Imagine living next to a massive stadium, only to find your neighborhood transformed into a public restroom after every big event. That's the reality for residents near Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, and it's threatening the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) ambitious plans to boost revenue.
The RFU wants to host up to 15 concerts a year at Twickenham, aiming to compete with venues like Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This would generate much-needed income for a planned £660 million overhaul of the stadium. But here's where it gets controversial: locals are pushing back hard, citing concerns about noise, disruption, and, yes, public urination. The RFU's Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney, has even hinted at a potential move to Milton Keynes or Birmingham if they can't get the go-ahead for more events.
Richmond council recently dealt the RFU a blow by maintaining a strict limit of three concerts per year, with only one allowed on a non-Saturday. Residents have voiced significant opposition, submitting 192 complaints against the RFU's application, compared to only 13 in favor. These complaints paint a grim picture: drunken behavior, public urination, and general antisocial conduct becoming commonplace after events. One resident described children having to "walk and scoot through dried urine and excrement," while another presented evidence of "urination and indecent exposure" on their property.
To address these concerns, the RFU has proposed several measures, including increased security, more portable toilets in "known hotspots," and police officers issuing fines. But the most eye-catching solution? "Anti-pee paint." The RFU states that "if you relieve yourself against a wall, you will be covered in your own urine." It's a technology already used in some areas, like Yorkshire and the London Borough of Camden, aiming to deter public urination while also reducing odors. It’s important to note, though, that the RFU sees this as one tool in a larger strategy, not a standalone fix.
And this is the part most people miss: the RFU's application is running on two tracks: licensing and planning. While the licensing application aims to loosen restrictions on event days, the planning application is where the real battle for more concerts lies. Existing planning rules allow for three concerts a year, regardless of the day of the week. The RFU initially hoped to remove the day-of-the-week restriction through the licensing process, but the council's recent decision means it remains in place. They did, however, succeed in their application for smaller events, such as weddings, until 1.30am.
The restriction on concert days dates back to 2018, following an Eminem concert that generated 93 complaints, particularly regarding street cleaning and litter. The RFU acknowledges that the event "did present its own challenges."
The planning application, however, hit a snag this summer. Richmond council now requires an environmental statement due to concerns about transport infrastructure. A report highlighted "significant concerns about the additional demand placed on the transport and highway network by event-goers and whether this demand can be satisfactorily managed," potentially leading to "a significant nuisance for Twickenham residents." The planning process is expected to continue into next year.
So, will the RFU succeed in its quest for more concerts? Or will resident concerns and logistical challenges prove too significant to overcome? The outcome will not only impact the RFU's financial future but also the quality of life for those living near Twickenham Stadium. What do you think? Is the RFU being unfairly restricted, or are the residents justified in their concerns? And is "anti-pee paint" a genuinely effective solution, or just a gimmick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
