What's Happening in Coventry, England…

A potential development on the fringe of Coventry has been influenced by the concept of a garden city.

The vision of a garden city was developed by Ebenezer Howard. Back in 1898, the reformer hoped to find a happy compromise between urban and rural life. His thinking impacted on Hampstead Garden Suburb, Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City. Crest Nicholson want its Coventry development to gain similar benefits by delivering allotments, community orchards, greens and play areas.

If the scheme does get the green light, brochure printers from Coventry may be used to showcase the homes. It is predicted that demand for housing in the city-region will increase significantly in the next decade or so. The developers aim to build over 400 properties in the fields near Westwood Heath Road. A new retail outlet could address some of the needs of the residents.

Planners at Warwick District Council will decide what ultimately happens to the site. The fringe of Coventry does cross into the territory of Warwickshire. The fact that green belt land is involved might have implications for the success of the local plan of the district authority.

Possible improvements in the transport infrastructure could have a bearing on what happens in the future. It has been suggested than an extra 500 houses may be constructed in the area if the local road network is upgraded.