Wells Rugby Club could be on the move, with plans now submitted for a brand new facility in Haybridge that would give the town's players more space to train, better facilities – and a serious upgrade on their ageing clubhouse.

The club, which currently calls Charter Way home, has been battling with limited space and increasing pressure as it tries to cater for 21 teams, from under-5s right through to senior men's and women's sides. The current setup includes just two pitches – one with floodlights – and a clubhouse that's pushing 40 years old.

Under the new plans, the Haybridge site would offer three full-size rugby pitches, two with floodlighting, and dedicated space for juniors. A brand new, energy-efficient clubhouse is also proposed, along with parking for over 140 vehicles – more than three times what's currently available.

The new base is being billed as a community asset, with space in the clubhouse earmarked for local events. It would also be safely accessible on foot or by bike via the Strawberry Line, and could potentially serve as an alternative landing spot for the air ambulance, which currently uses Charter Way in emergencies.

One hedgerow on the site – described as an important ecological feature – would be lost under the plans, though developers argue this would be offset by new planting and a biodiversity gain well above the legal minimum.

Light and noise pollution, traffic, and flood risk have also been addressed in the plans, with the clubhouse positioned over 80 metres from the nearest home and lighting carefully shielded to minimise glare. Developers say the layout, design and landscaping will protect nearby residents and the surrounding countryside.

If approved, the move would unlock the existing Charter Way site for housing – but only once the new facility is up and running.

The proposal is now with planning officers for consideration. You can find the documents here.

advertisement