The refusal of the second planning application for development of the Mint Bridge site is a huge disappointment to the Club, its players and its members. Up until now we have not commented in the press about the planning process as we expected a fair and reasonable assessment of our plans. This is not what has happened.

The Rugby Club has been in existence for over 100 years and is an important part of the fabric of the community, providing the youth of the town with opportunities to play team sport up to National League level. It is not a financially strong club and has infrastructure which is in need of repair and renovation, as well as facilities which are no longer fit for the modern game. The opportunity to move to new purpose-built facilities on a site within the town is a lifeline in our current circumstances.

The first planning application made in 2008/9 resulted in a refusal which was appealed. The Inspector refused the appeal on one single point, predicted traffic problems resulting from the development of a supermarket at Mint Bridge. All other aspects of the application were granted. A second application was made in March 2010 and it has taken 20 months and a huge amount of work to arrive at the second Planning Committee on 24^th November. The Officers of the Planning department recommended granting permission for development of the Rugby Club site as the traffic issues were resolved and it was the only planning application that could be considered.

Our elected representatives decided to refuse the application, being swayed, not by evidence, but by unsubstantiated promises and, I quote, “Gut feeling”, that the Canal Head site would be developed within a 5 year time-frame. This view was completely contrary to all the detailed analysis provided by the Planning department.

The Rugby Club does not have the money or power to exert influence, nor does it hold out a threat of leaving the town were it not to be granted planning permission. Unfortunately there was no consideration of the contribution that the Club makes to the town to add some balance to the decision.

In our view this was a political rather than a planning decision and should be seen as such. The process allows for another appeal and that is under consideration so there is still hope that we may achieve our aim of securing the Club’s future.

Stephen Green   Chairman Kendal RUFC