HEREFORD Rugby Club secretary Malcolm Harris says he is hopeful architectural plans can start soon for the club's new home.

The Wyesiders are set to move to a state-of-the-art site in Hampton Bishop that, they hope, will put them on the map.

The plans are part of a huge development in the village that will also see up to 190 new homes build.

Hampton Bishop Parish Council had lodged an appeal, believing that it would have a detrimental impact on the village.

The appeal was rejected, meaning that the club can go ahead with their plans.

"The appeal process that was taken out by Hampton Bishop residents has failed so it's currently contractual final negotiations between house builders and developers and hopefully we can start on our architectural plans soon," said Harris.

"The plan is for four adult-size grass pitches, two grass junior pitches and an artificial full-size match pitch.

"We want to make the place an attractive location so we can improve our spectator base and offer high-quality rugby for everybody."

Last week's scheduled home game between Hereford and Barkers Butts was postponed due to Wyeside being flooded – a situation that Harris is all too familiar with.

"Currently we have a major problem here with flooding, meaning we have to hire alternative facilities," said Harris.

"We don't know when if we'll be playing or not, so moving somewhere else will be a huge advantage."