MAJOR redevelopment will be carried out at Haddington Rugby Club’s clubhouse after plans were given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council.

The club, who kick off their bid to return to National League Division Two next month, applied earlier this year for planning permission for changes to the clubhouse on the town’s Mill Wynd.

Steve Wright, committee member, was delighted to see the scheme get the go ahead, with the work to begin this season.

He said: “The work is going to start this year. I know now that it won’t be started before the season starts but we want to get it all done before the winter.” However, he confirmed that the majority of the work on the clubhouse would take place in a year’s time.

He added: “We are trying to get some of the work done this season, but the majority of the work will be done next summer.

“We won’t need as much help from members as we did last season, because we’ve got grants in worth £125,000 – we’ve won the lottery with that – so a lot of the work will be paid for.” Keith Wallace, vice-president, said the next phase of building work, which follows redevelopment work carried out to the bar area last summer, will see “major changes” to the clubhouse, which was opened in the 1960s.

He said: “The club has just received approval for our next phase of developments at Neilson Park.

“This will see major changes over the next 15 months, including two fully modernised changing rooms to replace the current block of three, the building of an additional new changing room and physio room, additional storage space, replacement windows throughout the building, disabled toilets, ramp and lift to the upstairs lounge and a new energy efficient power system.

“We have received significant funding support from Viridor, SRU, Sportscotland and Hearts and Balls to make this happen, along with the support of members and the community through our own fundraising activities.

“The upgrade plan is currently being drafted, with replacement windows first on our priorities for this summer.

“The majority of the building work will then follow in the summer of 2016.” Rhodri Thomas, the club’s new head coach, added: “The clubhouse is already looking great after the recent upgrading. The plans to upgrade the changing rooms and gym will further improve the club and ensure we have first-class facilities for players and visitors to the club.

“Having facilities of this standard will help to raise the playing standard within the club at all levels.” Council officials gave the plans the go-ahead last month. The officer’s report notes two trees will be removed from the site.

One of the conditions of planning permission is for two replacement oak trees to be planted in Neilson Park.