The Rugby Football Union (RFU) wants to hold up to 15 non-sporting event days a year at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, but residents are campaigning against the plans.
The planning application, submitted to Richmond Council in June, would lift the current limit of three events a year and allow a maximum of eight.
The increase would come in phases over three years, with no more than three events held outside May to September.
Concert capacity would also rise from 55,000 to 75,000.
It follows the council’s licensing committee rejecting an earlier RFU bid to lift the restrictions last October.
The council was due to decide on October 9 but has yet to issue a decision and, if the plans are approved, the RFU would still need additional licensing approval.
But a resident-led petition against the proposals, run by Twickenham resident Amanda Bail, has now received over 4,000 signatures.
The petition says residents accept the benefits major events can bring, but argues they cannot come at the cost of local people’s safety and daily life.
An RFU spokesperson said: “The proposals submitted to Richmond Council would bring more world-class artists and entertainment to Twickenham, generate up to nearly £30million a year in additional local spending, support thousands of jobs and contribute to Richmond’s Growth Plan by strengthening the borough’s economy and cultural offer.
“They would also generate vital additional income to reinvest in the Allianz Stadium and rugby, helping to fund stadium improvements and secure the long-term future of the venue and the game.”
The petition states: “We are not opposed to the stadium or all events. We understand the cultural and economic benefits that major events can bring.
“However, these benefits cannot come at the cost of our community’s wellbeing, safety, and daily life.”
On transport, it states: “The transport system in Twickenham is already under significant strain.”
Among its demands, the petition says: “No midweek events unless and until significant new transport infrastructure is delivered.”
In May, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the extra income would underpin £500m of investment in rugby over the next five years.
The union says the stadium bowl is empty for as many as 340 days a year.
Ward councillors for Whitton, St Margarets and North Twickenham do not oppose more concerts but believe the plans do not do enough on transport and road closures, according to The Guardian.
The RFU says extra train services have been agreed for Twickenham station on event days, midweek concerts would have a lower capacity and a new facility fee on tickets would fund a Community Enhancement Fund for local residents.
The RFU spokesperson added: “Any increase in the number of events would take place through a careful, phased approach, with progression dependent on demonstrating to Richmond Council, South Western Railway, the Metropolitan Police and other local stakeholders that the impacts are being effectively managed.
“More than 200 local residents have already written to Richmond Council in support of the proposals, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the council, residents and other stakeholders throughout the planning process.”
Featured image credit: Adam Davy/PA
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