Plans for up to 210 houses and a new primary school in Rugby have been approved

Outline plans for up to 210 houses and a new primary school on land to the west of Cawston Lane have been approved by councillors after they were told that the development would bring major economic and biodiversity benefits.

Planning officer Maxine Simmons told this Wednesday's meeting of Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee that any issues created by the plans could be dealt with through conditions or section 106 agreements.

The site, which is made up of three agricultural fields, forms part of the South West Rugby Sustainable Urban Extension of the local plan which will eventually see around 5,000 new houses built.

In her report to councillors, Ms Simmons explained that extensive new native tree and hedgerow planting was proposed within the public open space and that a children’s play area would be incorporated close to the planned primary school.

She added: “It is considered that there would be economic benefits during construction with an estimated 300 jobs and 60 permanent jobs generated within the school. The economic spend once residents are in situ is estimated to be £4.4m each year on retail and leisure.

“There would be social benefits including 63 affordable homes and the development would provide five hectares of open space offering significant biodiversity and landscape benefits.

“There are no significant issues against the proposal that cannot be mitigated through conditions or s106 agreements.”

A number of objections were raised from neighbours and from Dunchurch Parish Council whose key concerns related to transport matters and increased levels of pollution. It also fears that the widening of Cawston Lane as part of the development will increase traffic and that cars would use Adkinson Avenue as a rat run.

Cllr Peter Eccleson (Con, Dunsmore) also had worries about cars speeding along Cawston Lane - which he said locals referred to as Wing Mirror Alley - and called for traffic calming measures. He did offer his support to the plans though which were approved unanimously.

Cllr David Cranham (Con, Hillmorton) said: “I could easily get enthusiastic about this development - 210 houses, 63 of which are affordable, a school, a superb environmental and biodiversity plan - and I have no hesitation in recommending approval.”