Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club (NSRFC) has urged the local authority to hold a public debate to discuss the potential benefits of plans to redevelop the Franklin's Gardens stadium.

Earlier this year, the club announced plans to increase the venue's capacity from 13,500 to 17,000 spectators after admitting that the stadium had been operating at 98 per cent in recent years and needs to expand to compete with other clubs. The proposed project includes replacing the Sturtridge Pavilion with a new stand, which will be funded through the sale of a long-term lease on the Edgar Mobbs Way car park for the development of an ASDA superstore.

However, NSRFC chair Keith Barwell told the Chronicle and Echo that the club has been opposed in its plans by Northampton Borough Council and is now seeking a debate on the issue with local residents. Barwell told the newspaper: "There is a saying that if there's no wind, row. It would be nice if the council could put a bit of wind behind us instead of providing an obstacle. We had a heavy beating from the council and they said they don't want anything that takes trade away from the town centre.

"Many Guinness Premiership clubs have been helped by their local council enabling planning permission. Other clubs like Saracens, Wasps and Harlequins are now playing some of their Premiership games at Wembley and Twickenham."