Blackpool FC training ground plans pass first hurdle

The 69 acre site between Blackpool and Poulton is currently agricultural land located within the designated greenbelt, and contains two biological heritage sites.

However following submission of a screening opinion document, Blackpool and Wyre Councils which each have planning jurisdiction over the site, have jointly agreed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.

But further ecology reports should be submitted when the planning application is submitted, including habitat surveys and wildlife assessments.

The football club's proposals include eight full-size training pitches, a half-size indoor pitch, a smaller nine-a-side pitch, two smaller goalkeeper training spaces and an eco-friendly training centre with classrooms, medical areas, office space and a gym.

The training ground would be accessed from Steeton Road on the Grange Park housing estate, and stretch to the back of Baines School in Poulton.

Consultation events have revealed some residents were concerned about the loss of open space.

Documents say there are two Biological Heritage Sites (BHS) which are the Dinmore Avenue Swamp and Fields, and Poulton-le-Fylde Pond Cluster, with the presence of key species of snails and dragonflies at the latter location.

The development "would result in the loss of both BHS sites", with the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) warning "this loss would constitute significant harm to the natural environment."

A public right of way across the land would also have to be diverted if the development gets the go ahead.

Documents setting out a joint decision by both councils add: "This land is known as being popular with the community for dog walking and usefor connectivity to the wider community."

But the decision notice, issued on behalf of both councils, concludes that taking account of all the factors outlined "it is considered that the proposeddevelopment (by reason of its magnitude and spatial extent; nature, intensity and complexity of the impact) would not result in a significant environmental effect that would need to be subject of an EIA".

This is "subject to this being demonstrated by further ecology studies as set out above. "