The Public Inquiry into the proposals for a business park development next to the Jaguar Whitley site started today Tuesday 29 February 2000 and is programmed to last 12 days.

The City Council are joint applicants with Jaguar in putting forward the development proposals, as the site is owned by both parties.

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for his determination, objections to the application will be examined by an appointed Inspector.

Held in Court Room 1, (access gained through the entrance to St Mary’s Hall) the Inquiry will investigate the need for the development, the suitability of the site, green belt and ecological issues, as well as the loss of school playing fields and the transport implications.

"The City Council is committed to creating 5,000 new jobs by 2003 as part of the Coventry Community Plan, which prioritises and targets the needs of the city for the next five years. Beyond that it is vital that we provide sufficient employment land to met the needs of Coventry and the Whitley site is critical in doing that. The Business Park will create up to 2,500 high quality jobs which would have a significant effect on people’s quality of life and on the local economy. We feel this development is right for local people and for our city."

Councillor Sheila Collins added:

"A considerable effort has been made to ensure that the scheme is as environmentally friendly as possible and we are confident that when all the arguments have been aired in public that the Council’s decision to support and promote this proposal will be endorsed by the Government."

Mike Beasley, Executive Director of Jaguar Cars Limited commented:

"Massive investment has taken place at the Whitley site to maintain Jaguar’s vital position in the local, regional and national economy, along with a programme of continuous environmental improvements.

"Officers from Jaguar have been positive and open in their response to the concerns about the impact of the proposed development on the local environment and representatives will be appearing at the inquiry in support of the development which would help to strengthen Coventry’s economic and technical infrastructure."

Jaguar’s recent environmental initiatives at the Whitley site include: air quality improvements, energy-saving and waste initiatives, water and land contamination – prevention initiatives, along with a programme of tree planting and the preservation of a site pond.