The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has submitted a full planning application to increase the number of concerts and other major non-sporting events held at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

If approved by Richmond Council, the proposals would allow the stadium to host up to 15 major non-sporting events each year, with the RFU arguing the move would make better use of one of English rugby's most valuable assets.

In planning documents, the RFU says the application does not involve significant physical changes to the stadium but instead focuses on how the existing venue can safely accommodate more events.

The Design and Access Statement says: "The application is principally concerned with the more effective use of an existing nationally significant venue, rather than any physical changes to the existing stadium and its surrounding site."

Twickenham has been the home of English rugby since the RFU bought the site in 1907, with Allianz Stadium now generating around 85% of the governing body's revenue.

However, the RFU says the venue remains unused for much of the year outside the rugby calendar.

The planning statement adds: "The proposed increase in major non-sporting events is therefore an important step in making better use of the RFU's principal asset.

"It will help the Stadium remain competitive, support reinvestment in rugby and the venue itself, and strengthen Allianz Stadium's role as a source of pride and benefit for both the national game and the local Twickenham community."

Under the proposals, the increase in events would be introduced in phases.

According to the application, there would be no more than three consecutive major non-sporting event days within any two-week period, with most events taking place between May and September.

The proposals have prompted strong opinions from local residents since they were first announced in 2024.

A petition opposing the plans has attracted more than 2,500 signatures, with the organiser claiming that increasing the number of concerts would "completely and permanently destroy the quality of life for thousands of local residents in TW1 and TW2".

A number of objections submitted as part of the planning process raise concerns over noise, transport disruption and anti-social behaviour.

One resident wrote: "Late-night concert sound and crowd dispersal noise over consecutive days will severely impact my household especially when my children are trying to sleep."

The manager of Currie Easy Self Storage Twickenham also objected, saying the additional road closures would affect customers who rely on 24-hour access to their storage units.

They said: "The inevitable increase in the number of days in which there will be road restrictions will be very disruptive for our customers and indeed have a negative impact on our business."

Another resident living near Whitton Road said event-day restrictions already make it difficult to travel through the area.

They wrote: "Even walking on foot in the opposite direction of the crowd is a significant struggle as I have to use a walking stick. People constantly bumping into me."

Not all responses have been negative, with several residents saying they believe more concerts would benefit Twickenham.

One supporter wrote: "We would love to see more events here at Twickenham. It's a disgrace that there aren't any aside from rugby games.

"I've lived here for 22 years and always thought the stadium was under utilised. We went to a few concerts which were brilliant."

Another person commented: "As a local resident, I always feel safe walking to and from Twickenham on event days. The road closures are effective and the stewards do a great job of keeping thousands of fans safe."

A further supporter added: "Considering Richmond's great musical heritage, it's a tragedy that there are no venues larger than pubs that are able to put shows on.

"Yes, there will be some noise, yes there will be some traffic, but there will also be vibrancy, excitement and anticipation around events."

To read the full planning application click here.

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