On Wednesday 31st August 2011 Herefordshire Council’s Planning Committee met to consider the Outline Planning Application for the development of a new Rugby Club facility and 190 residential units on Land to the East of Holywell Gutter Lane, Hereford.
The application developed and submitted by Foxley Tagg Planning Ltd in conjunction with Hereford RFC, Bloor Homes and the Landowner consists of two elements.
The first element is to provide a bespoke Rugby Club and sporting facility which includes a range of flood lit pitches, one of which is an all weather surface, along with a new clubhouse and indoor training facility. The scheme will allow the Rugby Club to relocate from its current Wyeside ground which is beset by flooding and access issues.
The second element consists of an enabling development of 190 residential units, of which 67 will be affordable. The housing development will therefore provide the £5million required to develop the Rugby Club scheme.
The use of the residential scheme to ‘enable’ the development of the Rugby Club will ensure that the new facilities can come forward using private funds with no reliance on the public purse.
Plans for the Scheme
- Over Masterplan (3.44 MB) – Download
- Rugby Club Layout (3.39 MB) - Download
- Housing Layout (3.78 MB) – Download
At the Planning Committee a number of Committee Members were keen to emphasise that the scheme was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the City, given its enabling nature and therefore it should be supported.
Councillor John Jarvis, leader of Herefordshire Council said: “This was a very detailed well balanced application with many considerations for council members to take on board. I am delighted that colleagues have chosen to give approval to this application”.
“This is a unique opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and for the community to receive an incredible facility which residents of all ages will be able to benefit from. Once completed, it will put Herefordshire firmly on the regional map for providing high standard sporting facilities.” (Read the full Herefordshire Council Press Release – Download)
Whilst other Members raised concerns a vote of 11 in favour and 5 against was passed, thus granting Outline Planning Permission for the application.
The decision is now subject to the approval of a Legal Agreement which amongst other things will seek to ensure the use of the facilities by community groups, other sports teams and organisations.
Although there is still a lot of work to be undertaken Foxley Tagg would like to thank all those people, groups and organisation who have supported the scheme and have assisted with the planning application.
This is a significant milestone in terms of the relocation of Hereford RFC and a great success for Foxley Tagg and its development partners.
If you wish to know more about the scheme please email: mail@ftplanning.co.uk
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