Newbold residents celebrate decision not to build homes on landmark pub car park

People power has paid off for Newbold residents who campaigned to stop houses being built on the car park of a landmark pub.

Residents are celebrating after Punch Taverns’ appeal against Rugby Borough Council’s decision not to grant planning permission was turned down by the Planning Inspectorate.

They wanted to build two semi-detached houses at the site on the corner of Main Street and Brownsover Road.

Punch appealed in October 2023 after Rugby Borough councillors unanimously threw out their planning application on July 19.

Residents were told about the appeal on October 31 and organised two public meetings and made co-ordinated representations to the Planning Inspectorate during November.

Newbold resident Tony Freeman said: “This was an ill-considered appeal by Punch Taverns, and the Planning Inspector rightly turned it down.

"Several residents put in representations about the awful effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, on the bad effects on neighbouring properties and on the inevitable increase of inconsiderate on-street parking.”

Another resident, Mark O’Toole, said the campaign to stop the houses paid off.

He said: “We got organised, handed out hundreds of leaflets and made sure information and advice was available on social media.

"Many people got involved and it paid off. The community won. We’re delighted.”

We contacted Punch Taverns earlier this week for a comment on the decision.