Neville’s plans facing a red card over green belt
A CAMPAIGN has been launched against plans by Gary Neville’s new sports university to build training pitches on green belt land in Stretford.
Proposals under consideration by Trafford council’s planning department would see a chunk of Turn Moss, on the border of Chorlton, turned into a facility for the Neville-backed UA92 university and Salford City FC.
The council – which is involved in funding the project – and the former United ace say it would bring flooded land back into use, while giving the public a new cafe, playground and changing room, as well as community fitness sessions.
It would also add a new 3G pitch for general community use.
However, hundreds of local residents have objected to the move, warning it will effectively hand over protected open space to the private sector, while harming wildlife and disturbing residents of nearby retirement apartments.
The planning application for the site, which sits in Trafford but is also used by Manchester residents, proposes three new turf training pitches to the east of Turn Moss Lane, which would be used as training facilities for Salford City and UA92’s team.
That land is currently open to the public, although it is largely disused due to persistent flooding.
It is understood Trafford council would pay for the drainage to be fixed, as well as other improvements, before leasing the pitches back to Salford City over a 10-year period.
A new cafe, playground and public changing facility would sit at the end of Turn Moss Road, the main access route, which would also be upgraded, while a new 3G community pitch would sit to its west. But Nixon Tod, spokesman for Friends of Turn Moss, said there was ‘disquiet’ within the local community over the proposals.
“Maybe what’s most worrying is that it’s green belt land that’s part of a flood plain,” he said.
Hundreds of people have so far joined a campaign on Facebook against the plans.
But Neville said: “I’m passionate about collaborating with Trafford council to deliver excellent resources at Turn Moss that will be of great benefit for the local community.
“Salford City FC’s community team will engage with local people to get them enjoying playing football, along with other sports that can help improve their health and wellbeing.”
Sean Anstee, leader of the council, pointed to ‘the fantastic facilities’ the scheme would bring to Turn Moss ‘that can be enjoyed by everyone in the local community.’