Introduction and Background

Spencer Avenue

Earlsdon Avenue

The concept of Areas of Local Distinctiveness was introduced in the Coventry Development Plan 2001 as a means of creating local design guidance for areas outside the existing Conservation Areas in partnership with local communities.  A pilot study was successfully concluded in August 2003 with the granting of Area of Local Distinctiveness status to Spon End and Nauls Mill.  The Coventry Development Plan 2001 suggested that Earlsdon be considered for Area of Local Distinctiveness status following the successful conclusion of the pilot study in Spon End and Nauls Mill.

The motivation to apply for Area of Local Distinctiveness for Earlsdon came from the local community who were and are concerned that the local environment could be adversely affected by developments which lack that quality and character to fit comfortably with local Victorian and Edwardian architecture.  A very well attended public meeting in July 2003 provided the impetus for the formation of a small committee of volunteers.  This committee soon realised that the future of the local environment would best be protected by Area of Local Distinctiveness status.  An initial meeting was held with the representatives of the planning department in April 2004.

Mayfield Road

The method of the study has been to carry out a survey of the area’s local character which would form the framework for local design and development proposals.  Collaboration between the local planning authorities and the local community has been essential, as there are socio-economic factors and Government legislation and policy which may underlie design and development issues.

Earlsdon has mixed socio-economic population and housing.  The housing in some streets is mostly owner occupied; in others the housing is tenanted or has been converted into apartments; some of the larger properties have been converted into houses in multiple occupation.  Some streets are largely occupied by students who form a transitory population which can threaten the viability of local services such as schools.  A local environment with a sense of history and identity expressed in its buildings could influence some of these students to remain in Earlsdon providing an intellectual resource for Coventry.

Spencer Avenue

Earlsdon has a long established tradition of small businesses or workshops within residential streets and a well established shopping street.  The Victorian and Edwardian housing in much of Earlsdon does not have on site parking contributing to considerable traffic and car parking problems.  Traffic, both within and traveling through the area, creates problems of congestion, danger, pollution and parking.  The viability of Earlsdon Street as a district shopping centre is threatened by the traffic problems, ‘out-of-town’ supermarkets and changes in shopping habits.  The presence of shops marked by their corporate shop signs has an adverse effect on the unique and distinctive character of a shopping street with individual family owned businesses.  The thirteen licensed premises attract considerable numbers of people into Earlsdon Street to create a vibrant night life.

The conservation and enhancement of the area as recommended in this study will have a positive effect on the population mix and the prosperity of the area.  Earlsdon has a considerable amount of good quality Victorian and Edwardian housing; information from estate agents suggests that period houses in good condition with original details sell at a premium.  These houses attract younger, high income couples and families on whom the future of Earlsdon and Coventry may depend.  The increased purchasing power of the younger, high income couples would support and sustain local services such as schools, shops and leisure activities, and provide an intellectual and academic resource for the city.

Mayfield Road

A significant threat to the locally distinct architecture and street scene is the standardisation of design.  Standardisation is found in the corporate shop signs and corporate design of architectural detail of windows and doors.  Some large national organisations demonstrate their corporate image in the design of their buildings.  Planning Guidance would attempt to combat these problems by tailoring development and design to the specific local setting. 

Following full public consultation the final approved document will constitute Supplementary Planning Guidance.  There are limits, however, as to what can be achieved through Planning Guidance.  The protection of the detailed design aspects of older properties and shop fronts cannot be guaranteed through current legislation, unless, in the case of older properties, they are statutorily listed.  Many of the listed  features that make up local distinctiveness – such as door and window details, trees, paths and garden-walls are not normally subject to any planning control.  Conservation Area Status gives limited additional control.  This means that other tactics will have to be used to protect small-scale details on which the character of the area often depends.  It is essential, however, that where it can be justified, full use is made of existing planning powers if local distinctiveness is to be protected.