FARNHAM Rugby Club presented its case for their much-needed new home in front of borough councillors this week. The 'technical meeting' was held as a pre-cursor to Monday's final decision with regard to the move to Monkton Lane. If given the green light, FRFC, aligned with Stax Leisure, will move to a new leisure club facility, with four outdoor pitches. Aligned to the scheme is a multi-sports facility, including outdoor tennis courts, a multi-use games area and associated car parking. While officers recommend granting permission for the scheme, Cannons Health Club launched a blistering attack on the proposals. WBC planning officer Paul Falconer outlined the pros and cons of the scheme which has vociferous supporters and detractors - of varying levels of attendance - in equal measure. Arguments for the scheme include extensive community benefits, support from Sport England, and the solution of the decade old problem of trying to relocate FRFC. Club president Geoff Robins outlined the club's plight: despite being a relatively 'new' club, it has produced two current England internationals. However, conditions at the club's current site in Wrecclesham are "not fit for purpose", with sub- standard pitches and extremely poor access. "Monkton Lane remains the only viable solution," he said. Meanwhile, representatives of Stax Leisure spoke of a community package worth £1,660,000, "which sets up a framework for an extensive community involvement with this site". David Gill, WBC's leisure sport and recreation manager, was enthusiastic about the plans, remarking: "The scheme is not just about buildings, but about the people of the Farnham area and enriching their lives." Arguments against include the site's location within the green belt and the strategic gap; concerns about the environmental impact and accessibility and the potential of prejudicing Surrey's mineral extraction. While Cannons Health Club - potential neighbours of the site - voiced its objections, neither Surrey County Council's Highways or local residents who oppose the scheme were represented on Tuesday. A further objection was lodged by SCC due to the site being identified in its Minerals Plan, an inclusion that WBC objects to in turn. Peter Weatherhead of DTZ spoke on behalf of Cannons, and after declaring that Cannons had "no objection to relocation of FRFC", he launched a scathing attack, reiterating that the site is situated within the strategic gap. "Cannons already has a facility there, and they object to the statements that refers to their facilities as dated and having reached its logical conclusion." After questions from councillors, development control and policy manager John Anderson agreed with the sentiments of councillor Alan Lovell, who cited the situation as being "Hobson's Choice" for members.
