Decision made on new homes for former green belt land in CoventryNew homes have been granted approval on former green belt land in Coventry after last-minute haggling with the developer.
Bloor Homes proposed to demolish Chestnut and Hawkesmill Nurseries in Browns Lane, Allesley, and build a new 81-home development.
The item was presented to a planning committee on Thursday.
Concerns included a loss of privacy due to the distance between new houses and existing homes - although the meeting was told this was in line with policies.
Road safety and a £100,000 section 106 scheme for a roundabout at the entrance to the development off Browns Lane was also an issue.
Cllr Glenn Williams said: "That is a small amount of money and in addition nobody has seen the roundabout plans.
"Government guidelines say a roundabout should not be used at the junction of a new development and as a speed reduction method in isolation.
"There have been a number of fatalities on the site and the safety of residents must be a priority."
But a highways officer said while they too were initially concerned, those have now been addressed by the mini roundabout scheme.
Cllrs John McNicholas and Gary Crookes further indicated they would reject the plan as it did not provide spaces for children to play.
Cllr McNicholas said: "Where are they going to play? Climb the trees or go into the pond? We have got an excellent scheme but it does not go far enough."
But this was resolved after a break, with planning officer Mary-Ann Jones stating an agreement had been reached with Bloor Homes to provide an "informal play area".
The scheme, which develops on land formerly part of Coventry's green belt until 2016, was given unanimous approval.
But Cllr Williams said after the meeting: "I found it bizarre and concerning that developers could have a private meeting with planning officers during a short break, whilst still discussing the item.
"The residents think this looks awful and I have questioned it with the head of legal."