THE FUTURE of Oakfield Park will not be decided by a Government minister, despite the efforts of Rugby’s MP.
Mark Pawsey wrote to Communities and Local Government Minister Sajid Javid in November, asking him to ‘call-in’ the Co-Op’s appeal against their rejected application to build 50 houses on the Bilton Road park.
But Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said the issues around the Co-Op’s appeal were not ‘so unusual as to trigger recovery’.
He said: “I have every confidence the appointed inspector will take into account all relevant information, together with the local opposition, and will reach his or her decision impartially on the merits of the appeal.”
Mr Pawsey said: “I believe that there is a strong case for the application being decided on at the very highest level and I know that many of my constituents will share my disappointment at the decision.
“Oakfield Recreation Ground is invaluable green space within a densely populated area of the town centre and should be protected from any development.
“My great hope is that the Planning Inspectorate, who will now determine the application, will share my views and those of local residents.”
Richard Joy, a spokesman for the Save Oakfield group, said it was business as usual for the campaign – which has already raised enough donations to employ a professional planning consultant for the appeal inquiry.
He said: “With the Co-op’s appeal now in full swing, the battle becomes very technical, and is based on planning policy and legislation.
“Now we know what is involved, we still need to raise around £1,500 by the time the appeal case is heard.
“Whatever happens, this is the final stage of the planning application, so we need to take this chance to prevent this much loved open space from being lost forever.”
The Co-Operative Society, which owns Oakfield Park, wanted to use the site to build 50 new homes after cancelling Rugby Borough Council’s lease on the field last year – but their planning application was refused by the council in March.
The Co-Op subsequently prompted a public outcry by fencing off the park and launching an appeal against the decision.
