Designer defends plan to build student housing on bakery site

Buy photos » Property developer Simon Grove of SPG Design Ltd shows the dilapidated and dangerous state of the building. Pictures by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

A DESIGNER behind plans to demolish a bakery and build student accomodation has hit back at critics.

Architects SPG Design have applied to Coventry City Council for permission to knock down the former Pails bakery in Chapelfields.

Boss Simon Grove insisted the Craven Street building needed to be demolished and had become derelict since being closed down.

This week he granted the Observer access to the former bakery, which had been part of the community for over 100 years before closing in 2008.

Mr Grove hopes to build a three-floored, 13-bedroom accomodation for students but councillors have launched a petition against the plan.

Last week we reported their claims the area was already over-populated and the bakery had an important role in the community.

But Mr Grove told us: "It's a terrible building now and very dangerous - you can rake out mortar from the joints.

"Four years and four winters have gone by since it closed down.

"This is really good scheme and a modern design."

He also shot down arguments claiming noise would be an issue for nearby residents and added: "Craven Street is one of the biggest pub runs in Coventry, there's loads of partying.

"Only post-graduates and masters students will be allowed to stay in the accomodation."

SEE MORE: http://www.coventryobserver.co.uk/2012/11/29/news-Old-bakery-could-be-demolished-for-student-housing-56323.html

See below for photos of the current building and artist impressions of the plans

Buy photos» Picture by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.3 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Buy photos» Picture by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.4 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Buy photos» Picture by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.5 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Buy photos» The old cast iron baking oven. An original feature of the building. 48.012.035.cov.6

Buy photos» Picture by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.7 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Buy photos» Simon Grove of SPG Design Ltd outside the old bakery. Picture by Jon Mullis 48.012.035.cov.jm8 (www.buyphotos247.com)

An artist's impression of how the new build will look. (s)