Calls for quick solution after building demolished

Pleas have been made for a building in a conservation area to be rebuilt quickly after it was partially demolished without permission.

In January, council officials enforced a temporary stop notice on work on 34-36 Earlsdon Street after the top floor of the building was controversially knocked down.

Businesses and shoppers who use the street have made a plea for work to take place quickly, so the street isn't left with the "eyesore" building works.

The council said an investigation into the work is ongoing and that workers were on site on Monday to make the building safe.

Locals were outraged when the demolition started over the festive period.

Julia, who works at Perkins Florist across the road from the former bank building, said the site was making people stay away from the shopping street.

"It makes the area look a little more run down, a bit more messy looking," she said.

"It would be better if it was not left derelict for a long time and was made into something nice that people would come to.

"I'm hoping that something nice will replace it quickly, rather than taking years."

Anne Harwood, who was shopping on the street, said: "It's shocking. I think it's an eyesore.

"I hope that it will be rebuilt quickly and I hope that whoever did that demolition without permission will be brought to justice."

A Coventry City Council spokesperson has confirmed that the stop notice is still in place, with work being carried out by its workers this week.

The authority had previously said: "We can confirm the works at 34-36 Earlsdon High Street did not have planning permission.

"As a result, our Planning Enforcement Team served a Temporary Stop Notice on 1 January 2025 and we will investigate in line with our normal procedures."

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