Controversial Stafford Rugby Club relocation approved by council

Stafford Borough Council's planning committee gave the green light today after visiting the new site at Blackberry Lane, near Doxey Marshes.

The plans had previously been approved but quashed after a legal challenge.

Residents have been vehemently against the move, raising concerns about increased traffic, the impact on Doxey Marshes which is registered as a site of special scientific interest, as well as claiming the club would be built on a flood plain.

More than 60 people packed out the council chamber to witness the proposal be approved.

Campaigner Cassie Clifford-Wareham said: "None of our objectors are against rugby.

"The facilities, opportunities and the community focus the club are trying to bring is to be commended. However they are applying to build on a site detrimental to their own ambitions. This exact development can be built in another place.

"There isn't a more environmentally sensitive site in all of Stafford. We will submit our next judicial review when this application is approved. This application cannot lawfully be approved."

The plans include building a clubhouse as well as installing three full-sized pitches, an artificial grass pitch, three mini pitches and floodlights.

The current site at Newport Road has been earmarked for housing but developers have been unable to progress those plans while the relocation of the club has been in limbo.

Club trustee Malcolm Boswell said the club was in danger of folding if the relocation plans were not approved.

He said: "The club currently occupies land on a declining lease.

"Unless the club can secure alternative premises the likelihood is that it will cease to exist within 33 years, the remainder of the lease."

"I can honestly confirm had we been able to find suitable alternative locations we would have done it. At present the ground is a declining ground. Each year that passes weakens our position."

The committee voted emphatically in favour of the proposal with 12 members in favour, one councillor abstaining but no-one objecting.

The council had approved near identical plans in September but that decision was quashed last week after campaigners took the matter to a judicial review based on eight different legal arguments surrounding the process followed by the authority.

In relation to one issue, the council conceded they should have stated in writing why an environmental impact assessment was not required and moved for the decision to be nullified. The council did not admit fault on any other grounds.

While a second legal challenge from residents seems imminent it also remains a possibility the final decision will be made by the Government.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is currently deliberating on whether the development should be 'called in'.