'Thriving' Leeds rugby club set to get new facilities boost
Leeds rugby club set to get upgraded facilities
A rugby club is to get upgraded facilities after plans were agreed with the city council.
Old Otliensians RUFC will build an extension to house new changing rooms, along with a physiotherapy suite and referee’s room.
The club, based at Chaffers Field since 1973, applied to demolish an existing extension to the main building to make way for the facilities.
More space would be made for women’s and children’s teams as part of the project, part-funded by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
A design report said the “thriving” club had seen recent successes in national cup competitions.
The report by MAS Design Consultants said: “Old Otliensians RUFC is a long-established amateur rugby club with historic roots in Otley and strong ties to the local community.
“The extension will support the ongoing viability of the club, enhancing player welfare, accessibility and the experience for members and visitors, while ensuring the long-term continuation of sport on the site.”
Leeds City Council said the Pool Road development was on green belt land but was acceptable for the provision of outdoor sport.
A planning officer’s report said: ”The proposed extension to the clubhouse would provide improved facilities in connection with the existing rugby club.
“The building would be provide changing rooms and other facilities for the club and would represent a modernisation of the existing facilities which are considered to be outdated.”