THE CONTROVERSIAL blueprint for the next 12 years of development in Rugby has finally been approved by a planning inspector.
Independent government planning inspector Mike Hayden has given Rugby Borough Council approval to adopt its Local Plan, bringing an end to its public examination.
Mr Hayden confirmed to the council he is satisfied that the plan, as modified following public consultation last summer, is robust and meets all of the statutory requirements.
The plan allocates land for 12,400 homes, 110 hectares of employment land, and over 8,000 square metres of retail space up to 2031.
A year ago, Mr Hayden made modifications to the plan, including the rejection of the proposed 1,500-home Lodge Farm village near Grandborough and developments at Brinklow and Coton House.
Proposed developments at Long Lawford and Binley Woods have been expanded to compensate for the loss of housing at the three sites.
Rugby Borough Council’s growth and investment spokesman Coun Sebastian Lowe said: “I am grateful to Mr Mike Hayden, the independent inspector, for the diligent and professional way that he has examined the Borough Plan. Residents and other interested parties have had many opportunities to have their say and the inspector has taken account of their contributions.
“We now have a plan for the growth of the borough that meets all of the legal requirements.
“I will be recommending that my colleagues on the Council adopt the plan so that we have the best possible opportunity to shape future development.”
The borough council will meet to consider the Borough Local Plan on June 4.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/localplan to see the inspector’s report and further background documents on the Local Plan.
