Twickenham plans to host big concerts like Wembley

Allianz Stadium was formerly known as Twickenham Stadium

The home of England rugby plans to host more big concerts like Wembley to generate more money.

More than 800 people have signed a petition raising concerns that while big events have benefits, it "cannot come at the cost of our community's wellbeing, safety, and daily life", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The campaign comes after owner Rugby Football Union (RFU) planned to bring in more cash to improve the stadium's reputation as a "world-class venue for sports and entertainment" in March.

Allianz Stadium Twickenham, formerly Twickenham Stadium, would be able to hold 15 major non-sporting events every year, up from three, if the plans are approved by Richmond council.

The RFU reported that the stadium needs significant investment as many stands have not been upgraded since the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Planning and licensing restrictions mean the stadium can only host three major non-sporting events every year.

"These restrictions make it difficult to attract top global artists," the report said.

"Allianz Stadium has missed opportunities to host world-renowned performers in recent years - at a time when the concert industry is booming."

Twickenham has hosted England men's games since 1909

Resident Daniel Lever's petition was launched on 24 April and called on the council and RFU to put the plans on hold.

He said the report showed that Twickenham's transport network is "not adequately designed to handle the volume of footfall and traffic brought by large-scale events".

"We believe Twickenham deserves better," he said.

"We ask Richmond Council and other decision-makers to stand with local residents and not allow commercial pressure to override public interest."

Twickenham has a National Rail train station but is not connected to the London Underground.

In response to the concerns, a RFU spokesperson said: "Many of the issues and requests raised in this petition are either being planned for, being worked on, or are already part of the current application process."

They said the RFU is proposing that most non-sporting events will only take place between May and September and largely at weekends.

A Richmond Council spokesperson said they "value the presence" of the RFU in Richmond upon Thames and remain "open to constructive discussions about the stadium's operations".

The RFU also plans to submit a licensing application to increase the amount of people allowed to attend events.

The current capacity of concerts at the venue is capped at 55,000 people compared to 82,000 attendees on rugby match days.

The council spokesperson said: "Richmond Council is currently engaging with the RFU to ensure the stadium remains a high-performing venue while maintaining a fair approach for those who live and work in the area."

"Any increase to the number and capacity of future concerts would need to be part of a planning application and determined through the planning process."