Rainsbrook Valley protection

We are calling for the Rainsbrook Valley is recognised as a landscape of high environmental, visual and recreational value, forming a critical natural green corridor and rural setting for the southern approach to Rugby. The valley contributes significantly to local character, biodiversity networks, heritage setting, and accessible open countryside for community well-being. The independently prepared Rainsbrook Valley Landscape Sensitivity Study (2017) (commissioned by Warwickshire County Council) identifies the area as being of high sensitivity to development due to its openness, visual prominence from public viewpoints, ecological connectivity and role in defining the settlement edge and approach to the town. 

In contrast, the local assessment by Rugby Borough Council places greater weight on proximity to the urban boundary, design and reaches a lower sensitivity conclusion. However, this local assessment gives less emphasis to the intrinsic qualities of the landscape, its recreation and connectivity functions and does not demonstrate a rigorous capacity or receptor-based assessment. 

Given the strategic importance of the Rainsbrook Valley in maintaining separation between the built-up area and countryside, supporting natural capital and biodiversity, and furnishing accessible open space to the south of Rugby, greater weight should be accorded to the county-level assessment. In line with national planning policy (which requires the protection of valued landscapes, green infrastructure, and that irreversible harm is avoided) the precautionary principle is justified. 

Accordingly the Rainsbrook Valley is designated as Protected Open Countryside and development will only be supported where it is essential to agriculture, outdoor recreation or the conservation, enhancement or public access to the landscape, biodiversity or green-corridor function, and where proposals can demonstrate no adverse harm to the intrinsic character, tranquillity, openness and ecological function of the valley.