Plans for Bridgnorth Rugby clubhouse could be scuppered over noise concerns

Bridgnorth Town Council has been asked to sell land to the town's rugby club.

Bridgnorth Rugby Club wants a patch of land, near Bandon Lane, to build a new clubhouse and car park.

The land, which is about an acre and a half, would give the club a chance to expand after outgrowing its current facilities.

Many residents have approached the town council to voice their concerns, which include access to the river banks and noise from a new club house.

"We've received a lot of correspondence about it," Lee Jakeman, Bridgnorth Town Clerk, said at a meeting this week.

"These are all reasonable and valid concerns. The rugby club is working towards a better facility, and we're considerate of the wider community needs.

"Coupled with the fact that the town council, in these times of austerity, needs to to get the tax payer the best for their money."

Bridgnorth Rugby Club is one of the largest community-based sports clubs in Shropshire in terms of player numbers.

The club has grown so much that the current facilities no longer comply with Rugby Football Union recommendations in terms of volume of showers and changing rooms.

Karen Sawbridge, the club's chairman, said: "We are only eligible to apply for grant funding from the Lottery and the RFU to build a new clubhouse if the club owns the land where the proposed new clubhouse is to be erected.

"Hence, our approach to the town council.”

According to Mr Jakeman, the land is protected by a restricted covenant.

"What this means is that the land needs to be used as open space," Mr Jakeman said.

"Somebody couldn't buy it and build a factory or houses on it for example. Therefore any developments on the land needs to be small.

"Bridgnorth Town Council is mindful that there's a covenant, making the land unattractive for development.

"We want to have time so we consider every resident and their concerns, especially those who live in close proximity."

Bridgnorth Town Council will be looking to confirm a potential deal with the rugby in the coming weeks.

It says the public will be fully informed and residents will also have a chance to voice any further queries or concerns.

Mr Jakeman said it was unlikely that a decision would be made this side of Christmas.