Decision Pending on Rugby Facilities Relocation for 120-Home Development

A proposal to relocate a rugby clubhouse and its training pitch to facilitate a development of 120 new homes, which would encompass access routes, parking facilities, and landscaping, is scheduled for a decision this Thursday. Cornwall Council has submitted an application to its internal planning authority seeking approval for this development, which entails moving the St Ives Rugby clubhouse and its training pitch. Local member Andrew Mitchell referred the issue to a strategic planning committee meeting, citing multiple objections and the project’s nature as a council initiative on council-owned property. Under the proposed plan, a new clubhouse would be constructed to the west of the main pitch, occupying the former stand’s location, alongside the provision of affordable housing. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the new clubhouse and training pitch, located on Alexandra Road, would be positioned in proximity to approximately 50 new homes and 70 care units. The proposal specifies that all the planned homes would be affordable. The National Landscape Office has voiced objections to both the proposed training pitch and the residential units, on the grounds that the development is situated within a National Landscape, an area designated as an exceptional landscape. A planning statement indicated: “There are a number of clear benefits arising from the proposal.” It further stated: “There is a significant need for affordable housing and so the provision of up to 100% affordable houses would be a significant benefit that would carry significant weight.” The proposals outline the construction of the new clubhouse to the west of the main pitch, with the new training pitch situated to the west of the proposed clubhouse. Additionally, four floodlighting columns are planned. The extra care units and residential properties are slated for construction on the western section of the current training pitch.