Local Plan offers no vision for improved transport, air quality, green spaces and housing design
The Liberal Democrat Group on Rugby Borough Council do not support the Local Plan because it does not meet several key tests and it does not present a positive vision for the borough.
On Tuesday 4 June 2019, a special Full Council meeting was held to debate the proposed Local Plan for Rugby, which sets the framework for all future development in the borough, proposing 12,400 additional houses.
Liberal Democrat Councillors have consistently raised their concerns about not having enough land for schools, the need for further scrutiny on transport and the sustainability of the project.
Local Lib Dem Councillors and campaigners attended the hearings held by the Planning Inspector, calling for the Rainsbrook Valley and Cawston Spinney to become part of Rainsbrook and Cawston Countryside Parkland and be included in Rugby Borough Council's green infrastructure improvement network in any modified Local Plan.
Liberal Democrat's key tests for the Local Plan:
- Improved transport integration and the improvement of air quality.
- Enhanced open spaces and establishing two country parks for Rugby.
- Best housing design and affordability for the next generation.
Commenting, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group), said:
"We are meant to be deciding on a plan that builds a borough for the next generation, but the chase for extra housing is presenting us with the same old mistakes that previous plans have given us. What we have in front of us is future gridlock, worsening air quality and who knows what the houses will look like, certainly not carbon neutral."
Councillor Neil Sandison (Lead for the Liberal Democrats Group on Planning), added:
"Liberal Democrats in Rugby have consistently called for a transport plan for the borough to dove-tail with the Local Plan. This has been rejected by the Conservative administration who run Rugby Borough Council. The Local Plan does not pass our key tests and does not provide a positive vision for development in terms of green spaces and housing design. This plan is a missed opportunity."
Notes
The Local Plan does not fit Chapter 8 "Promoting healthy and safe Communities" of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Liberal Democrats in Rugby have called for designated country parks and improved green corridors to increase biodiversity.
It does not fit Chapter 9 "Promoting sustainable transport" of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Liberal Democrats in Rugby have called from day one for an integrated transport policy and plan that integrates, buses, cycling, walking moving away from cars. We are still waiting for Warwickshire County Council to produce a plan.
The Planning Inspector acknowledges issues in the letter he sent to the Council:
- Ref Paragraph 91,118
- On Health and homelessness paragraphs 262 & 287
- Biodiversity Green /Blue Infrastructure Paragraphs 300,302
Local Plan Public Examination
https://www.rugby.gov.uk/info/20004/planning_strategy/348/local_plan_examination
National Planning Policy Framework
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
October 2015 - Liberal Democrats attack Tory plans for Rugby urban sprawl
July 2017 - Despite Lib Dem resistance Rugby Local Plan approved including Lodge Farm
July 2017 - Local Plan - Public had no say on impact of traffic modelling
August 2017 - Robust infrastructure is required with new housing - Cllr Douglas
March 2018 - Increase the number of green spaces in Rugby
https://rugbylibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1265494/increase-the-number-of-green-spaces-in-rugby
July 2018 - Call for Rainsbrook and Cawston Countryside Parkland to be included in green improvement network