Pair of bungalows set to be built in Rugby pub car park - but some residents have concerns

Planners at Rugby Borough Council approved the scheme for the semi-detached chalet bungalows at the rear of the Black Horse on The Green even though some residents wrote in to object.

Access to the properties will be from a new driveway into Magnet Lane and this prompted some of their concerns with one commenting: “Magnet Lane is used as rat-run to avoid the village street and traffic lights. It is narrow and can result in pinch points at certain times, causing cars to mount pavements or pull onto residents driveways.”

Other worries related to the impact the new bungalows would have on the Grade II Listed Memorial Chapel opposite the new driveway and also the lack of parking particularly when parents of children at the nearby Bilton Infant School were dropping off or picking up their youngsters.

One objector suggested: “As Punch taverns no longer require the use of this part of the car park, Rugby Borough Council should acquire this land to provide car parking for the benefit of school parking and the village.”

A number of shrubs and trees were removed prior to the pans being approved but planning officer Nigel Reeves explained: “It was unfortunate that the trees and hedgerows were removed before the planning application was submitted. However, they were not protected or located in a conservation area so the owner has not carried out anything illegal by their removal.”

He added that 11 car park spaces would be lost through the development but he considered that the remaining 19 spaces were enough for those driving to the pub.

And he went on: “A number of residents raise concerns about the impact of this proposal on highway safety in relation to conflict between parked cars and pedestrians on a narrow part of Magnet Lane. One benefit of the proposal is that a length of footway will be installed outside the new property frontages, where nothing currently exists.

“Whilst the concerns of local residents are noted, the problems outside the school entrance are existing and will continue to exist, with or without the housing development. If problems persist it would be for the highway authority to place a Traffic Regulation Order to prevent parking/waiting in the locality of the school entrance.”