Hillmorton and Houlton InTouch - Winter 2022
Rainsbrook Valley Protected Once More
Proposals for development in the Rainsbrook Valley were unanimously rejected by Rugby Borough Council's Planning Committee in November with local councillor Adam Daly instrumental in the refusal of the plans.
Cllr Daly argued that the application for 130 houses just off Kilsby Lane would have a significant impact on the countryside and environment of the Rainsbrook Valley.
The housing was also judged to be in an 'unsustainable' location with concerns raised by Warwickshire County Council's Landscaping team and by County Cllr Yousef Dahmash who highlighted the challenges for local schools and health provision should the development be permitted.
As a consequence, councillors unanimously supported the planning officer's recommendation to refuse the plans.
After the meeting, Cllr Daly said: "We all know that we need to deliver more houses for the next generation, but they need to be in the right place and sensitive to the landscape and natural environment. It also needs to be supported by the council's Local Plan, and the Rainsbrook Valley, which is recognised in the plan as a Blue and Green Infrastructure Corridor, clearly isn't the right place for 130 new houses. That is why we refused the application."
Your local councillors will continue to work tirelessly to protect our countryside.
Flooding on Hillmorton High Street
Recent bouts of heavy rainfall have once again highlighted the long-standing issue of flooding on Hillmorton High Street.
Although High Street is not alone in suffering from flooding, it is severe around Hillmorton Manor and the Co-Op.
Your local councillors have been persistent in pursuing this issue with Warwickshire County Council and with Severn Trent who are ultimately responsible for ensuring effective drainage on our roads and footpaths.
Recently Severn Trent have been working in the area to identify the source of the problem. Works to cut back tree roots and clear the drains has been undertaken.
Despite this work the issue remains and your local councillors are now working with council officers and Severn Trent to establish what more can be done. Ultimately, it may be necessary to explore the potential for installing further drains in the area.
Dangerous Parking
In recent months parking on the Village Green has become an issue. To prevent this from happening, and to protect the Green from further damage, Rugby Borough Council is installing defensive measures. Dangerous and inconsiderate parking is also a problem around most schools. Warwickshire County Council is leasing an enforcement vehicle to tackle the problem and Hillmorton is a priority.
Houlton Update
As Houlton grows, the pressure for places at St Gabriel's Primary has increased. Sadly, many families have moved into the area only to find they're unable to secure a place for their child. This is mainly an issue when families move into the area during the school year and is common across Rugby. More primary schools will be built in Houlton but your local councillors fully understand the frustration and anger at the present situation.
Your local councillors are also aware of ongoing issues with the upkeep of the Crest Nicholson site in Houlton. They have spoken with Houlton's master developer, Urban&Civic, who have assured them they are monitoring the situation and are ready to take action.
Houlton Way
Traffic calming measures are being installed on Hillmorton Lane prior to the adoption of Houlton Way by Warwickshire County Council. Although your local councillors share the frustration of local residents at the time this work is taking, they are essential to enable the redesign of the junction to provide additional turns which will make it safer.
