Councillors will next week decide on the next steps to help build a major new gigafactory at Coventry Airport. 

Outline planning permission for the facility was granted in 2022 and now Coventry City Council and Coventry Airport Ltd is trying to move forward with the project. 

A 'reserved matters' application – which deals in more detail with the development – has been submitted to Warwick District Council and will be considered by its planning committee next week. 

If approved, this application would allow for buildings on site to be demolished, earthworks to begin, a new spine road to be built and a substation to be installed. 

The proposal is one of four reserved matters applications which will eventually be considered before 'Greenpower Park' is built. 

A report from planning officers due to be discussed by councillors has recommended the application be approved. 

Local objectors say Coventry Airport should not be lost (image via planning application)

It said: "Outline planning permission has been approved for a battery manufacturing facility on the site and this application seeks consent for the reserved matters in connection with a series of enabling works that are to form the first phase of the development.  

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"The proposed works contained within this application are consistent with the parameters for the development that were established at outline stage." 

As with the original application, this latest submission was met with significant local opposition. 

Meanwhile ward councillor Josh Payne said: "I am minded, on balance, to support this application at the forthcoming planning committee.  

"I believe the medium- and long-term advantages of the development outweigh the disadvantages.  

"After listening carefully to my constituents, I believe the best approach to this application is a pragmatic one, aimed not at opposing but on obtaining the best possible mitigation.  

"While I accept many residents in Baginton and Bubbenhall are (justifiably) concerned, the opposition in the area is not overwhelming.  

"Indeed, many people I represent have told me they recognise the benefits for the local economy." 

Four more applications need to be decided before construction work can begin (image via planning application)

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The factory will eventually be built over 125 hectares and create over 6,000 new jobs. 

The £23 million business case for Greenpower Park was approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority in January. 

Councillors will vote on the planning application at WDC's planning committee meeting on Tuesday 9 December.

See the full council report here.