Neighbours have slammed "ridiculous" plans to hold more concerts at the home of England Rugby.

Residents claimed in letters to Richmond Council that crime, antisocial behaviour and dangerous overcrowding in the area would increase if Allianz Stadium Twickenham was allowed to make the changes to tackle financial pressures.

Owner Rugby Football Union (RFU) would be able to hold 15 major non-sporting events every year at the stadium, up from three, if the plans are approved by the council.

The RFU also hopes to increase the permitted capacity of these events from 55,000 to 75,000 spectators, along with the possibility of holding more events on weekdays.

Residents' concerns were revealed in 192 objections to a new licensing application submitted by the RFU for the stadium, which will be considered by the council on Tuesday (September 30).

Many of the objections relate to the RFU's plans to hold 15 major annual non-sporting events at the stadium, which is proposed as part of the planning application process and is not a licensing concern.

The RFU stressed the licensing application only seeks to simplify and modernise the stadium's current licence to make sure it is suitable for the future.

It would set clear hours for entertainment and booze sales at larger events, which would finish no later than 11pm, if it was approved.

England played South Africa earlier this month at Twickenham (Credit: James Mayer)

The licensing application would also change the current restriction for indoor events to finish at 11pm, to instead finish at 1am, with an allowance for 36 events at 2am, which would mainly be used for graduation ceremonies, weddings and corporate events.

It would allow for outdoors events, including summer fairs and ice rinks, where booze sales and entertainment would end by 11pm, and put in place clear conditions to manage safety, antisocial behaviour and noise.

Expressing their concerns about the stadium being allowed to hold 15 non-major sporting events, which is being considered separately under the planning process, neighbours said they were already plagued by crime, antisocial behaviour and nuisance from drunk and rowdy match goers.

Locals claimed they were disrupted by people urinating in their garden, fighting, vomiting and making noise. Some described how the issues prevented them from leaving their home for hours at a time, as they also faced blocked roads and heavily overcrowded streets.

Locals urged the council to prioritise residents' wellbeing over the RFU's commercial interests.

One objector wrote: "On event days, we are effectively trapped in our homes, unable to enjoy our gardens due to noise, unpleasant smells, and antisocial behaviour. We regularly deal with public drunkenness, urination in gardens, vomit and litter on the streets, as well as overcrowded roads.

"Commuting becomes extremely difficult, trains are overwhelmed, and traffic is not managed properly through Twickenham, leading to gridlock and unsafe conditions. The proposal [for 15 major non-sporting events], particularly during the week, would greatly increase this disruption. These weekday events would further strain already overcrowded evening trains and make commuting nearly impossible for residents trying to return home from work.

"This has real consequences for people's ability to maintain their livelihoods and daily routines. Extending these problems across more days of the year is simply unsustainable for those of us who live here year-round."

Another local said approving the proposals would mean "a large part of Twickenham will be closed to normal life". He argued the plans would "dramatically change the nature" of the stadium for commercial purposes at the expense of residents' quality of life.

He wrote: "Getting to and from the stadium through the station on match days is a very trying, almost dangerous, experience which is bound to worsen if the applicant's plans are approved.

"For public safety reasons most residents are forced to avoid using the station for large parts of event days, preventing normal social intercourse for families and children – yet another restriction on their way of life."

Another objector described the plans as "outrageous and just a money spinner for the RFU". He commented: "We already face dangerous overcrowding, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour at rugby events. We have to speak to people trying to use our drive as a public toilet.

"Our grandson fractured his leg and we were unable to get an ambulance to our street. The only person to attend was just a first aider without the relevant equipment. We are effectively barricaded into our home for at least 4 [or] 5 hours. My partner is now partially disabled and trying to get out of our house [or] street on match days is impossible for her on her own."

The venue, previously known as Twickenham Stadium, has been the home of England Rugby since 1909. It was renamed under a sponsorship deal with insurance company Allianz in September 2024.

The RFU has said it will invest in stewarding, security, transport and facilities to reduce the impact of events on residents.

It plans to offer locals greater access to the stadium, increasing tickets available to neighbours from 250 to 1,000, continue to run its dedicated event day helpline and create a community improvement fund to support local projects, community groups and infrastructure.

More than 300 people also went to the RFU's in-person consultation sessions on the plans, while more than 680 people filled out its survey. It said it will continue to engage with residents as it moves forward with the proposals.

An RFU spokesperson said: "As the national governing body for rugby union in England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) reinvests all profits into the game – supporting its growth at every level, from grassroots rugby through to the men's and women's national teams.

"Like many organisations, we face financial pressures, which in turn affect our ability to invest in the future of the game. That's why we've developed a long-term vision to enhance the stadium as a world-class venue for both sport and live entertainment – helping to generate new income while delivering benefits for the local community.

"As part of this, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames will shortly consider a premises licence application which seeks to simplify and modernise the current licence, ensuring it is fit for purpose in the years ahead.

"This application does not however seek to increase the number of major non-sporting events, such as concerts, that can take place at Allianz Stadium, which will remain capped at three per year.

"Matters such as how many events can take place in the stadium bowl, when they can be held, and how many people can attend, will all be considered separately as part of the formal planning process, discussions around which we expect to continue into 2026.

"We're grateful to everyone who has taken part in our consultation so far and look forward to continuing the conversations around planning in the months ahead."