Old Anselmians RUFC wants to build new clubhouse

Sep 7 2011 by Staff Reporter, Bromborough and Bebington News

A WIRRAL rugby team wants to build a new clubhouse.

Old Anselmians RUFC has put forward plans to demolish the existing changing rooms at its pitches in Eastham Village Road, Eastham, and replace them with new two-storey premises.

The club was given the go-ahead to extend its current clubhouse three years ago.

But officials have now decided they must bulldoze the existing single-storey pavilion because it could not support an extension.

As part of their application to Wirral council, Old Anselmians said they have occupied the site since 1950 but are struggling to attract senior players because of their poor facilities.

They claim their current changing rooms, toilets and showers are “inadequate”.

But their proposal was due to be discussed by the council’s planning committee this week because the the rugby club site is officially classed as being in the green belt.

There were also a handful of complaints made about possible car parking problems and the potential loss of trees.

But a council report said: “Old Anselmians RUFC contributes considerably to the wellbeing of the green belt, both as an open space and as well-managed parkland.

“However, in order to maintain that contribution from the present into the future, the club must improve its facilities offering benefit to the whole community of Eastham.”

It added: “To preserve and continue to enhance the green belt and conservation of the village of Eastham, it is essential that the open space of Anselmians RUFC ground be maintained for the future. This can only be done by the improvement of the existing clubhouse facilities.”

The planning committee was due to discuss the proposal on Tuesday.