Stafford Rugby Club move backed by planners
Controversial plans to relocate Stafford Rugby Club have been backed by planning chiefs and are now just a step away from becoming a reality - despite objections from residents.
The proposal for two floodlit pitches, an artificial pitch and a new clubhouse on fields off Blackberry Lane have been recommended for approval by planning officers at Stafford Borough Council.
Councillors on the planning committee will now have the final say when the application is discussed next week.
Residents living near the proposed site have opposed the relocation from the club's current home in Newport Road.
The Virginia Park resident's group has submitted 136 letters of objection to the council. Among their concerns is the estimated levels of traffic to the new site on match days if the move is given the go ahead.
Staffordshire County Council, responsible for highways, had initially objected but are now on board with the scheme after the club, founded in 1876, revised the plans specifically in relation to the layout of an overspill car park.
Borough planning officer Mark Alford has argued that the new site is within a 10 minute walk of the town centre and therefore benefits from bus and rail connections.
He added the new ground is also close to cycling routes and has declared that the location is 'sustainable and accessible'.
In a report prepared for Wednesday's meeting he moved to address other road related worries.
In response to claims youngsters would be put in danger because of increased traffic, Mr Alford said: "Concerns have been raised about the safety of children crossing the access road to be able to use the green space opposite the housing development.
"Whilst they already have to cross a road, it is accepted that the proposed development would generate additional traffic.
"Bearing this in mind, the highway authority has not raised any objection in relation to highway safety."
He added: "Whilst objections have been made by both consultees and neighbours, appropriate conditions could be included in a permission that would make the proposal acceptable in planning terms."
