Consultation due to start on Rugby's Local Plan

A public consultation on plans for Rugby's future growth's expected to start next week.

The Local Plan is the document that sets out where in the borough should be allocated for housing and employment.

The consultation will close on Friday 5 October, which is more than the statutory six week period to allow additional time during the holiday period.

It will seek the views of residents, businesses, developers, parish councils and any other interested parties on changes that were proposed during the public examination of the plan, which took place earlier this year.

Changes include suggested amendments put forward by the independent inspector responsible for the public examination, Mr Mike Hayden, as well as the many others that were discussed during the examination sessions.

Cllr Sebastian Lowe, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Growth and Investment, said: “Residents and other interested parties have had many opportunities to contribute to the Local Plan, including through the examination hearings held earlier this year. Depending on the inspector’s findings, this formal consultation period may be the last opportunity to influence the Plan so it really is important that residents contribute their thoughts on the changes that have been proposed.

“The need for modifications at this stage of the process is quite normal and is a reflection of the inspector’s recommendations, and also the changes proposed or accepted during the examination process. The number of main modifications is comparable to that of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, for example, which recently approved consultation on changes to its plan.

“I will be recommending that my colleagues on the council’s Cabinet accept the modifications and progress our corporate objective of adopting an up-to-date plan as soon as possible.”

The formal consultation will be on the proposed “main modifications” to the plan and updated sustainability appraisal. Responses will be forwarded direct to the inspector for his consideration in preparing his final report.

Should the inspector find that the Local Plan can meet all of the legal tests, the plan will be considered by a meeting of the whole Council.

More information on the Local Plan can be found at www.rugby.gov.uk/localplan.