New twists in Stafford rugby club's big move saga

Campaigners in objection to the proposal to move the club from Newport Road, Castlefields, north to Blackberry Lane, had disputed the process followed by Stafford Borough Council, which approved the scheme last year.

The matter was destined for a Judicial Review but now the council has confirmed the decision has been quashed.

But in anticipation of the hold-up club bosses submitted another application, almost identical to the first, which development officers on the council have recommended be approved when it is debated on Wednesday.

Club director Martin Lennon said: "We have been aware of the quashing of the original decision and we are just hopeful that it gets approved next week.

"It is very frustrating the campaigners went down that route. I am just pleased the officers have recommended the second application is approved and haven't found anything new.

"I wouldn't say I'm confident but I am hopeful it will get passed next week."

Mr Lennon confirmed that half a million pound of funding which had been jeopardised by the delays to the development should be secure providing planning consent is granted on Wednesday.

The plans for Blackberry Lane 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 with those plans while the relocation of the club has been un limbo.

Will Conaghan, spokesman for Stafford Borough Council, explained why the original planning approval has now been axed.

He said: "We asked the court to quash the previous decision, in agreement with the claimant, because we didn't publish the reasons why an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required as part of the application - and we should have.

"We have ensured that this has now been done correctly regarding the new application which will go before our planning committee next week."

Campaigners were unable to comment on the latest twist in the ongoing saga.

An officer's report prepared for Wednesday's planning meeting states: "Whilst objections have been made, a planning permission for very similar proposals already currently exists. "Appropriate conditions could in any event be included in a further permission that would make the proposal acceptable in planning terms.

"Where objections can be overcome by the use of a condition, it is not appropriate or reasonable to recommend refusal."