PLANS for a 4G all-weather sports pitch on the site of a former bowling green at Culcheth Sports Club have been thrown out by Warrington planning chiefs.
Planners ruled that the benefits of the proposed all-weather pitch would not outweigh the loss of the former bowling green.
They said no strategic need had been demonstrated, it would not be sustainable development and insufficient information had been provide the scheme could satisfactorily cater for potential parking demand. The scheme also involved proposals for a 5m high-security fence enclosing the pitch.
Sport England also opposed the proposal because of the loss of the bowling green, the loss of other bowling greens in the area, the lack of need for the proposed pitch and the fact that the scale and design of the pitch would not conform with Football Foundation guidelines.
A petition supporting the scheme was received, but there were 14 letters of objection raising fears of noise, light pollution, insufficient parking, the proximity of homes, and the potential for alternative sites to be used.
Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council did not object but raised a number of queries regarding the proposed hours of operation and floodlights, as well as the purpose of the proposals.
A number of objectors said there was no need for the scheme as pitches were already available at Culcheth High School
