RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on Rugby’s policies for environmentally-friendly developments, accommodating gypsy and traveller communities, and securing funds from developers to fund infrastructure.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has today (Friday October 7) launched public consultations on planning documents which support the borough’s Local Plan.
The council is inviting comments on the Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), the Gypsy and Travellers Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) Issues and Options, and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule.
The SPD provides a framework for sustainable design and construction to support the borough’s target to become carbon neutral by 2050.
It offers guidance to developers on environmental issues including energy efficiency, building design, mitigating flood risk, delivering green infrastructure and boosting biodiversity.
The ‘issues and options’ consultation marks the first stage of developing the council’s Gypsy and Travellers Site Allocations DPD.
Rugby borough’s Local Plan included a policy to provide pitches for the gypsy and traveller communities – a requirement under the National Planning Policy Framework.
The DPD consultation seeks feedback from residents, relevant organisations and statutory consultees on current and future demand for temporary ‘transit’ pitches and permanent accommodation in the borough.
It incorporates a ‘call for sites’, where developers, landowners and the public can nominate sites for potential development.
The consultation on the council’s CIL Draft Charging Schedule incorporates a Developer Contributions SPD.
Similar to section 106 agreements, the CIL allows the council to secure contributions from developers to fund infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and green spaces.
While section 106 agreements only apply to developments of 11 or more dwellings, the CIL can be applied to all residential developments.
The draft charging schedule sets out the proposed rates to be charged under the CIL, while the Developer Contributions SPD outlines when the council intends to use section 106 agreements and when it intends to use the CIL.
RBC’s growth and investment spokesman Coun Ian Picker said: “Public consultation plays an important role in the development of our planning policies and documents, and the three consultations we have launched today support the council’s ongoing work to deliver sustainable development in the borough.
“It’s important residents and all interested parties take the opportunity to provide feedback during these consultations so we can develop the right planning documents for Rugby and our rural communities.”
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/consultations for more information or to take part in the consultation, which close at 5pm on Friday November 18.
