The City Council received a good response to the recent public consultation on the Coventry Development Plan with the views of developers and land-owners and those concerned about the environment of the City forming the majority.

Developers and land-owners objected that various sites had not been designated for housing and commercial interests wanted various sites in the Green Belt to be developed. Others said that not enough land had been identified for housing or for employment use.

On the other side of the coin, concerns were expressed about lack of protection against development for some sites of significant nature conservation and the release of Green Belt land for employment use.

Cllr Sheila Collins, Chair of the Planning Policy Team, said today:

"It was inevitable that there would be the two camps of opinion. We now need to study the objections and hopefully reach agreement on some points with the objectors. Where this is not possible, issues will go forward to a Public Local Inquiry, likely to be held in the Autumn. This will be chaired by an independent Government-appointed Inspector who will advise the City Council on a way forward."

Comments in support were received for measures to improve public transport, proposals to improve the quality and vitality of the City Centre, the Phoenix Initiative and the regeneration sites at Foleshill Gasworks and Keresley. There was also significant opposition to the regeneration sites.

All comments can be seen at the City Development Directorate Reception in the Tower Block, Much Park Street.