Wolverhampton Rugby Club in battle to keep event marquee

But now Wolverhampton Rugby Club is facing a battle to keep its events marquee, after a council said it needed planning permission.

The popular sports club has submitted plans to erect a temporary marquee for its functions throughout June, which traditionally include an Ascot ladies' day, a sportsman's lunch and a summer ball.

It has used the large tent without permission for 12 years, but South Staffordshire District Council will now rule on whether it can continue holding events at the grounds off Castlecroft Road.

It only emerged permission was required for the structure when a planning officer found about the annual events by chance and informed club bosses they were contravening planning laws.

The submitted plans include a large function marquee with an adjoining bar tent and another for food preparation.

Club chairman Ian Kendrick said today he hoped gaining permission would be a formality.

"We hope most people would support this. It's not an illegal rave; it's people in black ties and gowns," he said.

"It would be such a shame to have to cancel the events.

"It is an expensive cost to provide this service for the kids. This will ensure the ongoing financial stability of the club.

"Hopefully it is just about complying with the regulations because it is only a temporary structure and it's up and down within a couple of weeks.

"We are obviously keen to make sure the event is managed correctly and we are talking to Environmental Health to make sure that it is. We are also planning to speak to residents but we are still thinking about how is the best way to approach them."

South Staffordshire Council spokesman Jamie Angus confirmed the application had been received and that it had been recommended for approval by the authority's planning officers.

He said: "It is due to go before our planning committee on March 19 and the application is being recommended for approval.

"The rugby club has been using the marquee for a number of years without realising it needed planning permission.

"One of our planning officers realised this purely by chance and brought it to the club's attention."

The rugby club held its first summer events in 2000 to mark its 125th anniversary.

Hundreds of people attend each one, with the ladies' day one of the most ppoular events in its calendar.

Last year the club raised £3,500 for Help The Heroes by holding a fashion show in conjunction with the Round Table charity.

If given the go-ahead, this year's fashion show, which takes place on June 15, will be in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The club is also planning a sportman's lunch on June 14, the ladies' day on June 20 to coincide with Ascot and a summer ball is planned for June 22.