A HOTEL, medical centre and conference facilities which could be built at Sixways will be “fairly and objectively assessed".

Wychavon District Council said it will consider the merits of proposed new buildings on the land, off Sixways roundabout.

Jim O’Toole, co-owner of Sixways Rugby, confirmed a hotel, medical centre and conference facilities were “part of the strategy”.

He and James Sandford have bought Worcester Warriors as part of the Atlas consortium.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “If a planning application is submitted then our planning team will fairly and objectively assess it on its merits against the relevant policies and legislation.

“Our main concern is to see the return of professional rugby to Sixways.

"We remain committed to working with partners and stakeholders to deliver this outcome.”

READ MORE: Hotel and medical centre could be built at Sixways

Most of the site is based on previously developed land within the ‘Green Belt’, meaning certain types of development may be acceptable in certain limited circumstances.

Any plan for development would require formal planning permission and the applicant would need to demonstrate the proposed development was acceptable in the Green Belt or special circumstances have been met to justify approval.

The ongoing review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan does propose the site is removed from the Green Belt which would open up more opportunities for development.

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This is not guaranteed to happen though, as the plan still needs to go through the examination stage and the inspector which scrutinises the plan may reject this proposal.

Atlas Worcester Warriors RFC Ltd bought Sixways and the assets last week but announced drastic changes to the club on Thursday, February 10. 

They include plans to ditch the Worcester Warriors brand and bring semi-professional club Stourbridge RFC to Sixways under the name Sixways Rugby from next season.

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The plans have been widely condemned by both Stourbridge RFC  and Worcester Warriors and fans, including Cecil Duckworth's family, who said they are 'devastated' to learn of Atlas' plans to rebrand.

His widow Beatrice said the family feel the new owners are trying to destroy the legacy that Cecil created.

Duckworth, who was also the founder of local company Worcester Bosch, died in 2020 after many years with the rugby club.