London Irish announce plan to relocate - but no news on future of the current site

5.08.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th May 2009

London Irish plan to relocate and redevleop their existing site in Sunbury

London Irish have told members and local residents of their intention to relocate from the existing site in the Avenue, Lower Sunbury to what is currently Hazelwood golf course. Although it is proposed that the Avenue site would be redeveloped, no plans for this have yet been made public.

The Hazelwood site is considerably bigger than the existing site. The whole area is protected as it is Green Belt, but sporting activity is generally regarded as being an appropriate with the Green Belt. The Avenue site is classified a Urban Open Space and the range of acceptable uses is much less clear.

The news came out after a letter was sent to local residents associations explaining that the club needed more space. The letter also made it clear that to fund the move the existing site would need to be redeveloped.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors are trying to find out what discussions have been held with Spelthorne Council and will let local residents know when they have anything substantial to report.

A copy of the letter is available on the Lower Sunbury Residents Association (LOSRA) website and a link is provided to it below.

Local Liberal Democrats want London Irish to continue to play rugby and thrive in Sunbury, but are very worried that a major development would damage the unique character of the area.

Related Link:

Copy of letter sent to local residents associations from the LOSRA website