"THEY are not listening to us" – these are the words of many Brentwood residents who are speaking out against the proposals to build a new rugby clubhouse on King George's Playing Fields.
The proposals, which will see an entirely new structure built on an existing football pitch, have angered some residents who claim it is wrong on multiple counts.
Debbie Coole, 57, of Ingrave Road, lives near the playing fields. She said: "The siting of the new rugby clubhouse will cause a number of problems.
"It will be built on an existing football pitch and they will be relocating several pitches. This will leave the provision for football heavily reduced.
"One of the pitches, designated for football use in the plans, is so badly drained that it would probably take thousands of pounds just to make it usable.
"The rugby club and the council need to understand that not everyone wants to play rugby.
"The playing fields are not owned by the rugby club, they are for the people of Brentwood not just the rugby players of Brentwood.
"The new club will be much larger and will face out towards our houses.
"They will host social events there, like all rugby and social clubs do, and the noise will keep us awake.
"Alongside this is the longstanding problem of the overflow car park. It has always been used by anti-social drivers and the police have had to close it at night to stop this.
"With the planned clubhouse opening late and now being situated right next to the car park, they won't be able to close it to the anti-social drivers and they will just come back."
Resident Peter Hawkins, also of Ingrave Road, added: "There will be late night noise and disturbances throughout the year from the large first floor balcony bar and by people arriving and leaving late by car or foot.
"They will be taking over two football pitches and forcing the footballers to move to the far corner of the park where playing conditions are poor.
"This green field is currently enjoyed by so many families for relaxation, walking and playing that the openness and accessibility will be lost for all Brentwood residents and visitors from outside the borough."
Councillor for Brentwood South, Mike Le-Surf, said: "The rugby club last month got permission from the council to take over the running of the rugby pitches. I was the only councillor to object to this as I knew it would lead to a stronger case for them regarding the application.
"The club are great but they are not the only park users and they have met big opposition from locals. The existing site is fine if they want to rebuild but the location of this site will ruin the aspect of the space for all users.
"It should come back from planning officers for refusal as it is building on the green belt – but I will make sure it is referred to the council if it is recommended for approval."
A Brentwood Borough Council spokesman was unable to comment as the matter is on-going.
If you wish to comment on the proposal visit www.brentwood.gov.uk and follow the links to planning applications. You can also do this by phoning 01277 312500 or in writing to Brentwood Borough Council, Town Hall, Ingrave Road.
