Ashlawn Fields homes battle resumes as developer appeals

After the joy that greeted rejection of the Ashlawn Road homes plan in January, campaigners knew this day would arrive.
Some of the protesters pictured in the autumn. NNL-160428-161850001Some of the protesters pictured in the autumn. NNL-160428-161850001
Some of the protesters pictured in the autumn. NNL-160428-161850001

The developers behind the scheme, David Wilson Homes (East Midlands) and Gallagher Estates Ltd have given notice that they are appealing against that decision by Rugby Borough Council to refuse them planning permission to build up to 860 houses on Ashlawn Fields.

The borough council’s planning committee rejected the plan at the end of January, due to concerns over increased traffic and issues around the Dun Cow junction in Dunchurch, as well as concerns over air pollution.

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At the time, Stop Ashlawn Road Development protesters were delighted with the news.

Group chairman, Cllr Bill Lewis, said: “As Chair of SARD, I thank all those residents who signed our petitions and wrote letters of objection to the planners at Rugby Borough Council or to the local newspapers.

“Thanks too to those who supported SARD’s demonstrations, or in the case of the Pegasus crossing event, tolerated it.”

The developers ,eamwhile voiced their disappointment and indicated an appeal was an option.

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Today, Thursday, Mr Lewis told supporters: “It was odds-on that it would happen.

“We will pass on to you all additional information as it becomes available to us. SARD will be meeting to decide on its options for future actions.”

The borough council said the appeal will be heard at a formal public inquiry which is likely to be convened in early December in the Council Chamber at Rugby Town Hall.

There is a deadline of June 3 for extra comments or the revision of comments already made with regard to the application.

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The council will inform all those who wrote or e-mailed in with comments about the application, which number over 400.

The application can be found on the borough council website inthe planning section. It is: R13/2102 Land North of Ashlawn Road.