Council Blocks Butcher's Pet Food Factory

It had been a close call, a decision that most observers genuinely expected to go the other way, but Coton Park Residents Association, (CPRA) were last night celebrating Rugby Borough Council's, (RBC) rejection of a planning application from Butcher's Pet Care to build a pet food factory next to their estate.

Last at Rugby's Town Hall, five councillors voted with the Coton Park residents and five against leaving Chairman, Councillor Anthony Gillias to cast his deciding vote that the factory did not meet with published 'Rugby Development Plans'.

Residents were jubilant at the result, celebrating their 'round one' success. Many however appeared resigned to the fact that Butcher's will appeal the decision.

Butchers has not said whether or not it will appeal, but this evening issued the following statement:

"As a local employer, Butcher's Pet Care has its roots and heritage in Rugby with many decades of shared history, employment and income to the town & borough. Butcher's is a business that has been looking to secure its future in the area and the employment of the local employees.

"The Planning Department had made the recommendation of Approval to the Committee based on the application fully complying with all required planning criteria.

"Despite yesterday's close vote we are disappointed that we have not been able to secure approval for our development from the Planning Committee. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at the detail of the decision and will consider the options available."