Wells Rugby Club plans face fresh questions over bats, bikes and bright lights
Wells Rugby Club's bid to relocate to a new site near Haybridge has drawn a fresh wave of comments from residents and local groups, with concerns raised over access, lighting and the local environment.
The Strawberry Line Society has formally objected to the proposed footpath and cycle access arrangements, warning that the current design could be too narrow and inaccessible once vegetation grows in.
Chair Stephen Turner said the one-metre-wide path planned along the River Axe boundary risks becoming "unusable", echoing issues already seen at the club's existing Charter Way site. The group is asking for a wider green corridor to be created, allowing safer access for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and families.
The group also suggested a safer road crossing for pedestrians heading to the nearby Strawberry Line path, arguing that the current proposal could put fans and players at risk during busy match times.
While the society welcomed efforts to promote sustainable transport, it said the current plan – with space for 141 cars but just 10 cycle stands – doesn't go far enough.
Elsewhere, neighbouring landowner Lucy Jayne Newcombe has asked for assurances about light and noise levels from the new site. In a neutral comment, she said she supported better sports facilities but called for "constructive discussion" on how the development might affect her home and the local wildlife.
Environmental concerns were also raised by Simon Briggs, a volunteer with Somerset's Nature Recovery Team, who highlighted high levels of bat activity on the site. He warned that proposed floodlighting could have a lasting impact on local wildlife and urged the council's ecologist to review the plans before any decisions are made.
The club's plans, submitted by Rowecord Holdings Ltd., include three full-size pitches, a clubhouse, and parking for players and visitors. The project would also free up the current site for a new development of 106 homes, with improved links to the Strawberry Line.
Somerset Council is expected to consider the application later this year.
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