690 homes allowed on appeal on old Transco Gas Works site in Coventry.
The derelict former gas works site on Abbotts Lane at the edge of Coventry city centre is to be the site for a new sustainable community offering a mix of three-bedroom townhouses and one and two-bedroom apartments with the new Radford Brook Linear Park as the centrepiece to the development.
PJA was appointed by Complex Development Projects Limited to assist with the transport aspects of the proposed redevelopment of the former Transco Gas Works, Coventry. The hybrid application for 690 dwellings and ancillary commercial space sought part detailed permission and part outline permission for different parts of the scheme. The detailed application comprised 212 homes in two sets of flats and a small number of townhouses, all designed to reflect the edge of city centre location and prioritise sustainable travel.
PJA prepared a full Transport Assessment to support the planning application including advice on the vehicle access strategy, internal layout input, car and cycle parking provision, and travel planning and were also involved in post-submission s106 negotiations.
From inception we liaised with the local highway authority to design a scheme that reflected the highly accessible, edge of city centre location. The transport strategy was for the site to be ‘low car’ and prioritise travel by sustainable modes where possible. In response, the proposals prioritised pedestrian movement along green routes creating connections between the surrounding communities.
Balancing the views of technical highway officers and local members on the planning committee was a key challenge on this project, with a significant disparity between the aspirations for the site from both parties, particularly around parking provision and highway impact. After extensive discussion, the application went to committee with a recommendation for approval from officers, but was subsequently refused by members for several reasons, one of which was insufficient parking. PJA were retained to support the Complex Development Projects Limited through an appeal involving the provision of evidence, and attendance at Public Inquiry.
In October 2023, the Inspector dealt with a range of concerns including the effect on parking and traffic, deciding in favour of the scheme with permission granted. He concluded the development could be a “car free” scheme, with a minimal amount of car parking, due to its location and could improve highway safety.
Images courtesy of Howells.
