CONCERNED Rugby residents are opposing a plan to build homes on a greenfield site near the town centre.
Benn Ward residents say St Modwen Homes’ application to build 134 houses on the former GEC Willans works’ sports field off Newbold Road would cause increased traffic and pollution, and lead to a loss of wildlife habitat and protected trees.
The the developers claim the site is a ‘suitable and sustainable location for residential development, capable of accommodating sustainable growth’.
But a group of residents have come together to oppose the plan on the grounds that the site is one of the few remaining greenfield sites surrounding the town centre area, which has been a protected area for wildlife for a quarter of a century.
A spokesperson said: “This proposal will increase congestion along Newbold Road. An increased number of vehicles will attempt to exit the new estate by turning through the main Newbold Road traffic from a newly proposed one-way-system.
“This development will lead to huge loss of local parking and greater pressures on already very pressured local amenities.
“There will be significant loss of habitat for protected species living safely in the field for the last 25 years-including bats, badgers, and hedgehogs. Additionally, several trees under preservation orders are earmarked to be felled.
“The proposals will impact on residents throughout the town, and not just those living on the estate.”
Visit https://132houses.simdif.com for more information on the campaign against the development.
