New flats in Coventry, replacing The New Haven pub, approved despite size concerns. Officials cite housing needs.
New flats in Coventry, replacing The New Haven pub, approved despite size concerns. Officials cite housing needs.
Coventry Council Approves Small New Flats Despite Size Concerns
The new building will have 28 apartments. Each apartment will only have one bedroom. Some people have concerns about the plan.
Kevin Maton thinks the apartments are too small. He called them “rabbit hutches,” and wishes there was a community space where residents could meet and do activities. Maton believes the one-bedroom design is wrong and that families won’t want to live there, predicting a lot of people will move out.
City officials think the design is okay. They had asked for different types of housing. The developer wants to target first-time buyers and people who are downsizing.
Rob Back leads the planning department. He said one-bedroom homes are important and that all cities need them because they serve a purpose in the housing market.
Another official noted the pub closed years ago, so it isn’t really a community space anymore. Developers don’t always need to add community facilities. The planning department might review its policy to see how developers can improve local communities.
The agent for the apartments said rooms exceed standards. They are targeting buyers and long-term renters. Every apartment has its own balcony, which she thinks gives people more housing options.
A resident said the building is too big and worried about privacy. Officials adjusted the plan by removing some apartments and ensuring windows won’t face the concerned area.
Councillors voted on the development. Seven approved, two opposed, and one abstained, so the project will move forward.
The new building will have 28 apartments. Each apartment will only have one bedroom. Some people have concerns about the plan.
Kevin Maton thinks the apartments are too small. He called them “rabbit hutches,” and wishes there was a community space where residents could meet and do activities. Maton believes the one-bedroom design is wrong and that families won’t want to live there, predicting a lot of people will move out.
City officials think the design is okay. They had asked for different types of housing. The developer wants to target first-time buyers and people who are downsizing.
Rob Back leads the planning department. He said one-bedroom homes are important and that all cities need them because they serve a purpose in the housing market.
Another official noted the pub closed years ago, so it isn’t really a community space anymore. Developers don’t always need to add community facilities. The planning department might review its policy to see how developers can improve local communities.
The agent for the apartments said rooms exceed standards. They are targeting buyers and long-term renters. Every apartment has its own balcony, which she thinks gives people more housing options.
A resident said the building is too big and worried about privacy. Officials adjusted the plan by removing some apartments and ensuring windows won’t face the concerned area.
Councillors voted on the development. Seven approved, two opposed, and one abstained, so the project will move forward.