A UNIVERSITY rowing team has created a splash in the village of Purton with their proposal to transform a building by the canal into their new clubhouse.

The University of the West of England will today host a consultation with Purton residents over their plans to submit a change of use planning application relating to Bridge House, in Purton.

If successful, they intend to convert the building into a facility for their rowing team to be used for changing, administration and training.

Head of sport at UWE Bristol Alex Isaac spoke of the seriousness with which the university's boat club take their sport.

He said: “The UWE rowing club is performance orientated and to remain part of the club student athletes must be dedicated to the sport.

"Notable alumni include Peter Reed, who is a double Olympic champion and four times world champion."

Stroud District Councillor Liz Ashton is delighted with news of the plans - in particular, a suggestion that the club could provide coaching for young people in the area when on site.

She said: "I know lots of local people are really excited about UWE's plans for a boat house in Purton.

"It will be fantastic to see elite athletes practising on the canal and there's a good chance they will offer coaching to our local young people too."

The boathouse, according to UWE, will enable the rowing club to store equipment and change, while also acting as a suitable location to launch boats and for professional coaches to conduct performance analysis feedback.

In terms of coaching the boat club has initiated a partnership with Wycliffe College to offer training and canal water access for all their squads, though word on lessons offered to those in the immediate vicinity is yet to arrive.

Though many are positive about the impact the rowing club's proposal would have, others are sceptical.

In a letter sent to the Gazette a man identifying himself as Ken, from Purton, urged the paper to look into the project, writing: "If it is allowed to proceed this village and its whole outlook will be finished.

"The village cannot cope with the traffic and to erect buildings between the two bridges is beyond belief."

Cllr Ashton addressed issues with traffic and parking, saying:"I recognise there are some anxieties about parking but I'm confident UWE will work with local people to address their concerns."

The consultation will take place at Bridge House, in Purton, between 2.30 and 8pm today.