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 above matter.

In 2021, Saltash RFC was contacted by Cornwall County Council (CCC) regarding
the football pitch at Lower Burraton Field, with a 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-held 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However, once Aldi expressed an interest in the land, this offer was withdrawn.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 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 agents,
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 around anti-
social behaviour, dog fouling and additional wear and tear on a pitch that has
recently been resurfaced at significant cost. We have not seen any independent
drainage report, which is a further cause for concern. The proposal also restricts
the future development of a 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 section from Under 7s 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 risks to those
who use and manage the site.

We strongly encourage everyone to make their views known by
visiting aldiconsultation.co.uk/saltash or by attending the public consultation
at Saltash RFC, Moorlands Lane, Saltash, PL12 4HJ , on Wednesday 28
January 2026 , between 3:00pm and 7:00pm.

Thank you.
Noel Hill
Chairman
Saltash RFC