Traffic fears over rugby club’s expansion bid
A Gloucestershire rugby club seeking permission to build a sports hall and stand at its ground has attracted concerns over road safety and the development’s appearance, writes Carmelo Garcia.
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Cheltenham Tigers Rugby Club’s plans to develop its Newlands Park ground in Southam Lane in Southam, submitted to Tewkesbury Borough Council, have been met with opposition.
The club wants consent for various extensions to its existing club house, including a new sports hall - primarily to support the development of a wheelchair rugby team.
It also wants a first floor extension to as an additional studio space and a new permanent stand to the main football and rugby pitch.
However, while it broadly supports the club’s plans, its proposals have led to concerns being voiced by Southam Parish Council about appearance and the impact it will have on the nearby busy junction with the A435.
“Overall, the proposals support the continued growth of Cheltenham Rugby Club and enable the club to improve its existing facilities, grow partnerships with local schools and increase participation of sports within the local community, including those with disabilities through a specialised facility for wheelchair rugby,” says club’s planning statement.
“The development, therefore, delivers an important sports facility which substantially benefits the health and well-being of the community, while supporting the growth of elite sport.
“The site comprises an established leisure and sports destination and is therefore a logical location for the siting of the proposed facilities, where the benefits of colocation of leisure and sporting uses can be realised.”
In response a statement from Southam Parish Council to planners in objection to the plans said: “We are concerned about the visual impact on the landscape in terms of scale, materials and colour of facade.
“The appearance should blend with the current building and be less industrial. We are concerned about the level of parking being sufficient and the effects on the busy junction with the A435 of further traffic particularly as it clashes with events in the field opposite.”
Borough planners are expected to consider the scheme by February 28, this year.
This article if by Carmelo Garcia, BBC Local Democracy Reporter for Gloucestershire.