Living Space Submits Plans for 57 Affordable Homes in Coventry

Living Space Housing has submitted a Full Planning Application to Coventry City Council for 57 new homes on a 1.35Ha (3.3-acre) vacant site located off Meadow Road in the Holbrooks area of Coventry. The proposal is for a mixed-tenure housing solution, to meet local needs.

Located in an established residential area, Living Space is proposing to demolish two existing houses to make way for access to the new high-quality scheme. Terraced, semi-detached housing and walk-up apartments are proposed, catering for single occupancy to families. The rear of the scheme borders Abbey Fields Wetlands, which the new development will connect to and overlook. Keresley Jubilee Wood – created as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations – is also nearby. Living Space’s proposals focus on creating connectivity to these existing green community spaces.

The Meadow Road site is within easy reach of the Ofsted Outstanding-Rated President Kennedy School, a convenience store, food outlets and local bus stops, with a total of six bus services passing the site entrance. Coventry Train Station is four miles away, with a bus stop offering a direct regular service located on Nunts Lane, which adjoins the proposed development.

Chris Loizou, Land and Partnerships Director for Living Space Housing said: “This scheme is important to enhance the provision of varying types of affordable housing in north-west Coventry. There is a chronic shortage of the type of terrace and semi-detached homes that we are proposing, especially purposed design accommodation, in line with the requirements of Homes England. Our plans also feature the latest standards of eco-efficient insulation to minimise household energy consumption.

“With a handful of bus services running past the proposed site entrance, outstanding schooling, and a collection of local conveniences very close by, this is a highly sustainable location to develop new affordable housing. It is also a long-standing redundant site that has become overgrown. We plan to improve the environment and provide much-needed new homes to help alleviate local housing pressures. We look forward to working alongside Planning Officers, Councillors, and additional consultees while the planning application is being considered.”

The development design is tenure-blind, with local materials proposed to replicate nearby traditional dwellings. A contrast of varying red bricks with render features and grey roof tiles defines the design principles. The house designs are all two storeys high, as is the plan for the low-rise block of apartments. All houses will have a private secure garden, and a total of 112 parking spaces have been provided for across the scheme, to cater for residents and visitor parking.

Living Space has a total of 674 residential plots under control, representing a combined value in excess of £113million. The Solihull-based business is on track to deliver at least 20 developments over the next two years. The vast majority of the homes Living Space builds are delivered to Registered Providers (RPs) for affordable rent and shared ownership. Five per cent of the plots currently being delivered are being sold on the open market. Living Space sources the land, achieves Full Detailed Planning consent and builds the homes for the RP, enabling them to focus on the funding and management of high-quality homes for their residents.