Sports hub aims to jump final hurdle
FINAL approval is being sought for the £2.5 million sports hub in Accrington.
Hyndburn council has sent a request to the Fields in Trust charity for consent for the Accrington Stanley Community Trust scheme.
The council’s planning committee approved the controversial sports hub complex, including a 3G football pitch and pavilion built on Higham’s playing fields, in December 2017.
The plans had received 97 letters of support during a public consultation as well as 71 formal objections and a petition of more than 2,000 signatures.
Trust bosses are confident of earning the consent, which can take up to six months.
Martin Fearon, Trust CEO, said: “We consulted with Fields in Trust back in March 2017 to share our ideas and to ensure it was something that fits in with their criteria and we’ve continued to communicate with them over the last 12 months.”
Fields in Trust has a legal arrangement with the landowners of 2,700 protected playing field sites, including Higham’s, to ensure that the purpose of the sites remains for sports and recreation.
Spokesman Richard McKeever said: “Once the final application is received our trustees will consider whether it fits our criteria.”
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said: “We’re very pleased to be making this proposal to Fields in Trust, as the enhanced provision of sports and changing facilities at Highams will be a great facility for everyone.”
A ‘Save Highams Playing Fields’ campaign spokesperson said: “We will be sending in all our paperwork to object to the proposal and [show] how the Save Highams committee and supporters aim to look after the playing fields in the future, which will include the full involvement of the community.”
Trust bosses have also expressed their gratitude after a £10,000 donation from the WHAM group of companies, headed by Stanley owner Andy Holt, to help develop the hub. They still need to raise £1m from businesses, private individuals and fundraising activities in order to fund the £2.5m overall cost.