New housing scheme ‘to help secure rugby club’s future’

A major housing development could soon be built next to Vale of Lune RUFC’s ground as part of efforts to safeguard the long-term financial future of the Lancaster-based amateur rugby club, which was founded more than a century ago.Vale of Lune RUFC, Fellside Land Developments and Oakmere Homes (Northwest) have jointly submitted a full planning application to Lancaster City Council to transform a grass rugby overflow training pitch used by the club into 42 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom houses for open-market sale. The site earmarked for regeneration lies west of the Vale of Lune RUFC ground on Powder House Lane between the Bare Cricket Club to the south and the Westgate Cricket Club to the north.All of the proposed homes would feature enclosed rear gardens and open-plan front gardens, as well as private parking spaces. There would also be an area of open space at the eastern end of the housing scheme.Several changes are also planned to the Vale of Lune RUFC ground. These involve swapping the main grass pitch with a new 3G pitch, replacement floodlighting and perimeter fencing, new entry and exit gates, and improved parking facilities.The applicants have already consulted Vale of Lune RUFC club members, as well as the committees of Bar Cricket Club and Westgate Cricket Club, about the plans.Founded in 1900, Vale of Lune RUFC has served rugby-loving children and adults for more than a century but has fallen into significant debt in recent years, according to a planning statement by Smith & Love Planning Consultants. It also reported that the executive committee has made significant progress on managing and repaying some of the club’s debts but that any major investment and development of the Powder House Lane ground and facilities cannot take place until all loans are fully repaid.Lancaster City Council has set a determination deadline of 25 August 2017 for the scheme.