Residents have spoken of fears that developers will get a ‘free run’ after plans for a huge development by the A444 near Coventry were given the green light. The plans for the land off Wilsons Lane have been given the go-ahead on appeal after the council previously rejected the idea.

But the move has sparked a public outcry with people fearing that it means Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry will ‘eventually join up’ into one big city.

The land off Wilsons Lane was previously greenbelt. Hundreds of people signed petitions against the scheme and a planning inspector said that while he had ‘given regard’ to their concerns, there was ‘no compelling evidence’ to turn the proposal down.

Read more: Aldi announces the areas it wants to create new stores in Coventry

Here’s what people had to say:

Kokonuts: “It was obvious that this was always going to be approved. As soon as anything gets appealed it will go to central government and be passed.”

L&Q Estates are seeking opinion on a mixed use development
View from Old Farm Lane, overlooking where the mixed use development could be

Ollyfolly: “Eventually Coventry, Bedworth and Nuneaton will be joined up. You only have to drive down the Foleshill Road through Longford under the iron bridge and you’re into Bedworth past Bayton Road houses all the way into Bedworth. Through the town out the other side round the A444 roundabout and before you know it Nuneaton.”

Covkid1932: “The onus is now on the government having given developers a free run. They’ve financially removed the council’s powers to oppose. The costs should not go against the council.”

Foglightfreddy: “Yet another example of the developer’s legal team out-muscling both local residents and the council.”

Cheese eating surrender monkey: “Shameful! The local infrastructure can’t cope as it is, this is going to be fun!”

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