Background

Plans are resubmitted for the proposed development, by Miller Homes, for 128 dwellings, on greenfield land of significant natural interest.

If you believe the proposed development will not benefit the local community and wildlife, please send your objection and sign the petition!

For how to object - scroll to the bottom! DEADLINE: FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2026.

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Planning Application R26/0914​

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Wildlife & Nature

Miller Homes proposes to destroy substantial areas of established woodland, grassland and scrub to build up to 128 homes. The developer's own assessment predicts a loss of a third (34%) of the habitat biodiversity units on the site.  Left largely undisturbed for 25 years, this land has become a haven for wildlife. Badgers, bats, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels and numerous bird species use the area. Residents have also spotted owls, deer, red kites, woodpeckers, bullfinches, long-tailed tits and many other birds. Why destroy this established wildlife habitat when we should be protecting and restoring nature?

Trees

The development would remove substantial numbers of mature trees, including high-quality trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Some of the magnificent lime and London plane trees are approximately 80 years old and provide an established canopy that would take decades to replace.  The proposals would remove much of this valuable woodland and tree cover, despite Rugby already having low tree canopy coverage. Warwickshire's new Local Nature Recovery Strategy identifies existing woodland on the site as important for conservation and habitat connectivity.  We should be protecting our mature trees, not cutting them down to make way for more houses.

Congestion

The proposed development would introduce a controversial one-way system across existing residential streets, changing how residents enter and leave the estate.  Residents would be directed towards busy junctions on Newbold Road that are already difficult and risky to negotiate. The one-way system appears to have been designed without considering less disruptive alternatives.  Why should existing residents face permanent changes to their streets to accommodate this development?

Parking Problems

The proposals would remove eight parking spaces on Princes Street.  That’s more than a third (36%) of the available parking capacity, where finding a space is already extremely difficult.  This land would instead be used to provide private parking spaces for the new homes, which existing residents would not be able to use.  Residents already struggle to park. Why make the problem worse?

Drainage & The Environment

The site naturally collects and stores rainwater from approximately 28 hectares of surrounding land, helping to manage surface water during heavy rainfall.  The development would replace much of this natural landscape with houses, roads and an engineered drainage system, including an attenuation basin over five metres deep.  Warwickshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy identifies part of the site as having potential for natural flood management, yet this opportunity appears to have been overlooked.  Why destroy a natural landscape that already helps manage rainwater, when we could be protecting and improving it for people and wildlife?

Affordable Housing & Local Services

Miller Homes proposes to build up to 128 new homes, with not a single affordable home among them, despite the Council's usual requirement for 30% affordable housing.  The developer claims the scheme cannot afford affordable housing or substantial contributions towards local services. Yet its own financial assessment allows for developer profits of approximately £8.3 million.  The previous application identified over £2.4 million in education, healthcare and sports infrastructure requirements, but the current assessment allows just £125,336 towards these costs.  How can a development of this size provide no affordable homes and so little towards the services its residents will need?

Update November 2026: Miller homes have submitted for outline planning with all matters reserved except access.

Update March 2026: The appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was dismissed APP/E3715/W/25/3373251 but only on grounds of design.

Update April 2024:  To the campaign team's knowledge, 283 objection letters were sent to the planning officer, by the 4 March 2024 deadline. 

HOW TO OBJECT 

Planning application R26/0914, Land North of Rounds Gardens, Rugby

DEADLINE: FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2026

Online:

Visit Rugby Borough Council Planning Portal, search for R26/0914 and submit your comments.

Quote R26/0914 and include your full name and address.

By post:

Lucy Davison, Development Management
Rugby Borough Council
Town Hall, Evreux Way
Rugby, CV21 2RR

Quote R26/0914 and include your full name and address.

Need help writing your objection?

We have prepared two letters you can use:

Full objection letter: Full Objection Letter

Short objection letter: Short Objection Letter

You can copy, adapt or use either letter to help prepare your own objection. Please include the concerns that matter to you. You do not need to be a planning expert or write a long letter.  Every objection should be submitted individually to Rugby Borough Council.  Please don't leave it too late!  Submit your objection by 20 November 2026 and help ensure your concerns are considered.