Stanley Park to get new all-weather football pitch - despite concerns from residents

Plans to overhaul one of the all-weather sports pitches at Stanley Park have been approved, despite concerns from residents nearby.
The current surface, though often used for football matches, is technically a hockey pitch, documents revealedThe current surface, though often used for football matches, is technically a hockey pitch, documents revealed
The current surface, though often used for football matches, is technically a hockey pitch, documents revealed

A new surface with 3G artificial grass is to be laid now planning permission has been granted, and a new 4.5m high fence is set to be installed, plans revealed.

The 11v11 football pitch, which can also be used for smaller games, is expected to be used for up to 85 hours a week.

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A similar scheme was recently passed at Unity Academy, run by the Fylde Coast Academy Trust in North Shore. That complex will be built on the school’s playing field and was also objected to by neighbours.In a comment to the council, resident Mr J Topping, of West Park Drive, said he was concerned about noise coming from the pitch, and the impact on parking any increase in visitors would have.

Peggy Hulme, also of West Park Drive, said trees felled in the park have left the existing pitches in full view of neighbouring houses, and added: “Vandalism is rife throughout the park and at times – speaking from recent experience – spills onto adjoining roads and properties.”

Blackpool Council said work must have started within three years for planning permission to still be valid, and said fencing should be ‘leaf green’, with hard-surfacing done in black asphalt.