London Irish has submitted an application to the London Borough of Hounslow to change the permitted use of the Brentford Community Stadium to include rugby. This follows the news in August this year that London Irish had started exploratory discussions with the Council.

The Brentford Community Stadium vision is to have a new 20,000 seater stadium for both professional football and rugby, subject to the relevant planning permissions. This vision was clearly stated in the original planning application and in the public exhibitions held in 2013. Brentford Football Club welcomes the London Irish application which takes the Club a step closer to achieving this vision.

Progress on the Brentford Community Stadium project continues and work is expected to start on the Lionel Road South site in the New Year. The stadium is due to be completed in time for the start of the 2019/20 season.

Further information on the London Irish planning application will be made available on the London Borough of Hounslow website. A Lionel Road Liaison Group meeting has also been arranged on 17 October to discuss this planning application, with representatives from London Irish present to explain their plans and answer questions from local residents’ groups. Details of the meeting are on the Brentford Community Stadium website www.brentfordcommunitystadium.com