Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has written to Rugby Borough Council for a second time outlining his objections to the Co-Op’s plans to build 50 houses on Oakfield Recreation Ground.
The Co-Op’s intentions to submit an application to develop the land were first revealed in 2014 leading to anger within the local community and the establishing of the resident’s action group “Save Oakfield”. The recreation ground is owned by the Co-Op but has been leased to Rugby Borough Council for 30 years.
Upon learning of the initial proposals in 2014 Mr Pawsey urgently contacted Ali Kurji, Chief Executive of the Heart of England Co-Operative Society, to demand a meeting with him and Rugby Borough Council Leader Cllr Michael Stokes to discuss the matter.
At the subsequent meeting Mr Pawsey outlined his objections to the plans and reiterated his intentions to do all he could to protect Oakfield Recreation Ground.
Speaking after the most recent application was submitted to the council Mark said:
“Oakfield Recreation Ground is an invaluable community asset and the local community rightly want to ensure that it remains available in its present form to residents for many years to come.”
Mark continued:
“Upon learning of the Co-Op’s plans in 2014 I requested an urgent meeting with Chief Executive Ali Kurji to express my own disappointment and anger at the proposals. It was clear at that meeting that the Co-Op intended to press ahead with a planning application despite my concerns and those of the local community.”
Mark concluded:
“Oakfield Recreation Ground is situated in one of the most densely populated areas of the town which already has insufficient open space and I am firmly opposed to any development of the site. Oakfield needs to be protected and I have made this clear in my letter to the Planning officers at Rugby Borough Council.”