Relocation of Dings Crusaders RFC

When Dings Crusaders RFC relocated to new facilities at Lockleaze Recreation Ground, we worked to secure 152 new homes on the same site. Advising on both aspects of the development in the Green Belt north of Bristol, we submitted two distinct but linked planning applications. We put forward an Alternative Sites Assessment and Club Needs Statement to set out the very special circumstances that would justify the impact on the countryside.

Officers were initially resistant, so we set out to illustrate the site’s many potential benefits for its growing community, in terms of both housing and high tech sports facilities. We proposed that this hugely positive new venture would outweigh any harm to the Green Belt and the loss of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land in the area. Our plans persuaded the committee and permission was granted in April 2016.