NIMBY opposition threatens future of historic Top 20 English club

Caldy RFC, who are in the second tier of the professional game in England, face an unsustainable future if a small minority of locals succeed in scuppering plans to redevelop their home ground in the Wirral.

A lower-level regional team two decades ago, Caldy are currently 10th place in the Championship, making them one of the top 20 clubs in England.

While a part-time operation, they have proved more than a match for more celebrated clubs such as Doncaster Knights, but bankrolling a Championship squad, even on a relatively modest budget, has put the club under financial pressure.

Aware they need to improve antiquated facilities and increase revenue streams, Caldy Sports Club, which incorporates the rugby club, have asked the local council for permission to demolish their existing clubhouse and replace it with a larger one.

According to a report in the Wirral Globe, Caldy want to become a hub for the community, remodel the existing car park, as well as building a new groundskeeper facility.

Despite strong support, the plans have been brought before Wirral councillors at a planning meeting on February 5 because of opposition from some in the area, who are concerned about the impact on green belt land and an increase in traffic volume.

A planning statement said: “There are at present limited opportunities to generate income. Ongoing financial losses, year on year, mean that the club is not sustainable based on its existing sports and recreational facilities. The larger matchday and community space provides the opportunity to generate income and support the sports club.

“There is a need now to provide new facilities given that rugby is played in the Championship which is the second national tier of English Rugby Union. This resonates with the outcome of the Wirral Borough Council Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy which recognises the need for improvement and development at Caldy Sports Club in order that its role in the provision of sport and recreational facilities is sustained.

“The match day and community space within the clubhouse is vital for match, club and community events. It replaces the marquees which are presently used on a seasonal basis. The use of this space will generate the essential income to sustain the club into the future.”