A COUNCIL has submitted controversial proposals to build a £2million sports hub on open land for approval by the national body responsible for playing fields.

Opponents of the scheme will formally object to the plans drawn up by the Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT).

In December Hyndburn Council gave the sports hub planning permission but now it requires approval by the Fields in Trust, formerly the National Playing Fields Association, which ensures public sites for sports and recreation are preserved for local communities. It has powers to block or amend schemes.

Now Hyndburn Council has submitted its application and the borough’s leader Miles Parkinson is hopeful of approval when it meets later this summer.

The scheme would feature a new multi-use community building, fencing and lighting, a 75 space car park, and the creation of 3G pitches.

These include a full size floodlit artificial football pitch, three renovated grass pitches, a new ECB approved artificial cricket wicket. 

But local residents, who want to keep the site as open green space, set up the ‘Save Highams Playing Fields’ group chaired by Milnshaw UKIP councillor Malcolm Pritchard who has raised a 2,500 signature online petition opposing the project.

The application submitted to the Fields in Trust seeks its views on the scheme.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “This is a wonderful development for the borough. 

“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.

“It will be open for all to use, suitable for all age groups and a great bonus for future generations. We are confident it will be approved with at most minor changes.”

Cllr Pritchard said: “The ‘Save Highams Playing Fields’ campaign has formally objected to the proposal and we doubt it will be approved in its current form. We would like Fields in Trust to reject it.”

Martin Fearon, chief executive of ASCT 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. 

“We’re really looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Fields in Trust and creating a fantastic facility for the Hyndburn community to enjoy.”

The process can take up to 6 months and a decision is likely during the summer months of 2018.