Significant concerns raised over Sixways scheme

Warriors says the redevelopment will help transform the club's business fortunes

"Significant concerns" have been raised over a major redevelopment of Worcester Warriors' Sixways stadium.

The city council said the size of the development was inappropriate because it sat within the green belt and suggested it should be scaled down.

The authority also claimed the hotel and conference facilities could have an "adverse impact" on Worcester city centre which is about four miles (6.5km) away, but club chiefs said it would boost the economy and "encourage city-centre tourism".

The club wants to build a 120-bed hotel, a medical and sports rehabilitation centre, and a conference venue, as well as expand the north stand.

Worcester Warriors has just returned competitive rugby in the Championship

The club submitted its application late last year, saying it wanted to "create a real sense of place at Sixways and establish it as a venue in its own right".

Loxwood Holdings, the firm behind Junction 6 Ltd which submitted the application, said the development, which also includes a multi-storey car park and six padel courts, would help fund the rugby club.

The outline planning application would need to be considered by Wychavon District Council as the site sits within its land, but the city council has been consulted for an opinion given the proximity.

The council's concerns first came to light after it was invited to take part in pre-application enquiries last year.

The authority said its position had not changed in recent months.

"Whilst there is a clear desire to be supportive towards the Worcester Warriors proposal, (it) poses more questions than answers," a spokesman said.

"At the present stage there is significant concern over the proposal and support cannot be offered."

The viewpoint stops short of formally objecting to the application.

A 120-bed hotel is a key part of the redevelopment plans

Wychavon district councillor Dan Birch said he was disappointed by the city council stance.

"Having spoken with the senior team at Sixways, along with Wychavon's planning and economic development officers, I genuinely believe this development is in the best interests of the local community," he said.

A report from Wychavon District Council's economic development team supports the scheme, saying it would ensure "elite sport stays in the area" and boost local businesses, who have long cited a lack of high-quality hotels near Worcester.

Warriors are now back playing competitive rugby in the Championship.

It came two years after the club went into administration and was banned from the Premiership.