Locals in Raynes Park are hoping a rugby club's licensing extension plans will be kicked into touch - fearing approval will mean "noisy" revellers and sleepless nights.

Old Emanuel Rugby Football Club has submitted an application to extend its clubhouse hours from 11pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Old Emmanuel Rugby Football Club wants to extend its clubhouse hours from 11pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (Credit: SWNS)

But residents in Raynes Park, where the average house price is more than £750k, are worried their peace and quiet will be affected.

They claim that some of the events already disturb the neighbourhood - with some able to hear music from parties "from halfway down the street".

Taunton Avenue in Raynes Park is close to the rugby club (SWNS)

The club, which has been in the area since 1909, says it wants "more flexibility" around timings for events it hosts for its members.

And it has insisted that the change, if accepted, will have "very little, if any, impact on [their] neighbours".

Rish Kopra, 40, who lives on the same road as the club, said his kids are often woken up when events are being held.

He said: "It gets really noisy outside our house - as people wait for their Ubers right here.

"These people, they're not doing anything anti-social, but they do play music on their phones and can get a bit rowdy.

"Of course, it's only on weekends, which is good, but I have young kids who have been woken up. I do worry it will get worse if there's an extension because things don't stop when the licensing ends.

"People congregate and then they have to get home."

Elizabeth Spencer, 70, was also worried about the potential changes.

She said: "I am concerned because these events do create noise, and they can stop people sleeping.

"It's worse in the summer when you want to keep your windows open too.

"There's also the issue with traffic - as there are lots of cars when there are events on. It's a quiet road.

"I think the club should have informed the residents about their plans too. I only found out through our WhatsApp chat."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said sometimes "you can hear the music halfway down the road" - and also claimed that partygoers are "loud while waiting for taxis".

She said that at present, the events didn't happen often - and "if things stay the same", she wouldn't have a problem.

However, her concern was that "things would get more disruptive" if the hours were extended.

One couple on the road backing onto Old Emanuel RFC said they didn't have an issue - explaining that "it's part and parcel of living by a rugby club".

One couple on the road backing onto Old Emanuel RFC said they didn't have an issue - explaining that 'it's part and parcel of living by a rugby club' (Credit: SWNS)

The woman, who also wished to remain anonymous, added: "They're a business. They're just trying to survive.

"It's only an hour after all."

But Shaun Barrett, 59, who lives on a nearby street, was concerned that if the changes are approved, it would cause a domino effect - and lead to the football club by his home having its hours extended.

He said: "I'm not affected by the rugby club - I can't hear their music.

"But I do hear music blasting out from the football club. Sometimes you can't even hear the TV.

"I know people say it's only on weekends, but I work shifts, so that still affects me.

"I'd be concerned that the rugby club's hours getting approved could lead to the football club doing the same.

"And I wouldn't be wild on that."

A spokesperson for the club said: "Our Rugby Club has applied for a short extension of one hour to our existing, members only, club licence.

"This is so that we have flexibility in the timings of events that we host for our members: for example, wine tastings, quiz nights, and comedy nights, which help raise funds for our club.

"All of the surplus from these events is invested in the provision of sport, including funding free memberships for families in financial difficulty, ensuring that money is never a barrier to playing rugby."

The club said it had only received one noise complaint since opening - and claimed this was addressed within 10 minutes of being received.

They also insisted that the one hour change would have "very little, if any, impact".

The spokesperson continued: "We understand that a small number of residents may have some concerns about the proposed extension.

"Since being granted the Club Licence we have received one complaint about noise.

"This was caused by a guest of a member opening a fire exit in the hall, allowing noise to escape.

"This complaint was addressed within 10 minutes of being received, and has not happened again.

"We therefore believe that the extension will have very little, if any, impact on our neighbours.

"However, we remain willing to work constructively with the residents of our local community to discuss any additional measures that they feel may be appropriate, and we encourage them to contact the club directly."

A meeting to discuss the application was held by Merton Council's Licensing Committee on Monday, 20 January.

A decision is expected by next Monday, 27 January.

A council spokesperson said: "On Monday, January 20, a Licensing Sub-Committee met to review an application submitted by Old Emanuel Rugby Football Club, which included a request for extended licensing hours.

"During the meeting, the Licensing Sub-Committee heard statements from the applicant and interested parties.

"A Notice of Determination will be shared with all interested parties and published on the Merton Council website within five working days." 

'A Notice of Determination will be shared with all interested parties and published on the Merton Council website within five working days,' says a Merton Council spokesperson (Credit: SWNS)