High level rugby could be coming to Kent after Wasps unveiled plans to relocate to Swanley after a period without a permanent home.

Wasps have been without a permanent home since leaving Coventry when they were suspended from all competitions last year.

The club, who were removed from the Premiership last year after falling into administration, say they are “actively engaged” with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location.

A prospective move to Kent would mark another geographical shift for the club, who played most of their 156-year history in London, before moving to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014.

A statement released by Wasps unveils their plans for an indoor stadium with training facilities. It reads:

“The club is actively engaged with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location and ensure that the development meets both the needs of the club and the broader community.

Building on the rich 156-year history of Wasps, this move signifies a new chapter in the club’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to professional rugby. In a statement on 17 October the club discussed its strategic journey since October 2022. Having faced significant challenges with regulation and funding, the club has persisted with its determination to revive Wasps at the highest possible level.

As the development progresses through its planning stages, Wasps will be actively exploring temporary facilities to underpin its operations in Kent. Whilst determined to establish a base in the southeast of England, the club has also agreed an option of utilising Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground for both training and playing purposes, without in anyway replacing Worcester Warriors RFC and indeed committed to assisting their return to competitive rugby.

A Wasps spokesperson said: “The journey of Wasps has been one of passion, resilience, and commitment to the game. Our determination to secure a new, sustainable future for the club has never been stronger. By working with Sevenoaks District Council, we hope to build a long-lasting legacy that acknowledges our storied past and charts an ambitious future.”

In a statement released by Sevenoaks District Council, locals have learnt there is support for the proposal, but will have a chance to have their say. It reads:

“Wasps Rugby Football Club has put forward an early proposal for a new multi-use stadium, training ground and a hotel as part of our Local Plan ‘Call for sites’.

The Local Plan sets out what could be built and where in the next 15 years and the ‘Call for sites’ identifies potential development sites that could be included in our new Local Plan.

The location of the proposed stadium, training ground and hotel is the Pedham Place area on the outskirts of Swanley, Kent.

You will have an opportunity to comment on Wasps’ proposal (and all other ‘Call for sites’ proposals), at our next Local Plan consultation from 23 November 2023 to 11 January 2024 (this consultation is subject to Cabinet approval on 9 November 2023).

As a top tier Club, with an international profile, we believe this is a once in a generation opportunity. Wasps would bring unparalleled economic, sports development, health, education, skills and cultural benefits to the District and we are keen to explore how that could be achieved.

However, the public and partners will all need to have their say on Wasps’ proposals before it could be considered for inclusion in the new Local Plan.

Wasps’ proposals would also require planning permission, which again would give the public an opportunity to have their say and actively engage in the process.

For more information about the Wasps’ proposal view our Development & Conservation Advisory Committee report or view our Questions and Answers.”