Housebuilding plan could be boost for rugby club

Esher Rugby Club's current home could be replaced by housing

A Surrey rugby club could be upgraded with a new sports centre, senior pitches, and playing fields as part of a development of 190 homes.

Plans have been put forward for land that includes the current site of Esher Rugby Club in Molesey Road, Walton-on-Thames.

The existing ground would be demolished, with homes built on that land and a new home for the club built on scrubland beside it, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ashill Commercial Ltd has approached Elmbridge Borough Council with an outline plan of the scheme to find out if it would need an environmental impact assessment.

The outline plans include a whole new sports centre containing rugby club equipment, sports hall provision and parking, as well as two senior pitches forming a stadium.

About 750 spectators could be accommodated in new grandstand seating.

The redevelopment could also provide additional community playing fields and landscaped open space, while the housing would help fund the scheme.

Planning documents show homes would mostly be up to two storeys, although three four-storey apartment blocks are also proposed, overlooking the pitches.

Access to the development would be via Molesey Road, with separate entrances for the rugby facilities and the residential area.

'Early stage'

The information was released in leaflets put out by the developer, which Esher Rugby Club said had been done without its knowledge.

In a social media statement the club said: "Esher RFC apologises for any offence or distress caused by the unauthorised action."

A spokesman for the developer said: "Ashill Commercial has been working up plans with Esher Rugby Club to enhance the facilities at the club.

"As part of this, we have submitted a scoping report for an Environmental Impact Assessment which precedes and informs the planning process. We felt it was only right to inform the community about this.

"We are at a very early stage and plans will only progress with the support of the club and through consultation with the community."