Police asked to review opposition to rugby club

Luton Rugby Football Club wants to relocate from one part of Luton to another

A council has asked the police to investigate after more than 2,000 objections were made against plans to relocate a rugby club.

Central Bedfordshire Council has considered plans from Luton Rugby Football Club to relocate to a 20-acre site off Sundon Road, which is allocated as green belt.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a report to the council's development management committee mentioned that the authority received 2,742 objections and one letter of support.

Many of the objections may have been made using a false name, the report said.

"The council has strong reason to believe that a significant number of the objections received may not be legitimate," it said.

"This matter has been referred by [the council] to Bedfordshire Police to investigate.

"No police inquiry has taken place yet and [the council] will continue to support the county force, if and when the matter is investigated."

Bedfordshire Police was approached for comment.

The latest plans included five pitches, a clubhouse and a car park with 152 parking spaces

The existing ground at Newlands Road, which is on the other side of town, is more than 50 years old and needs to be upgraded to meet Sport England standards, the club says.

The latest plans included five pitches, a clubhouse and a car park with 152 parking spaces.

Unable to afford the cost of the revamp, the club wants homes to be built on its existing ground.

Planning officers have recommended the proposal for the new site - which is currently agricultural land - to be approved.

The committee is due to vote on the proposals on Wednesday.

Sundon Parish Council opposed the development because of issues surrounding drainage, traffic, parking and lighting, and a spokesperson has said: "More disruption and nuisance will be caused to the village."