Campaigners continue to fight for Oakfield Rec in Rugby

The Heart of England Co-operative Society, which owns Oakfield Recreation Ground in Bilton Road, submitted a planning application to build 61 houses on the rec.

But now the owner, who leased the green space to Rugby Borough Council for 30 years, has changed its plans and intends to now build 50 houses.

Save Oakfield protest group has accused the Co-op Society of failing to identify appropriate and alternative open space in the area.

Save Oakfield spokesman Michael O’Meara said: “The report suggests sports pitches on the as yet undeveloped Hilmorton Towers site could provide alternative facilities. They also state that access to Parks and Gardens, and access to Amenity Green Space should all be considered as one, as the public consider there to be little difference between the two types. This is an interesting point of view but when combining these two types they inexplicably halve the provision of these types of space for everyone.

“This means their justification hinges on RBC accepting a standard whereby every resident in Rugby will be faced with the prospect of access to 50 per cent of the green area they have at present. These are dangerous and threatening developments for all Rugby residents, not just those who use Oakfield Recreation Ground.”

The Advertiser is waiting for a response from the Co-op Society’s press office.

Residents can email their views on the plans to Richard Redford, of Rugby Borough Council’s Planning Department, via [email protected].

The deadline for submission is February 2.

The final application is expected to go before Rugby Borough Council’s Planning Committee in March.

The Heart of England Co-operative Society declined to comment.