Sponsored by
Rugby club heaves a sigh of relief
Peterborough Lions Rugby Club boss expressed his relief after his club house was allowed to stay at its home ground for the next year – despite marquees being erected without planning permission.
Peterborough Lions Rugby Club boss expressed his relief after his club house was allowed to stay at its home ground for the next year – despite marquees being erected without planning permission.Chairman of Peterborough Lions Rugby Club Andy Moore was thrilled at the decision by Peterborough City Council's planning committee to approve plans for the temporary set up to remain on Bretton Park.
Last July, a deal between the council and the club was struck for a 60-year lease on the site so the Lions could create a 1 million headquarters.
But with negotiations taking longer than expected, Mr Moore said they had to "frantically" set up a temporary base in time for the new season.
Speaking after the meeting, he said: "We thought we would have time to move on in our permanent building.
"But because it took two years to negotiate the 60-year lease, we ran out of time.
"We had to move here. This time last year, we were frantic.
"We had eight weeks before the start of the season to put the facilities in.
"As soon as we knew we would need it, we put the planning permission in. The council was very sympathetic. They were aware of what we were doing.
"If it had been a no today, it would have scuppered everything."
He said the green light would mean they could press ahead with plans for a permanent building, including a 600-seat stand, cricket and community facilities, in the next few months.
He added: "I am relieved.
"It will enhance Bretton with sporting facilities for adults and children. It will provide excellent community facilities, such as the Bretton festival."
The club has plans for an ambitious project to create a rugby club headquarters on the pitches of the former Bretton Woods Community School.
The council gave it a five-year timeline to complete the scheme, but before that, it needed somewhere to house its changing room and social facilities.
The decision to grant the temporary club house permission to stay until next June came despite concerns about noise and the loss of four tennis courts.
However, assurances have been given that the courts would be upgraded once permanent proposals were rubberstamped.
Ward councillor Wayne Fitzgerald said Mr Moore had "bent over backwards" to address concerns.
He said: "He's working very hard with the community in Bretton. He has ambitious plans to make the rugby club a prominent part of that.
"It doesn't look great now but the end of the process will make it worthwhile.
"While not everyone is happy about the development, it's got our support."
Speaking after the meeting at the town hall on Tuesday, Cllr Fitzgerald said: "We think it's a good long-term asset for the park and sport in general.
"There might be a few teething problems such as noise, but council officers will keep an eye on that."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Peterborough
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.