Rugby Borough Council to launch consultation on preferred options for a new Local Plan

The decision to go out to consultation, taken at a meeting held at the Town Hall on 19 March, reflects the council’s commitment to taking an evidence-led approach to planning and development. While the council has already completed a Regulation 18 consultation and is not legally required to consult again at this stage, councillors decided it is the right thing to do to gather further evidence and explore alternative site options.

The Preferred Options Consultation Document includes options on where new housing and employment sites could be located, as well as policies to control houses in multiple occupation. It proposes strengthening environmental protection by requiring 20 per cent tree canopy cover, more support for renewable energy and proposals for net zero buildings – along with the creation of three country parks and policies to support town centre regeneration.

To support education and skills it proposes two new training centres and an allocated site for a new secondary school in the north of Rugby. To help address existing problems it proposes allocations for Gypsy and Traveller sites, and proposes new standards to make sure homes are of adequate size, have sufficient garden space and are adaptable to residents’ future needs.

Cllr Michael Moran, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “This consultation is a crucial step in ensuring we have the best possible evidence base to inform decisions about future development in our borough. We know that residents care deeply about this issue, and we are committed to listening to their views and exploring all viable options.”

The decision to consult was also taken to provide time to investigate potential new site options, particularly in the town centre. The council is working to identify additional brownfield and regeneration opportunities that could reduce the need for greenfield or greenbelt development.

Cllr Moran added: “This is an important chance for residents to influence the Local Plan and ensure that the borough’s future growth is managed in a sustainable and responsible way. We are urging residents to engage with the consultation when it opens next week. This is a real opportunity for the community to help shape the future of Rugby, and the feedback we receive will be vital in ensuring we make the right decisions for our borough.”

Further details on how to participate in the consultation, which opens on 24 March and will continue for eight weeks, will be shared on the council’s website at www.rugby.gov.uk/localplan and on its social media channels in the coming days. This will include a series of drop-in consultation events in villages and in Rugby town centre.