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Search the Public Notice Portal Plans for a new clubhouse and gym in Teesside have sparked fury among residents, with dozens signing a petition against the proposals.
An application by Stockton Rugby Club to transform Grosvenor Road playing field is currently under public consultation and has not yet been formally submitted.
However, many residents in the community have shared concerns that doing so could bring overwhelming disruption to the neighbourhood.
A public meeting held at The Fairfield pub on Sunday night (August 23), welcomed 74 local residents to discuss the plans- with 72 of the attendees signing a petition to oppose the application.
Stockton Rugby Club are planning to build a new community hub and gym on Grosvenor playing fields.
(Image: Rugby)
Many were concerned about the impact of a new two-storey clubhouse, gym and expanded parking site, all of which would increase activity around the neighbouring residential site.
Paul McQuaid, who organised the meeting, said: "The turnout speaks for itself.
"Around 75 people gave up their Sunday evenings because they're genuinely concerned about what the rugby club is proposing and what it could mean for our neighbourhood and quality of life.
"They came to listen, ask questions and understand the proposals."
"Having done that, it was clear that many of them have concerns about the scale of the proposed development and the impact it could have on their daily lives," he added.
Residents from Grosvenor Road, Whitton Road, Barnard Avenue, Premier Road, Tanya Gardens and other parts of Fairfield spent around 90 minutes discussing the proposals and sharing their concerns.
Key worries raised included traffic, parking, highway safety, noise, crime, environmental impact and the sheer scale of the development.
There were also fears about the types of activities the new facilities might enable, such as licensed premises, private-hire events, corporate functions, summer camps, festivals and sports tournaments.
Residents described the rugby club’s consultation process as one-sided, arguing that the leaflet distributed by ELG Planning focused only on the potential benefits and overlooked concerns about negative impacts.
They also criticised the consultation process, saying it was held during the peak summer holiday period and that many households in the surrounding area did not receive leaflets about the plans, despite living close enough to be impacted by them.
Despite their objections, locals were clear that frustrations are not directed at Stockton Rugby Club itself or its role in the community.
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Mr McQuaid said: "This isn't about being against rugby. Stockton Rugby Club is an important part of our town, and people recognise the benefits it brings.
"The issue is whether residents have been given enough information, and whether the potential impacts on the local community have been properly identified and assessed.
"They're questioning whether this is the right place for a development of this scale, and they want their concerns to be heard before any planning application is submitted."
Residents plan to continue discussions with Stockton Rugby Club, ELG Planning and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as plans progress.
The rugby club’s consultation is still ongoing, and no formal planning application has been lodged.