Flats and new houses plan passed for Nuneaton canalside pub

[dutchman]

A once popular canalside pub in Nuneaton is to be transformed into apartments.



Planning permission has been granted for the Boot Inn at Coton to be converted into six flats.

The owner of the building, Mr S Chaudry, can also build two pairs of semi-detached houses at the back of the pub.

However, he will have to enter into a legal agreement that the houses will not be built until the main building has been completed.

Planning officer Chris Kingham said there would be ten allocated parking spaces and two spaces for visitors behind the Boot.

But people living in nearby Amos Avenue had sent in letters of objection expressing concerns that the development will increase parking problems in the area.

Many people visiting the George Eliot Hospital leave their vehicles near the Boot to avoid paying parking charges.

The residents’ fears were shared by several councillors on the planning applications committee.

Cllr Kris Wilson said he was glad to see that the existing pub building was being retained, but he added: “The car parking is a concern.”

Cllr Keith Kondakor described it as a ‘well rounded’ development that ‘ticked boxes’ and was in walking distance of the George Eliot Hospital.

But Cllr Barry Longden said the semidetached homes would be crammed on to the site, a pattern that is followed by a lot of developers.

“The issue for me would be over intensification,” he said.

“People need space, they should not be living in rabbit hutches.”

Cllr Ian Lloyd raised the issue about the old pub building being developed first.

Committee chairman Cllr Bill Hancox supported him and Katherine Moreton, head of planning at the Town Hall, said that it could be included in a written legal agreement.

Cllr Bill Sheppard said was he was pleased the site was being used, but was worried about overdevelopment and parking.

“I would love to say that we can save the Boot, but with a pub and two clubs nearby haven’t got a cat in hells chance,” he said.

The committee voted 7-4 in favour of the development with one abstention.