Coventry Gateway battle could wage on

And meanwhile, Warwick District Council - whose councillors voted in favour of allowing the Coventry and Warwickshire Development Partnership’s scheme to go ahead - is launching an investigation into the conduct of its leader in relation to the development.

Richard Hancox, chairman of Stoneleigh and Ashow parish council and member of opposition group Against the Gateway, said the group was seeking a public inquiry into the decision to grant consent. He said: “All the original members of the planning committee in December should have been kept in place. It’s akin to changing the members of a jury half way through a trial.”

Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, is also calling for an inquiry. He said: “I remain deeply sceptical that the claims made are realistic as to the number of new jobs this development would create or as to the level of inward investment it would attract.”

Last week council leader Cllr Michael Doody was held under fire over allegations relating to a leaked email which suggested that he has demanded that one of the committee members should not be substituted for another.

The council’s chief executive Chris Elliot has said an enquiry into the allegation is being launched.

Cllr Doody was not available for comment.