A PETITION has been launched against a proposal to build more homes on what protesters say is a ‘flooding hotspot’.
Coventry councillors representing Woodlands ward say they are concerned over an ‘expression of interest’ in building 200 new homes on greenbelt land off Broad Lane which has repeatedly suffered from heavy flooding.
The land straddles the Coventry/Solihull border and the expression of interest has been lodged with Solihull council by D&P Holt Ltd for ‘land to the north east of Back Lane’.
Solihull council had invited expressions of interest from landowners and other interested parties ahead of finalising its latest plans for where homes should be built in the next two decades.
The councillors say the plans are in addition to proposals for 2000 new homes, warehousing and a retail centre ‘the size of Canon Park’ on Greenbelt land in Eastern Green, contained in Coventry City Council’s Local Plan.
The three Conservative councillors have set up the petition on change.org to oppose development at Eastern Green, and urge people to support it.
Woodlands ward councillor Julia Lepoidevin said; ‘The situation at the culvert has been known for a number of years and is getting much worse.
“This can be evidenced by the devastation to a number of bungalows in Goldthorn Close and Broad Lane Caravans earlier this year.
“Despite promises made in many meetings and ward forums this situation is still not resolved. I am calling for action now as a priority – It is a disgrace that with all the building that has been allowed to take place in the area that this has not been resolved.”
Coun Peter Male said: “Many residents were shocked when we told them about the plans. The council has already earmarked Eastern Green for a huge development and residents just feel that enough is enough.
“If the development went ahead, it could make the flooding situation worse on Broad Lane and begins a process of merger between Coventry and Solihull.
“It would bring us closer to Birmingham and put pressure on road networks and local services.”
Fellow Woodlands ward Coun Gary Ridley said; ‘We’ve already seen plans rushed through by the council to build on Greenbelt land at Eastern Green. These proposals will bring further distress to residents living nearby who’ll be worried about traffic, the loss of green space and the fear that the flooding situation could deteriorate.”
The councillors say they are urgently seeking more information on the proposals from Solihull Borough Council.
Plans to develop greenbelt land at Eastern Green are about to undergo inspection by an independent inspector after receiving approval from Coventry council earlier this year.
