwood Road are being disproportionately hit by burglars, it warns.

Flyers posted in Broomfield Road, Kensington Road, Bristol Road, Kingston Road and Sovereign Road warn residents to take measures to protect their homes.

Police also believe the layout of the area – with its terraced streets and alleyways – is contributing to the higher than average crime rate.

Coun Bally Singh has vowed to take up the issue with Coventry City Council.

Coun Singh (Whoberley, Lab) said: “It is worrying that the high number of rented properties in the area is contributing to a burglary hotspot.

“Maybe we need a specific policy to make sure such local communities are not negatively affected.

“I will pursue this with council officers on behalf of residents.”

Sgt Malcolm Reynolds is spearheading the clampdown, identifying rented properties as well as making contact with landlords to advise on how to make homes safe.

It comes despite West Midlands Police insisting crime in Coventry is at an “historic low” and burglaries in the Whoberley Ward area are down by 12 per cent on this time last year.

The mailshot says: “This area has been identified as suffering a disproportionate number of burglaries for the relative size of the area.

“We suspect part of the reason is due to the number of rental properties in the community, in particular those containing students, and in part due its physical make up with lots of alleyways.”

Residents are asked to mark property to make it easier to be identified if it is stolen – with only 10 per cent of stolen property recovered by police finding its way back to its owner.

Police are also appealing for residents to volunteer to help set up a neighbourhood watch scheme or residents association.