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Residents say they are "getting choked" by huge student accommodation projects being developed in their neighbourhood. A 544-room complex is in the process of being built at the
former Progress House office building on Westwood Way. The plans submitted were initially rejected by the council, but work has now began after a successful appeal was lodged by the
applicant. The building is now being demolished and a contractor has been selected to carry out the building work. But residents claim correct procedures surrounding the development were not
followed, with dust and debris from the demolition causing pollution for residents. Ian Stevenson, who is chair of the Westwood Heath Residents Association, said: "We are getting
choked by the development, quite literally because of the dust from the demolition. READ MORE: COVENTRY PUB CLOSED FOR YEARS SET TO REOPEN THIS WEEK "It's calmed a bit now that we
have complained, but before everything was coated, I've walked through the woods nearby everyday for 14 years but I was having to wear a mask it was that bad. They might be sticking to
the regulations and policies now, but let me tell, they certainly weren't when it started." To add to residents concerns, The Oaks, a recently completed student accommodation has
been opened on the same road, and it is understood plans are already in motion for further developments nearby. "They say in the planning there is demand for it but how can this be when
there is so much empty student accommodation in the city centre," Ian questioned. "We are getting surrounded - it is too much, too quick. We feel let down by the council."
Coventry City Council has been approached for a comment. Marcus Lapsa, councillor for the ward, told CoventryLive: "From the start, residents and I constantly maintained this
development was to bear residential properties, the demolition process has caused stress and health concerns and I have contacted planning enforcement numerous times.”
