By Elliott Josypenko
August 28 2004

Pertemps Bees will be unable to use their new £120000 stand until well into the new season following a row between the club and residents backing onto the ground.

The 1000 seater stand at the Sharmans Cross ground will be closed to supporters until Solihull councillors give retrospective planning permission for it.

The delay follows complaints from some residents on Welcombe Grove, that it will cause noise nuisance, is an eyesore, has been erected without planning permission and is unsafe, claims denied by Bees management.

Bees director Lee O'Neill said "The stand is below the tree line and we will only play 13 home league games this year. Rugby fans are not known to be aubive or noisy, the noise nuisance will be minimal."

Bees bought the stand from rivals Worcester and have had it inspected by specialists.

The club said Solihull Coucil has been helpful since they opened dialogue in May over safety and planning issues and Bees have recently submitted a fourth planning application.

But the latest hurdle has frustrated the club management who entered into failed negotiations with Solihull Borough over a potential ground sharing towards the end of last season.

"We are a part-time club and we are trying to build something for the community here, but every time we try and do anything, we run into these problems"

"The league demands that we have a minimum of 500 seats for spectators and if we were to gain promotion we would need 8000 more seats"

"We would like to stay in Solihull but if the residents are complaining about this, it makes it difficult for us to see a future here" added Mr O'Neill.

Derek Sheldon, a resident of Welcombe Grove, who is against the development said "If you are in your back garden enjoying the peace and quiet you can hear the noise"

"It seems to me they have not spent their money wisely because they may have to take the stand down"

(taken from Solihull Time)