A developer who began tearing down a historic Edwardian building in a conservation area without permission is now appealing a legal order that halted the work, and residents have just weeks to object.
The unauthorised demolition of 34–36 Earlsdon Street, carried out over the Christmas period, caused public outrage, sparking comparisons to the demolition of The Crooked House, “Britain’s wonkiest pub”. In response, Coventry City Council issued an emergency stop notice followed by an enforcement order, halting further destruction.
But now the developer has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, denying any wrongdoing and even suggesting the Council’s response was excessive. If the appeal succeeds, the developer could legally resume demolition, potentially destroying materials that could be salvaged for a rebuild. It would also undermine the value of the conservation areas status sending a signal that protections won’t be enforced.
At the time Cllr Gary Ridley, Leader of the Opposition at Coventry City Council, collected a petition calling for the Council to investigate the incident and insisting on a complete rebuild. Now he is urging residents to submit a formal objection to the Planning Inspectorate to demonstrate the strength of feeling locally.
Commenting on the appeal he said: “These buildings were torn down in direct breach of strict planning laws designed to protect historic areas. And instead of accepting responsibility, the developer has doubled down on this illegal demolition by trying to wriggle out of it. This wasn’t just a planning breach; it was a violent act of cultural vandalism. And if historic buildings in a conservation area can be demolished without consequence what hope is there for the rest of the city? It’s time for the whole community to come together with one voice and show them we won’t stand for this. Please submit a representation to the Planning Inspectorate, the stop notice must hold.”
The Planning Inspectorate will review representations from interested parties as they come to a decision. Residents have until Tuesday 28 May to tell them why Coventry’s heritage matters. They can submit their comments online here: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ by quoting appeal reference: APP/U4610/C/25/3362729.
