Controversial Pet Food factory Plans Ditched

Butcher's Pet Care has announced it will not be appealing against the refusal of planning permission at Coton Park.

However, the firm has not ruled out looking elsewhere around Rugby for the development.

The company put forward plans to build the factory - which included a controversial 100 foot chimney - in May last year.

Although recommended by officers for approval, Rugby councillors voted against the proposals, by one vote, in December, leaving Butcher's to consider appealing the decision.

Grant Scott, spokesperson for campaigners the Coton Park Residents Association, said the group was delighted by Tuesday's annoucement that Butcher's would now be looking elsewhere.

Mr. Scott said: "We have always said that there is a place for Butchers in the community - but that place is not Coton Park.

"This is a victory for people power. We have defeated a major planning application by believing in something and following it through.

Residents and nearby businesses were deeply worried about the factory so we have acted in the very best local interests."

Mr. Scott, whose group raised £55,000 in pledges to fight a possible Butcher's appeal, added that they would be willing to advise the company on finding a new site.

He added: "We will always try to help them (Butcher's) to find somewhere more appropriate.

"My message to Butcher's is that next time they must have better dialogue with the local community and get everything out in the open.

"Had they appealed we would have fought the decision tooth and nail once again. We're just delighted that now we won't have to."

A spokesperson for Butcher's said: "We continue to progress various options regarding our new factory and are excited about the future."