Club seeks debate over stand plan

The new stand will increase the capacity of the ground to 17,000

A Northamptonshire rugby club wants a public debate over a council's development policy which they say is holding up expansion plans.

Northampton Saints need to increase their ground capacity by 3,500 seats to play at home in competitions like the Heineken European Cup.

A £13.5m deal has been done with a supermarket to fund a new stand.

But Northampton Borough Council is concerned the development would have a detrimental impact on the town centre.

Saints chairman Keith Barwell said: "In May 2009 we announced the intention to apply for planning permission to increase the capacity of Franklin's Gardens from 13,500 to 17,000.

I want to start a debate about what the people of Northampton want

Keith Barwell

"The development would be funded by the sale of one of the club's car parks to ASDA.

"Our rivals such as Leicester, Saracens, Wasps and the like are playing in larger grounds and some are getting help from local councils.

"We are not asking the borough for money we are just asking them to help us not get left behind.

"There is a Chinese saying that if there's no wind, row.

"It would be nice if the council could put a bit of wind behind us instead of providing an obstacle," he said.

Internet shopping

The council has development plans for Northampton town centre up to 2025 but Mr Barwell believes that by this time many more people will use the internet for retail purchases.

The concentration on a town centre development is short sighted, he believes, and so he is calling for a public debate.

"They can't stop this trend. Are they going to stop internet shopping because that detracts from the town centre?

"I want to start a debate about what the people of Northampton want."

The future of Northampton requires a strong and high performing town centre

Borough Council

Under the deal with ASDA Saints will get about £6.5m and the directors are confident they can raise another £3m for the new stand.

A borough council spokeswoman said the club was recognised as an asset to the town and they would consider any planning application on its merits.

"We know and appreciate that an increase in the size of the ground would enable the Saints to remain one of the best supported rugby teams in England.

"We have met with the Saints to discuss their aspirations and how Northampton Borough Council could work to assist them.

"We intend to continue these discussions on a positive basis."

A key consideration for the borough council is the impact of retail developments outside the town centre.

"The future of Northampton requires a strong and high performing town centre," the spokeswoman said.