Dilapidated Rugby building to be given new lease of life - but neighbours have some concerns

But neighbours of the building in Temple Street, Rugby, are worried that they will not be able to access their garages in tall vans because the extension will be at first floor level and sit over the top of an access road.

At this week’s (November 11) planning committee of Rugby Borough Council, councillors voted to approve the redevelopment which would then provide office and storage space to a national company. Two full-time and two part-time members of staff are expected to be based there.

A report into the application outlined some of the concerns raised by neighbours which were mostly to do with the extension which would be attached to the side of the existing building, thought to be a workshop or retail unit dating back to around 1900.

One objector said: “Restriction on height in lane will mean that the fire service will not be able to get a fire engine down the lane or the residents that have vehicle accesses to their properties will not be able to get a vehicle over 2m height which they are entitled to and have been doing for a 100 years.”

But the meeting was told that there had been no objection from local fire chiefs.

Planning officer Chris Bates explained: “WCC Fire and Rescue Service were consulted and they raised no objection, deeming that the existing access to the premises and structures to the rear of the new development would remain available for fire service personnel to attend these premises and structures on foot.”

The plans will also see a first floor balcony and decking area incorporated as part of the work.

Cllr David Cranham (Con, Hillmorton) said: “This is a strange little building in a poor state of repair and it will only get worse. This will give it an opportunity to improve the local area.

“It did concern me that in the future someone might think about turning it into a residential property but we must concern ourselves with what is before us today.

“Based on the fact that it is bringing a derelict building back into operation and that it is providing jobs, I shall recommend approval.”