Old bakery could be demolished for student housing

Buy photos » Coun Bally Singh (right) with local residents who are not happy with the plans for the old bakery. 47.012.038.cov.jm1

AN OLD bakery has been earmarked for demolition to make way for student housing.

Pails and Son, In Craven Street, Chapelfields, had been on the site for 100 years, but closed four years ago and now it could be replaced by 13-bedroomed accomodation.

Two ward councillors have launched a petition against the plan claiming the area is already over populated, while a handful of nearby residents have also rejected the proposals.

In their plans, designers SPG said the new three-storey building would have four bedrooms on the ground floor, five on the first floor and four further bedrooms on the second floor.

However, no parking was planned with only temporary spaces proposed. SPG said public transport and cycling would be encouraged and cycle parking provision had been incorporated in the plans.

Chapelfields is the second most populated area in the city behind Hillfields.

Coun Bally Singh said: "The Pails Bakery building is a much loved part of Chapelfields history and the council should protect it for future generations.

"It's so sad to see the plans to demolish and replace it with 13 hostel bedrooms, in an area that is already one of the most overcrowded in Coventry.

Fellow ward councillor Dan Howells (Lab) added: "The area where Pales bakery is found regularly receives planning applications for multiple occupancy dwellings.

"This is largely due to the character and uniqueness of the area, but that very character and uniqueness can only be retained by keeping distinct buildings like this one and are crucial to the area keeping its conservation status."

Chapelfields Area Residents' and Traders' Association have written to the council objecting to the proposals.

They said: "Demolishment of the building will remove part of the area’s heritage and if planning committee agrees to it we do wonder why the council bothers to continue with the conservation area status as it obviously provides no protection.

"It also represents the loss of a trading business space."

The petition is available to sign in St Mary Magdalane Church in Sir Thomas White Road and the Chestnut Tree and Craven Arms Pubs in Craven Street.

A decision will be made by the council's planning committee in the new year.

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