Final stage of town growth plan launched

The final stage of a public consultation that will shape the growth of a town in Warwickshire has been launched.

The local plan for Rugby will guide where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and green spaces should be located across the town up to 2042.

The plan has been shaped by public feedback over two years, with the authority particularly focusing on the regeneration of brownfield land and removing sites found to be undeliverable or unsustainable.

Rugby Borough Council launched the consultation on Saturday, and it will run until Friday 13 March, after which it will be submitted to a planning inspector for examination.

The draft plan includes elements such as new walking and cycling links and climate-friendly building standards.

It focuses on directing most development towards the town and other locations close to services and public transport.

"This is a vital moment for Rugby's future," said Michael Moran, the authority's leader.

"The local plan gives us stronger control over where development goes, helps us protect our countryside and villages, and ensures growth comes with the infrastructure communities need."

Jerry Roodhouse, chair of the council's town centre working group, said the local plan was about more than meeting housing targets.

"It's about shaping places where people want to live, work, shop and spend time," he said.

"This draft plan sets out a clear framework for supporting sustainable growth, protecting what makes Rugby special while creating conditions for communities and local businesses to thrive."

Details of how to take part are on the council's website, the authority added.

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