Development includes a motoring themed play area

Huge Coventry housing scheme will have new children’s play area with nod to motor industry

Development could include a motoring themed play area next to former Daimler factory

Children living in new homes planned in the shadow of Coventry ’s former Daimler factory will be able to play on equipment built on a motoring theme if planners give the scheme the nod. The development on a brownfield site in Sandy Lane already has outline planning permission for up to 250 homes and officers at Coventry City Council will consider the reserved matters – which covers design, layout and landscaping – early in the new year.

A planning statement drawn up by agents Marrons on behalf of developers Dandara Central explains that the area incorporating the play area, known as the Powerhouse Plaza, will be the focal point for the scheme. It says:

“This public plaza will provide significant space for both formal and informal public gathering and meeting.

“The plaza will be multi-functional and multi-purpose, providing informal spaces for gathering, with trees and planting beds sited alongside informal seating. The plaza will also significantly improve the frontage and context for the appreciation of the Daimler Powerhouse building.”

The Daimler building was one of the first car plants in the country. Much of the site was destroyed in the Blitz and was taken over by Coventry Climax to test out forklift trucks. The firm designed the UK’s first forklift truck in 1946. The remaining Powerhouse building is now used as a cultural creation centre, occupied by Imagineers Productions, bringing together the world of arts and engineering.

It is hoped that the proposed landscaping of the new housing development will also ensure that the views between Sandy Lane and the Coventry Canal are opened up and promoted, enhancing the Canal Conservation Area. The planning statement adds: “The proposed LEAP (local equipped area for play) will build upon the site’s motoring and vehicle heritage.

“The built features of the play area will be motoring themed, promoting the sites legacy. A roadway play floor will be set out further encouraging play and movement, whilst linking back to the site’s heritage.”

Links between the site and the canal will be created with the landscape masterplan showing a direct connection for pedestrians and cyclists between both the Powerhouse Plaza and the properties to the canal towpath.

It adds:

“These connections will benefit existing residents in the local area by re-opening a crucial north-south walking and cycling connection north of the city centre. As outlined, all dwellings are provided with private, lockable bicycle storage within private gardens.”

Although Coventry’s local plan calls for each house to have two car park spaces, the development only provides one space but the developers are hopeful that this will be justified by the sustainable location being close to the city centre. There will also be 25 visitor parking spaces alongside two car club parking spaces.

Source: Coventry Live