Rush Green is set for a revamp after planning permission for a new training building was given the green light by the local council.
A planning application to build the new facility was submitted to Havering Council in August.
Planning permission has now been granted by the local authority with conditions. Among those is a condition that construction must be started by no later than three years from the date permission has been given. This is relevant because planning permission to build this training facility was granted in June 2018, but the club could not press ahead due to the impact of Covid-19. Permission lapsed as a result, requiring the fresh application that has just been granted
Beyond revamping the men’s facilities, a single-storey standalone structure is planned for the ladies team has been included in the proposal.
The new training building that will include various amenities, including a gym, training facilities, and an eating area is reported to costing the Hammers £2m.
The report by authorising officer Simon Thelwell reads: “The use of the overall site as a sports ground plays a positive role in fulfilling Green Belt objectives and therefore the provision of a high-quality unit to supplement/improve upon existing facilities in the continued use of the site by West Ham Football Club is considered acceptable in principle.”
Another condition is that construction work can only take place at set times six days a week (8am-6pm during the week, 8am-1pm on Saturdays).
According to the application, construction will begin in November ahead of completion in September 2022.