Plans to redevelop a Travellers site near Coventry Airport have been tweaked after a major sewage pipe was found.

A bid to vary the conditions of the project at Siskin Drive got the green light from council planners this week (27 February).

"Essential" changes to the site's layout are being made because of the mains sewer pipe which had not previously been identified, a council officer's report said.

This includes moving two thirds of the plots, number one to eight, by three metres so there is space for an easement – that is, a right to cross or otherwise use someone else's land for a particular purpose.

The changes also include scrapping one of the two trailer spaces on plot one, moving underground drainage away from the pipe and putting in permeable paving rather than tarmac.

The Siskin Park site is currently fenced off (image via Tom Davis)

A shared play area on the site will be bigger and the area's internal access route will go close to the entrance under the plans.

The move comes two years after plans were sent in to redevelop the land near Baginton with 12 new permanent pitches.

The area is a Gypsy and Traveller site established by the council - but has not been used since 2019.

The council and Rooftop Housing Group are working together on the scheme which was approved in August 2022.

It involves knocking down old buildings, and creating the pitches which will have parking, an accommodation block and a garden with a shed. 

The site - which is currently fenced off, fly-tipped and surrounded by concrete bollards - will also have a new access road and parking.

The site will eventually be redeveloped into 12 dedicated pitches (image via Tom Davis)