Wells Rugby Club could relocate to a new site on the western edge of the city to make room for 106 new homes.

The rugby club currently plays its home matches off Charter Way, with two full-size pitches being in place near Wells Sports and Fitness Centre.

The club, in conjunction with Rowecord Holdings Ltd., has applied for planning permission to relocate to a new bespoke facility on the A371 Portway, north of the Wells Touring Park.

This would enable Stonewater to bring forward a development of 106 new homes on its existing home, providing much-needed affordable housing and a possible extension to the Strawberry Line active travel route.

Both developments are anticipated as part of the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which was ratified by Mendip District Council in December 2021 and is designed to meet additional housing need within the now-former district.

The existing Charter Way site was estimated to provide a minimum of 80 dwellings using the existing access, with the prospect of Wells Tennis Club relocating alongside the rugby club if the club was willing.

Plans For New Wells Rugby Club Facilities On The A371 Portway. CREDIT: LHC Design.

The rugby club's new facility will be accessed off the A371 Portway, with three full-sized pitches, mini-pitches, a clubhouse building (including changing rooms, toilets and function rooms), and enough parking for 141 cars and three coaches.

A spokesman for Boon Brown Architects (representing the club) said: "The new site offers a larger and more versatile space, enabling the club to continue its legacy while expanding its provision for players, supporters, and the wider community.

"The clubhouse is designed to be a modern and adaptable space, featuring a large function area, a bar with a dedicated members' area and skittle alley, and a fully equipped kitchen capable of serving carvery lunches.

"The function area has been designed to accommodate a range of events, with a sliding partition wall allowing for flexible conferencing and event space.

"The close proximity of housing developments to the new grounds will provide residents with convenient access to the facilities, encouraging greater engagement with the club and fostering a sense of local pride."

The club's new premises lies within walking distance of the Rose Banks development of 220 homes, with several other nearby having recently secured planning permission.

Gleeson Land Ltd. teased plans in April for 116 homes immediately to the south, which would link up with a planned development of 50 homes north of the B3139 Elm Close which was granted on appeal in August 2024.

On the southern site of Elm Close, permission is in place for 47 homes near Gypsy Lane (following a decision by local councillors in January), with detailed plans for 100 homes on the neighbouring land near Wells Cemetery currently being discussed.

If planning permission for the club's relocation is granted, the existing Charter Way site will be redeveloped into housing, with Stonewater putting forward proposals for 106 new properties on the site.

These properties will comprise 76 houses and 30 flats, which will be "affordable at first occupancy", with a mixture of social rent and shared ownership being offered.

An extra 170 car parking spaces will be created on site in addition to the club's current provision, bringing the total to 212 spaces.

A spokesman for Boon Brown Architects said: "The proposed residential development has been carefully considered to provide an acceptable level of development in line with the Mendip Local Plan Part II allocation.

"The scheme will provide 106 new, much-needed affordable homes for the city of Wells, comprising a mix of one-, two, three- and four-bedroom properties.

"The dwellings have been designed to efficiently utilise the site and provide good levels of amenity space and public open space.

"The site constraints and opportunities have been considered and inform the proposed design to create a new, characterful neighbourhood for the city with a distinctive style, which is well connected to the surrounding build context.

"The project provides a well-balanced scheme which includes suitable homes, amenity space, parking, and attractive landscaping for future residents to utilise and enjoy."

At a Wells City Council meeting on March 20, the Strawberry Line Society formally requested that the Strawberry Line multi-user path could be extended from its current off-road terminus outside the leisure centre along the planned developments northern edge.

The path – which links to numerous estates within the Haybridge area – will eventually provide an unbroken walking and cycling link to Cheddar and beyond, with new extensions currently under way in Easton and within the grounds of Kings Academy.

 Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on both proposals before the end of the year.