National and local backing for Scarborough Rugby Club’s major redevelopment
Scarborough Rugby Union FC’s plan for a major ‘centenary transformation’ has received national and local support.
Scarborough RUFC’s plan to celebrate its centenary anniversary next year with a major redevelopment – which would include upgrading the existing grass pitch to a 3G/4G pitch – has received backing from Sport England and local organisations.
Sport England, which is responsible for growing and developing grassroots sport and getting more people active across the country, has given its support to the proposal, subject to conditions.
The development is also set to include the construction of a new spectator stand, new padel courts, and the creation of an extension to the clubhouse building.
North Yorkshire Police’s designing out crime officer has also said they support the application which is in “an area with low crime and disorder levels”.
Scarborough RUFC moved to its current site at Scalby Road, located 3km north-west of Scarborough town centre, in 2009.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application, which is currently under consideration.
Other proposed works at the club include an external terraced area, infill of a WC extension, and indoor rugby 5s courts.
The Highway Authority said the proposal is “unlikely to lead to a significant increase in trips to and from the site or demand for parking within the site” and had no objections, subject to appropriate conditions.
North Yorkshire Council’s tree and woodland officer said he supports the plan and the authority’s ecologist said that a proposed 15 per cent biodiversity net gain was “appropriate to the setting and location”.
“This will allow the club to get the best value for its investment and future-proof the site, without restricting the need for further growth, and to safeguard the viability of this community asset,” submitted plans state.
Scarborough RUFC has been in existence for almost 100 years following a meeting of “like-minded rugby enthusiasts” at Scarborough’s Pavilion Hotel in 1926.
It has the UK’s largest amateur clubhouse, set within a 32-acre site with multiple playing and training pitches.
The application is currently under consideration by North Yorkshire Council.