By Nick Statham

A rugby club is planning a major revamp of its grounds – including improvements to its clubhouse, a new pitch and up to 100 new homes.

Stockport Rugby Union Club is also proposing a 75-bed residential care facility as part of the scheme, which includes its base at Headlands Road, Hazel Grove, and neighbouring land south of Jacksons Lane.

The combined 20 acre site is split into two main parcels. The first, to the west of Wallbank Road includes the rugby club, its three playing pitches and Wild Things Soft Play Centre.

The second, lying to  the east of Wallbank Road, covers open fields, a rugby pitch and a small informal private allotment/orchard, south of existing homes on Jacksons Lane. An access track, via Wallbank Road, connects the two.

The proposed residential area will occupy the eastern part of the site, with the new 3G playing pitch to the west. Enhancements to the clubhouse will include an extension to provide women's changing facilities, a first aid room, a larger kitchen/dining area and a disabled lift and toilet.

While no planning application has been lodged as yet, the details are included in a 'screening request' submitted to the council by the club and developer Russell Homes.

The document reads:  "The construction of a predominantly residential development would be integrated with the existing similar land uses in Hazel Grove.

"The proposed development includes street trees, a children's play area, attenuation ponds and footpath connections to Happy Valley LNR. Existing habitats and vegetation will be retained where possible."

It adds: "This will have benefits regarding biodiversity and adaptation to and mitigation for climate change. The 3G playing pitch will replace the existing western grass pitch. Enhancements to the clubhouse will include an extension to provide women's changing facilities, a first aid room, a larger kitchen/dining area and a disabled lift and toilet."

A 3G pitch usually comprises synthetic grass mixed with sand and performance infill.

The scheme will also provide sufficient areas to provide for sustainable drainage systems ('SuDS'), ecological mitigation, and open space.

The document adds that, In order to avoid significant disruption during the building phase, best practice measures would be implemented through a Construction Environment Management Plan ('CEMP')

Should planning permission be granted, a travel plan would be implemented including targets to promote walking, cycling and the use of public transport by new resident, in a bid to reduce emissions.

Landscaping is also planned to 'soften' the appearance of the new buildings and 'integrate the proposed development into the landscape character of the site'.

The club and developer intend to submit a hybrid planning application – the  detailed element including the 3G playing pitch and enhancements to the SRUFC clubhouse while the outline element will include the housing and residential care facility.