Coventry Station Masterplan

Prepared, submitted and managed the determination of the various applications for planning permission, listed building consent and other related consents

The challenge

Coventry is a rapidly growing city and investment in transport infrastructure is essential to support new homes, businesses and connectivity. The Coventry Station Masterplan formed the largest element of the wider Coventry City Centre First programme, designed to improve links to UK Central and HS2 while creating a modern gateway to the city.

The scheme delivered a comprehensive upgrade to the station and its surroundings. This included a new station entrance, a second footbridge connecting all four platforms, extended canopies, a 633-space multi-storey car park above the new building, a traffic-free pedestrian boulevard, new taxi and drop-off arrangements, a transport interchange linked via a tunnel beneath Warwick Road, major highway improvements and a new bay platform to increase services between Coventry and Nuneaton. Bringing all of this forward in a live rail and city-centre environment created a complex mix of planning, heritage, highways, land and rail requirements that needed to progress in a coordinated way.

What we did

SLC Property provided strategic oversight across planning and consents to ensure the project advanced as one coherent programme.

We advised on the planning strategy, including the appropriate use of permitted development rights, and supported planning and listed building applications where required. Our role also included coordination with key stakeholders such as the local planning authority, transport partners and rail industry stakeholders to maintain alignment and momentum.

We supported the preparation and management of a wide range of consents, including planning, listed building and related approvals, and provided advice on land consents and the approach to compulsory purchase support where necessary. Throughout, our focus was on sequencing approvals correctly, identifying risks early and ensuring the station transformation could proceed with clarity and confidence.

Why it worked

The project benefited from a clear, joined-up consents strategy that linked rail, highway and land issues with the planning process rather than treating them in isolation. Early engagement with stakeholders helped anticipate concerns and resolve them before they became programme risks.

Having a single strategic view across planning, land and consents created consistency in decision making, supported robust governance and kept the various elements of the masterplan moving at the right pace.

Impact

A clear planning and consents pathway for a complex, multi-element station upgrade
Confidence for partners, funders and stakeholders in how approvals would be achieved
Support for delivery of a modern, connected and future-ready gateway for Coventry