Anger as trees are bulldozed to make way for new homes despite expired planning permnission...

[dutchman]

The developers originally planned to build the houses 15 years ago



New homes could be built on a patch of land behind a Morrison's store in Coventry. Work has now begun for the housing development on the land off Parkgate Road in Holbrooks.

Plans to build the new homes were approved by council chiefs back in 2007. However, the project was delayed and restarted by a new developer 15 years later, according to a local councillor who says new permission is now needed.

The original planning application submitted in 2007 revealed there would be nine three bedroom semi-detached homes and four three double bedroom homes. Photos show barren land which has been excavated to allow construction to take place.

Disappointed locals said the land, which was previously dotted with trees, vegetation and wildlife, had been bulldozed to make way for new builds. One furious local wrote on Facebook: "The trees were fine till the bulldozer got them."

Another resident wrote: "Unfortunately 40 to 50 years of growth of trees have gone." Meanwhile, one resident said: "I've lived here 50 years in the same house, it was meant to be a factory then it became some fields.

"All the birds have not been around, not seen any squirrels and the foxes are gone. I wouldn’t be paying thousands for a house that will be sitting on a natural stream."

Councillor Stephen Gray said in a letter to residents today: "Many of you have been wondering why the land between Algate Road, Parkgate Road, Morrisons, and St Finbarr’s Social Club has been cleared and have heard the rumours about it being for a new housing development.

"We can confirm that the land is in the process of being sold to a developer, who had been clearing it in order to build 12 houses on it as an extension of Algate Road. He was told by the previous owner that planning permission had been granted when, in fact, the old planning permission from 2007 has expired.

"We have met with him and explained that he needs to apply for new planning permission for the 12 houses and he has agreed to do this. This means that you will be able to object to, or support, the construction of these houses.

"Whilst we would prefer not to lose valuable green space in the middle of Holbrooks we have had reports of anti-social behaviour on the site - including flytipping and illegal drug use. If the site is developed we hope that it will end this behaviour."