New homes plans revealed for site of Stafford Rugby Club

The club, which is currently based on the Newport Road about a mile out of the town centre, will move from its base in Castlefields to Blackberry Lane, near Doxey Marshes, after a long and arduous planning battle last year.

Now, proposals for 75 homes have been submitted while plans to build 63 assisted living apartments on the site have been put forward.

The application for the homes was submitted yesterday by Lovell Partnerships and Touch Developments.

While the retirement apartments are subject to a second application by McCarthy and Stone, after a public consultation was held on the detailed proposals at Stafford Baptist Church, Bailey Street, on April 4.

The plans have been welcomed by the club, which hopes to start work on their new base across town next month.

Chairman Martin Lennon said: "As the club is concerned, we are fully focused on moving forward. This is good news for us because it will help us financially with our move.

"We are excited for the future and it is good news for Stafford that this land will not go to waste if the proposals are accepted.

"These proposals cover the first phase of the development and discussions are ongoing for plans of the main club site.

"We've been waiting a long time for work to move forward. We're hoping to get work started on the new base in the next month or so.

"If every thing goes to plan, we hope we can start the 2018/19 season next summer in the new place."

The 75 dwellings would be built on pitches off Mansell Close where the second and third teams play, while the assisted living apartments would be built on the junior pitch opposite the Hungry Horse pub.

Lovell regional managing director Stuart Penn said: "We're delighted to be working in Stafford once again and extremely pleased to be helping the Rugby Club with its relocation plans.

"The proposed development will create 75 high-quality open market sale and affordable homes in an excellent location, within walking distance of the town centre and close to local transport links.

"Subject to planning consent, we hope to start construction towards the end of this year, with the first homes expected to be complete in spring 2018."

The club's new home faced controversy after the Virginia Park resident's group submitted 136 letters of objection to the council.

Among their concerns were estimated levels of traffic to the new site on match days if the move is given the go ahead.

The secretary of state was asked to call in Stafford Borough Council's decision but eventually decided against doing so.