WORK will start on the redevelopment of the former masts site in a matter of weeks with the first new homes on sale next year.
Formal planning permission was delivered to the Rugby Radio Station Limited Partnership (RRSLP) on Thursday.
It comes after months of negotiations to agree a legally binding deal for the company to fund three primary schools, one secondary school, a new health centre, the link road and a series of other roads improvements in the area.
Discussion about the redevelopment of the 1,168 acre BT-owned site can be traced back almost 25 years, but it was not until January when the council’s planning committee finally gave it the green light.
The Observer has been told initial ecological work would start later this autumn with detailed plans for the first phase – in the southern section of the site – already being drawn up. In total 6,200 homes will be built there over the next 20 years.
Council leader Craig Humphrey said: “The council has put sustainable growth at the top of its agenda and bringing the Rugby Radio Station site into use is a major step forward.
“We have worked closely with the Rugby Radio Station Limited Partnership for a number of years to make sure these are the right plans for Rugby, and I’m delighted we’re now in a position to move forward with the development.
“When these new homes, associated infrastructure and employment sites are complete the borough will become an even more attractive place to live, work and visit, with all the additional benefits that will bring to Rugby.”
RRSLP is a joint venture including BT and Aviva Investors.
Graeme Paton, of BT, said: “The Radio Station site has been a big part of BT’s history. It has played a leading role in global communications and we are delighted that it will continue to signal the growth of Rugby in its new guise as a Strategic Urban Extension.”
All YOU need to know about the masts site redevelopment – www.therugbyobserver.co.uk/2013/10/04/news-A-closer-look-at-the-BT-masts-site-development-plan-85772.html
