SALTASH Rugby Club have expressed their serious ‘concerns’ about plans to build a new supermarket next to their first team pitch.

Aldi want to build a new store on the lower part of Burraton Field where Saltash play and which is currently a football and training pitch.

Saltash had previously had discussions with Cornwall County Council about taking over the extra field to help keep it as a sport pitch and help their future ambitions.

But Aldi then expressed an interest and in December some survey work was carried out, which caused some damage to the edge of the rugby pitch, and the supermarket chain have now publicly revealed their plans to build a store.

In a statement Saltash Rugby Club chairman Noel Hill said: “As discussions around this proposal become increasingly blurred and, in some quarters, more heated, I would like to take this opportunity to clearly set out the club’s position regarding the matter.

“In 2021, Saltash RFC was contacted by Cornwall County Council (CCC) regarding the football pitch at Lower Burraton Field, with the proposal that the club take on its maintenance and development. This arrangement was to be incorporated into our new lease and was welcomed by the club.

“The additional space was seen as an opportunity for future development, and having stewardship of the entire site felt both appropriate and consistent with our long-term view of Lower Burraton Field as the home of Saltash Rugby.

“However, once Aldi expressed an interest in the land, this offer was withdrawn.

“While we were permitted to use the pitch for training and mini and youth games, our request to rent the land was declined.

“We continued to pursue our new lease for Moorlands Lane, which was ultimately completed in May 2024.

“At that point, we had very little information, and progress towards a planning application appeared extremely slow. Questions were raised by the club with both CCC and Saltash Town Council (STC) went unanswered, adding to our growing frustration.

“We were unaware of the potential implications for either the club or the wider community.

“It was not until October 2025 – almost three years after we first became aware of Aldi’s interest – that we were contacted by Aldi’s agent, Stratton, Lane and Creber, and invited to a meeting with the Aldi development team.

“At that meeting, we were given an overview of the proposed development and informed that a formal planning application would be submitted in January 2026, with completion anticipated in mid-to-late 2027.

“We took the opportunity to raise a number of concerns, including drainage, access, public rights of way and floodlighting. While these points appeared to be acknowledged, we have received little meaningful feedback since, and that remains the current position.

“As it stands, the club does not stand to gain anything from this development. On the contrary, we face the loss of valuable green space in the form of a rugby pitch. Increased footfall along the public right of way raises concerns about anti-social behaviour, dog fouling and additional wear and tear on the pitch that has recently been resurfaced at significant cost.

“We have not seen any independent drainage report, which is a further cause of concern.

“The proposal also restricts the future development of the club that is already operating at capacity, driven by our success in running two men’s teams, a women’s senior team, and a thriving youth sections from under-sevens through to colts.

“There is also likely to be increased parking along Moorlands Lane as shoppers seek to use the cut-through to avoid congestion on Callington Road. The impact on local residents and businesses in Moorlands Lane and Smithy Close is a concern that we share.

“If anyone believes that Saltash RFC stands to profit from this proposal, or that the club is in any way aligned with Aldi, that is simply not the case.

“This development is being driven by CCC, as the landowner, and the club has no influence over decisions beyond our leasehold area.

“We are not opposed to Aldi as a retailer, however, we strongly believe that this development would be better located elsewhere, allowing Lower Burraton Field to remain a green space – something Saltash has very little of.

“As proposed, the development offers no tangible benefits to the club and introduces a number of practical and reputational risks.

“To date there has been no consideration given to the loss of space, increased pressure on facilities, or the added risk to those who use and manage the site.

“We strongly encourage everyone to make their views known by visiting adliconsultation.co.uk/saltash or by attending the public consultation at Saltash RFC, Moorlands Lane, Saltash, PL12 4HJ on Wednesday, January 28, between 3pm and 7pm.”