Club Faces Closure Over Landowner Silence

Staff at a sports and social club cite a prolonged lack of communication from landowners as the reason for winding up the business. The club manager has been awaiting information for 18 months regarding plans for the 16-acre site, which has served the community for 66 years.

The landowner intends to redevelop the site into a business park. Concerns are mounting among user groups, including football clubs and dance groups, about the future availability and adequacy of facilities. Recent archaeological excavations required for planning permission have left most of the football pitches unplayable.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has stipulated that any demolition requires the applicant to build like-for-like replacement facilities for community use. While planning applications have been submitted, they are yet to be considered, and user groups worry about the timeline and quality of new amenities. The council stated that any planning conditions would be enforceable to ensure community needs are met.