Flats approved on 'unsightly' former builder's yard

[dutchman]

The site has been covered up by advertisement hoardings and fences



Plans for new flats have been granted on an unsightly former builders yard in Coventry.

Nine new studio flats will be built on 116 Humber Road – a vacant site which has been covered up by advertisement hoardings and fences.

The development, on a residential street, will consist of a 2.5 storey building with a basement parking area for 10 spaces and two outside the property.

The plan was initially for 10 flats but this was reduced by the applicant after discussions with Coventry City Council, who granted approval on May 29.

In a report, planning officer Liam D’Onofrio said the development will provide an “enhancement to the street scene” and offers a “good quality design” of living space.

Highways initially objected to the proposals after plans for a basement car park were removed and replaced with eight outside spaces, as a result of reducing the number of units to nine.

But the basement car park was later restored after Mr D’Onofrio also raised concern about the “unsympathetic” appearance of the front parking proposed.

Questions have been raised however over how the basement car park will be achieved.

Mr D’Onofrio added: “The proposed building appears to float over the basement car park without any pillar supports.

“Building Control has been consulted to see if the design is achievable.

“Informal advice is that the scheme could be built with a cantilevered deck, although at a significant cost.

“As this is not a planning matter it is not considered any further in this assessment.”

Minor existing sheds and utilitarian structures on site will be demolished accordingly, but the rest of the site remains largely vacant.

As part of the plan, cycle and bin stores will be installed, along with a communal outside space for residents.