OAKFIELD Park has been saved after plans to build 50 houses on the popular recreation ground were rejected.
The decision was made at a Rugby Borough Council (RBC) planning committee meeting this evening (Wednesday March 9).
The application, submitted by the Heart of England Co-operative Society, was turned down after planning officers outlined three key reasons for refusal.
They argued the land should remain a community park – the only one in the area serving the New Bilton Ward – as without it there would be no suitable open space for residents.
Officers also said the plans did not consider the effects on local schools and would not provide affordable housing, which is required by the council’s Core Strategy policy.
They added the housing could not be provided without an “unacceptable and detrimental impact on amenity”, meaning the construction of the new site would likely affect access to the area and cause damage to trees.
During protest group Save Oakfield’s campaign, a petition objecting to the development attracted more than 1,670 signatures, and over 300 letters of objection were submitted to RBC.
Save Oakfield member Peter Crawford said: “When we first saw the proposed plans, we never thought this would still be hanging over our heads 18 months later.
“It’s only been through massive local backing that we’ve been able to sustain the momentum, combined with the support of local councillors which has been colossal.
“Local residents have made it transparent to the Co-op the value that Oakfield has, but they choose to ignore this. They know there are no other facilities or green spaces anywhere within walking distance, and if they lose Oakfield there is nothing similar in the area to replace it.”
