Planning Application Process
Homestead View is a strategic allocation in the Local Plan, which established the requirements of the site for residential-led mixed use development.
The principle of development at Homestead View has been tested and accepted through the preparation of Rugby Borough Council’s Local Plan 2031.
The consortium of landowners involved in the Homestead View plans will continue to develop their individual planning applications in consultation with the local community and stakeholders.
Planning Applications Update
HOMES ENGLAND
Homes England submitted a planning application in August 2022 to Rugby Borough Council seeking planning approval to deliver the proposed Homestead Link Road (HLR) and associated landscaped green space corridor. This is a critical infrastructure proposal that could bring forward the wider allocated South West Rugby Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE). This includes approximately 5000 new homes, 35ha of employment land and supporting open green space, community and education uses.
The HLR is a single carriageway road which is 7.3m in width and approximately 2 km in length, including junctions connecting it to the existing public highway and other junctions associated with the SUE. It will include supporting infrastructure to include lighting and sustainable surface water drainage and attenuation features, which follow the principles of natural drainage systems and provides amenity and biodiversity benefits.
In addition, a landscaped green space corridor integrated into the existing landscape features will ensure there is a segregated buffer between the village of Dunchurch and Rugby, an important local planning policy requirement of the Council. Homes England feel this strategy provides more certainty to the local community and to the Council that the highway infrastructure and landscaped buffer can be delivered and implemented early.
The HLR and landscape buffer will deliver the following benefits
- Reducing existing transport issues particularly at Dunchurch Crossroads and will provide future transport mitigation for the SUE
- Introducing an accessible 2m verge, 2m footway and 3m cycleway access along the length of the HLR promoting physical activity and health and wellbeing
- The enhancement of biodiversity through the inclusion of new habitats including new species rich hedgerows and the provision of seven wildlife ponds located within the landscape buffer
- A combination of safe controlled crossing points, safety barriers, and carefully considered planting to provide a varied experience for pedestrian, cycle and road users within a `feel safe’ environment
- A safe crossing for people and animals (whether under the road or at key “hop over” locations) including a “Pegasus Crossing” at the location where Cycle Route 41/Bridleway crosses the HLR. A “Pegasus Crossing” is a pedestrian crossing especially designed for pedestrians and horses.
- A design which is based on a number of ecological surveys and licenced ecologist advice, with future works on site needing to be subject to Natural England Licences to assist in the protection of Protected Species;
- A landscape design that will safeguard the long-term habitat used by existing wildlife between Cock Robin Wood and Cawston Spinney and allow for a tree/landscape corridor along this route
- Orchard planting to add seasonal visual interest and to encourage opportunities for the community to come together
- Where practicable the retention, protection, and enhancement of existing vegetation that is ecologically or visually important, for example mature trees and hedgerows (where tree or hedgerow removal is absolutely necessary, appropriate mitigation and replacement schemes will be put in place)
- A safe and secure environment for users
- An aim to increase economic growth by providing improved connectivity within the local area and creating a desirable and healthy place to live and work.
Homes England will also be delivering new housing, an all-through school (primary and secondary co-located), a district centre including retail outlets and community uses including a GP surgery, supporting highways infrastructure and open space / landscaping. Work on an outline planning application is expected to commence early 2022, with early stakeholder engagement to obtain the community’s views on the proposals prior to a further planning application being submitted in late 2022.
L&Q ESTATES
L&Q Estate’s plans for land to the south of Coventry Road and to the west of Cawston Lane have been shaped through positive discussions with the local community, Rugby Borough Council, and consultees.
A Resolution to Grant was received by Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee in March 2021 subject to finalising a Section 106 agreement, which is anticipated in early 2022.
This will provide up to 210 much-needed homes, a new two-form entry primary school, and road enhancements for the local area.
View the L&Q Estates planning application here
RICHBOROUGH ESTATES
Further information will be provided in due course
TAYLOR WIMPEY
Further information will be provided in due course