Residents could help shape design guide for Coton Park East

Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 6 October to consider whether to approve a four-week consultation on a draft design code for the site.

A design code sets clear expectations for how a site should look and work. The Coton Park East draft covers:
•    walking, cycling and vehicle routes 
•    options for access by heavy goods vehicles 
•    green spaces, wildlife corridors and landscaping 
•    buffers between the site and nearby homes 
•    building heights, materials and appearance.

The draft has been informed by comments made during the local plan process. The council has also held meetings with residents’ groups, the developer, Newton and Biggin Parish Council and local ward councillors.

Residents have raised concerns about traffic, safety near Rugby Free Primary School, green space, wildlife, flooding and the impact on nearby homes.

The design code aims to make sure these concerns help shape the design of any development proposed for the site.

Cllr Isabelle McKenzie, Rugby Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Growth and Investment, said: “Local people have given us detailed and helpful feedback about Coton Park East.

“The draft design code aims to turn that feedback into clear expectations for movement, green space, landscaping and building design.

“Cabinet must first decide whether the draft is ready for public consultation. If consultation is approved, I hope residents will look at the proposals and tell us what works and what should change.”

Cllr Barbara Brown said: “Residents understand their communities and can offer valuable ideas about how places should be designed.

“This proposed consultation would give people another chance to have their say before a final design code is considered.”

A planning application for Coton Park East has been submitted but has not been determined. Responses to the draft design code consultation do not signal support for or opposition to that application, which is a separate process.

If Cabinet approves the consultation, the council will publish the dates and details of how residents can take part. All responses will be reviewed before a final design code is prepared for the council to consider.

Cabinet meets at 6pm on Tuesday 6 October in the Council Chamber at Rugby Town Hall.

Read the Cabinet report: https://www.rugby.gov.uk/l/62364788.