LIVES could be put at risk if plans for a new rugby club go ahead, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

The watchdog has warned work on the proposed new home for Westcliff Rugby Club could have “serious consequences” for people living in the surrounding area.

The club is having to move from its current home, off Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, to a neighbouring field north east of its existing pitches because of the planned Southend Airport business park.

Henry Boot Developments, the firm behind the business park, has applied for outline planning permission from Rochford Council and officers have recommended the plans for approval, despite the HSE objecting to the proposal.

A spokesman said: “The HSE advises against the proposed development as the assessment indicates that the risk of harm to people at the proposed development site is such that there are sufficient reasons on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission in this case.

“Major hazard sites/pipelines are subject to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which specifically includes provisions for the protection of the public.

“However, the possibility remains that a major accident could occur at an installation and that this could have serious consequences for people in the vicinity.”

The application for the new rugby club base will be heard by the council's development commitee today. The HSE, which would not expand on its concerns, could request the plans be sent to a Government inspector if they get approved.

The rugby club is midway through a 60-year lease on its existing location but the new business park, which will be built on its land, has forced the move.

The club's current home has four full size pitches, a training area, seven junior pitches and a clubhouse.

The same number of pitches is maintained in the new plan, as well as the training pitch and a potentially larger clubhouse.

There will only be five junior pitches.

A spokesman for the club said: “The club is concerned that during key parts of the rugby season the club's pitches may become unplayable due to high water table levels.

“Initial suggestions have been that the club could lose half of its playing surface for a period of at least one year during the period 2016 to 2017.

“This would be unacceptable to the club due to the damaging impact it would have on club finances and player retention.

“The club is seeking to reach a compromise solution with the developer which would involve limiting the loss to a smaller area and would involve the establishment of suitable alternative facilities elsewhere.”

The club could move to tis new home for the start of the 2017/18 season.