Residents Views Must Be Heard on Cheylesmore Netto Plan
Cheylesmore Ward Councillor Kevin Foster has today (31st May 2010) said resident's views must be heard on the Planning Application submitted by a Supermarket chain to build a new store on the site of the former Cheylesmore Pub.
The Cheylesmore Pub closed in 2006 despite a high profile campaign to save it. The building itself was completely destroyed in a fire that followed shortly afterwards and has lain empty since. Following the closure an application was made to develop the site for housing. This Application was rejected by the City Council, but in 2007 the developer concerned secured permission via an Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate following a Public Inquiry.
This permission was never exercised due to the collapse of the housing market and in mid 2008 plans for a new Netto store were announced. This included advertising being placed on hoardings around the site. A large petition was collected by a local resident against the plan, yet no application was forthcoming and the advertising was removed following enforcement action by the City Council.
After a 2 years delay, Netto have now submitted an application for a 960 square metre Supermarket with associated parking and service area. Whilst the site has been empty since the Pub closed Kevin is reminding residents it is just as important to tell Planning Officers their views now as it was 4 years ago.
Kevin said: "The Cheylesmore Pub had been at the hub of the local community since the estate was built in the 1930's. I supported the campaign against its closure and since then have constantly expressed my view that this unique site should still retain a community/social use in any redevelopment."
He added: "Netto first expressed an interest in this site 2 years ago and at the time many residents and local traders objected. I am cynical as to whether they have left it this long to submit an application in the hope that local residents will accept any plan that is put forward given the time that has elapsed with the site deliberately left in a mess."
He concluded: "I know many residents still feel angry about what happened to the old Pub and they must make their feelings known on this plan. Issues such as traffic and the effect on nearby shops and homes must be considered by the Council. This is a unique site in the Cheylesmore area, it should be treated as such."
Residents can make their views known via the Planning Portal on the Council's website by following this link: http://planning.coventry.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=705000
