This week, Coventry City Council held several meetings, with significant decisions made in the areas of housing, community planning, and city services.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

On Monday, 17 June 2024, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities convened to discuss key issues, including the commencement of public consultations on the Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Development Plan Document (DPD) modifications and the University of Warwick Campus Framework Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Development Plan Document (DPD) Modifications Consultation

The Cabinet Member reviewed a report seeking authority to undertake a six-week consultation on the modifications to the Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Development Plan Document (DPD). This document aims to ensure HMOs integrate well with existing neighbourhoods, addressing concerns about potential disruptions. Previous consultations were held in 2022 and 2023, and the document was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in September 2023, with hearings in January 2024. The Council now seeks to consult on the agreed modifications.

The consultation will focus on the Main Modifications, as outlined in Appendix Two of the report, and will include the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) addendum. The consultation will also cover the Equalities/Health Impact assessment. The Cabinet Member expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the modifications were minor and that additional licensing was already impacting the city positively.

The Cabinet Member resolved to:

1. Note the content of the Main Modifications and associated documents and authorise a six-week public consultation.
2. Delegate authority to the Strategic Lead for Planning to make non-substantive amendments prior to consultation.
3. Note that feedback from the consultation will be sent to the Inspector for consideration before the final report is issued.

University of Warwick Campus Framework Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet Member also considered a report seeking approval to commence a public consultation on the University of Warwick Campus Framework Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This SPD aims to guide the growth and design principles for the University of Warwick's main campus, supplementing Policy JE1 of the Coventry City Council Local Plan 2017-2031, which supports sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The SPD will cover the entire main campus, which spans the administrative boundaries of Coventry and Warwick District. Both local authorities will conduct a joint public consultation. The document, drafted with input from planning consultants and council officers, outlines the University's future development plans.

The Cabinet Member resolved to:

1. Approve the draft University Campus Framework Masterplan SPD in principle and authorise a six-week public consultation.
2. Delegate authority to the Strategic Lead for Planning to make non-substantive amendments prior to consultation.
3. Note that a final version of the SPD will be submitted to Cabinet for formal approval and adoption following the consultation.

Cabinet Member for City Services

Also on Monday, 17 June 2024, the Cabinet Member for City Services held a meeting where significant decisions were made regarding the Earlsdon Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme and the handling of petitions related to city services.

Earlsdon Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme

The Cabinet Member reviewed a report concerning objections to the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and notices of intent related to the Earlsdon Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme. The scheme, which had undergone two rounds of public consultation, aims to balance traffic needs with local community requirements. The proposals included the installation of cycle tracks, controlled crossings, and raised tables.

A total of 55 objections from 31 individuals were received. Key objections included concerns about increased traffic on Moor Street and Clarendon Street, the necessity of additional pedestrian crossings, and the potential adverse effects on air quality and house prices. Objectors also raised issues about visibility for homeowners reversing into driveways and the removal of parking bays outside the Post Office on Earlsdon Street.

The Cabinet Member resolved to:

1. Consider all objections to the proposed waiting restrictions, traffic orders, and raised tables.
2. Approve the non-implementation of the proposed shortening of waiting restrictions on Clarendon Street.
3. Approve the non-implementation of the proposed No Entry TRO on Warwick Street.
4. Approve the non-implementation of proposed changes to waiting restrictions on Warwick Street.
5. Approve the non-implementation of proposed changes to waiting restrictions on Moor Street.
6. Approve the non-implementation of the proposed daytime taxi ranks on Earlsdon Street, with a revised proposal to be advertised in the future.
7. Implement the advertised proposals, subject to the above recommendations.

Petitions Determined by Letter and Deferred Pending Further Investigations

The Cabinet Member also considered a report on petitions received related to city services. The report outlined how officers proposed to respond to these petitions, following amendments to the Petitions Scheme approved in June 2015. These amendments aimed to streamline the process, reduce costs, and improve public service by allowing petitions to be addressed by letter without formal presentation at a Cabinet Member meeting.

The Cabinet Member endorsed the actions taken by officers as detailed in the report and its appendix.

Planning Committee

On Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Planning Committee met to discuss various planning applications. The detailed minutes of this meeting have not yet been summarised, but the committee's discussions and decisions will be crucial for future developments in Coventry.

Cancelled and Unavailable Meetings

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 18 June 2024, was cancelled. Additionally, we were unable to find a video broadcast of the Licensing and Regulatory Sub-Committee (Hearing) held on the same day.

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to engage with the public on important issues such as housing, community planning, and city services. The public consultations on the HMOs DPD modifications and the University of Warwick Campus Framework Masterplan SPD are opportunities for residents to have their say in shaping the future of Coventry. Similarly, the decisions made regarding the Earlsdon Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme reflect the council's commitment to balancing traffic needs with community well-being.