Approval for Bridgnorth Rugby Club's new ground

The plans to move the club from its current home at Severn Park to the former Swancote Country Club on the outskirts of the town have been approved by Shropshire Council. Planning officers at Shirehall approved the scheme yesterday using delegated powers.

Work will include creating new rugby pitches, building stands, a club house, new changing facilities, club administration facilities, a gym and an outdoor pool.

Club leaders have previously said the new site will ensure its long-term survival and provide better facilities to cope with its rapid expansion.

The plans were first unveiled last month and club officials said an appeal would be launched to find £1.5 million to pay for the move.

It is hoped sessions for junior members of the club could be run from Swancote as early as next season.

Full planning permission has been granted for the work subject to 22 "standard" conditions.

Initially, the club will run both its current site and Swancote simultaneously before a possible full move later.

There are also hopes the plans will see seniors able to train on the new pitch, relieving strain on their current facilities.

The club currently has about 300 youngsters aged between four and 12 in its mini, micro and junior teams alongside its five adult squads and ladies' teams, with plans to bring in a mini ladies' team in the near future.

Club officials have previously said there is not enough green space at Severn Park for the younger teams to use.

Speaking when the fundraising appeal was launched, club spokesman Ian George said: "At the moment we have seniors training on it five nights a week and they are used on a Saturday and Sunday.

"At this time of year they are bald and muddy and no good for the juniors.

"We are desperate for extra space."