Wasps Rugby Football Club has announced it has secured a 10-year option to purchase land "in the southeast, near London." While the exact location has not been revealed, it is widely speculated to involve sites in the town of Swanley, Kent.

Wasps return to England's sporting map

Residents of the picturesque town are outraged at the club’s plans to construct a 28,000-seat stadium. Wasps, a historic rugby club with roots in London and former homes in High Wycombe and Coventry, once boasted legendary players like Lawrence Dallaglio, Rob Andrew, Kenny Logan, and Danny Cipriani. However, just two years ago, the club declared bankruptcy with debts totaling £95 million.

This land purchase comes as the club aims to join the second tier of England’s new rugby pyramid, slated to launch next season. Two locations are under consideration: Pedham Place Golf Centre and Petham Court Farm. The club has proposed that Sevenoaks District Council include both sites in the upcoming local plan as suitable for a 28,000-seat stadium. While awaiting solutions to pressing infrastructure issues, fans often turn their attention to other online activities, such as sports betting. Finding satisfying offers can be time-consuming, but there is a simple solution for this. Twin betting offers online sports betting on games such as darts, boxing, and football, offering instant results and attractive odds.

This is how the stadium may look like

Strong opposition from local residents

Residents claim that previous documents they’ve seen indicate that the stadium’s construction may require an additional 2,500 homes to be built. Michael Parker, 76, a Farningham resident for 50 years, called the plans a disgrace. The retired engineer stated, The plans are rubbish. Why would they even want to build something like this here? Another resident, who lives near the golf center, added, It’s a recipe for total disaster. I’m firmly against it. What are the benefits? Apart from heavy traffic and falling house prices?

Concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support the new housing were echoed by other Farningham residents. Su Hewitt, leader of the No Pedham New Town campaign, said, This announcement is both a surprise and a shock. Everyone thought the Wasps had given up. We didn’t expect the stadium plan to rear its ugly head again.

In the previous draft of the Sevenoaks 2040 Local Plan, it was suggested that the Pedham Place stadium could only be developed if it included at least 2,500 homes. However, new government regulations protecting historically significant areas, now classified as National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), make such plans increasingly unlikely.

Residents have also expressed frustration with Sevenoaks District Council over the decision. While some remain critical of the council’s approach, others believe resistance is futile, claiming that developers always manage to get their way.

Club assures community consultations

In an official statement, Wasps Rugby Football Club addressed the concerns: As part of our new local plan, which will broadly define what and where development can take place between 2025 and 2040, Wasps has proposed the construction of a new stadium on the outskirts of Swanley, Kent. The public will have the opportunity to comment on Wasps’ proposal before the finalization of our new Local Plan. We aim to hold further consultations in 2025, once the government publishes new National Planning Policy Frameworks. In the longer term, the Wasps proposals will require planning permission, which will provide the community with another opportunity to express their views and actively engage in the process.