Air quality raised in Rokeby fight

Members of the group SHARE have led the fight against the idea of a free secondary and free special school on the field used by generations for recreation.

The plans are still being driven forward by the Education Funding Agency and are currently with the county council awaiting determination.

Alongside the loss of green space, the impact on traffic on Rokeby’s narrow roads has been a big issue and SHARE has recently highlighted that the lack of an air quality assessment has been raised with the county council.

It flagged up on its Facebook page that the borough council had made the point in its response on the application.

SHARE spokesman Sally Chant said: “The Education Funding Agency (EFA) was informed in June 2016 (via pre-planning guidance/ consultation), that an air quality assessment would be required, yet this has not been submitted.

“Whilst we do not believe Rokeby Playing Field is the appropriate site for the proposed development, it is baffling that the EFA do not seem to be able to follow guidance provided in order to assist the determination of its planning application.

“This is one of at least five pieces of information that were requested by either Rugby Borough Council or Warwickshire County Council last year, which the EFA has subsequently either submitted late, after the consultation deadline has passed, or is still yet to provide.

“It is therefore no surprise the planning application is still waiting to be determined. We are also aware both the county archaeologist and ecologist have requested further survey works and investigations before a decision can be made.”