A NEW 60-seat stand proposed for the home of Tadley RFC could lead to more parking difficulties in nearby roads, it is feared.

A planning application has been submitted by Roger Moffatt, chairman of Tadley RFC, for a new “demountable” spectators’ stand at the club, in Red Lane, Aldermaston.

The application to West Berkshire Council, is to replace an existing, standing-only spectator area which is adjacent to the first-team pitch.

But residents and Alder-maston Parish Council have objected. One resident’s letter says there will be “inadequate parking to sustain any increase to number of spectators”.

Dave Shirt, chairman of Aldermaston Parish Council, said the club’s good work was recognised and its desire for better facilities was supported. However, he added: “Regrettably, we had to object to this application as it seems to remove much needed car-parking space.

“We believe the rugby club should first address a long-term solution to their parking problem, which can be particularly bad at times.”

Mr Moffatt said the club was trying to solve parking problems on neighbouring roads at weekends, but he stressed that the new stand was very much needed.

He said: “We sometimes get up to 200 spectators and currently the facilities are not ideal. We want the club to be a great community facility and we want to be good neighbours.”

The application is entirely separate from the £50,000 National Lottery and Sport England funding that the club recently received for a new pitch and training area.

The club has been based at Red Lane for more than 25 years and provides senior and junior rugby and netball.