A rugby club can go ahead with plans for a new clubhouse with tennis courts and a gym.

The proposals for Haywards Heath Rugby Club received strong backing from local councillors and East Grinstead MP Mims Davies.

In March, the Tory MP secured funding worth £250,000 for them through the Levelling Up Fund, a scheme introduced by the former government.

The club in Whitemans Green, Cuckfield, was granted planning permission on September 12.

Ms Davies said: "Many of my current constituents will benefit from its reach, from the juniors and girls' section as well as their partnerships with the wider community and their excellent rugby teams of all ages.

"I’m very proud to have assisted in delivering the crucial levelling up grant from the previous government to give this club the rightful home it needs and to bolster its links with the wider sports community across the whole of the  Mid Sussex District and those based at Whitemans Green.

"I will continue to back them and wish them well with getting this truly great, new and accessible clubhouse finally over the line and celebrating with them."

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There were 358 letters in support of the plans, many saying the changes would enhance the facilities and benefit future generations.

There were five objections, with concerns over noise pollution, lack of additional parking and the visual appearance of the new clubhouse.

The new HHRFC Clubhouse at Whitemans Green is currently undergoing an internal refit (Image: Jon Else at Adelphi/ HHRFC) Councillor Malcolm Avery, Mid Sussex district ward councillor for Cuckfield, Ansty and Bolney, who gave full backing from the start of the planning process, said: “The whole development at Haywards Heath Rugby Club is a wonderful example of collaborative working, both with the district council, the various parish councils (Ansty/Cuckfield), government and sporting agencies and private funding to make this scheme happen.”

The newly approved plans will transform the existing clubhouse into a community sports hub.

The three padel tennis courts will introduce the sport to the area, offering opportunities for both new and experienced players. Padel tennis blends elements of tennis and squash and provides further accessibility for all ages and abilities.

The courts must only be used between 7am and 10pm.

In addition to the tennis courts, the new gym will provide fitness facilities for both club members and the public.

Phil Herbert, commercial director at the club, said: “We have been working on the new clubhouse project for the last seven years and have independently raised £2.4 million to make this happen with support from key commercial partners including Adelphi, Focus, Pets Corner and Kalimex and a number of community grants.

"This latest padel development in partnership with Smash Padel will help make sure the clubhouse is commercially sustainable and will open up our multi-sport facility to deliver many more different activities alongside rugby to improve the physical and mental health of both adults and children."

An expanded roof terrace will serve as a social space, allowing spectators panoramic views of the matches while providing a venue for club events and community gatherings.

The developments will include adjustments to the vehicle access via Whitemans Green and improvements to the club’s car parking and servicing arrangements.