The future of Kenilworth Rugby Football Club relocation across town has been thrown into doubt after housing developer Bloor Homes confirmed it is withdrawing from the process.

With planning permission previously granted for the new ground off Warwick Road, the developer was due to purchase the existing Glasshouse Lane sites and turn them into new homes, to help finance the project.

But today (April 11) it has been confirmed Bloor has "regretfully" withdrawn from the scheme in what is described as a "severe blow" for the club which celebrated its 100th year anniversary this year.

KRFC chairman, Paul Fountaine, commented: "We are extremely disappointed, having jointly overcome a number of hurdles that Bloor Homes has decided to withdraw for commercial reasons four years after their original offer was submitted.

"While the impact of their withdrawal will be heavily felt across all sections of the club, we must now review the options open to us, and gauge the level of interest in our site from other developers such that we can meet the club's aspirations for the new ground where we still hope to provide a top-class facility for the local community and rugby football in South Warwickshire.

"Events such as KENFEST have demonstrated we are so much more than just a rugby club."

Following the announcement of the withdrawal of Bloor Homes from the promotion process to the membership, KRFC will be "reviewing their development strategy" to ensure the club can maximise its offering to its members.

It says it remains committed to "fostering a love for rugby, supporting player development, and continuing its proud tradition of community engagement through the values of the game of rugby, across all ages".

Bloor's planning application to Warwick District Council for the 200 homes off Glasshouse Lane has not been withdrawn from consideration.