Weaverham High School gets green light for new sports pitch

Cheshire West and Chester Council planning officers have approved an application from Weaverham High School for a new all-weather sports facility complete with floodlights, hardstandings and fencing.

This comes despite objections from neighbours, with a report outlining the decision noting 57 different concerns from noise to light pollution, traffic and anti-social behaviour.

However, it is believed the amendments which have been made to the proposals should address these issues.

The report, by case officer Paul Friston, reads: “It is considered that the proposal represents a significant improvement in the quality and recreation facilities within the area.

“Consideration has been given to the various environmental issues and concerns raised in representations, and the scheme has been subject to amendment to address various concerns.

“It is considered that subject to conditions the proposal would not result in an unacceptable impact with regards to visual or residential amenity, highways, protected habitats or protected species.

“Any residual harm or impacts in relation to the environmental concerns, including impacts on residential amenity and loss of hedgerow or trees would be clearly outweighed by the public benefits in this case.”

Weaverham High School (Image: Google Maps)

Speaking before the application was approved on December 21, head teacher Clare Morgan said she feels the facility will be of a benefit for the whole community.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to provide both a school and community a world class facility, funded partly by the school and by the FA,” she said.

"This will benefit thousands of children and young people and is very much in line with Government policy. It is an opportunity not to be missed which will benefit children and young people for years to come."

It is understood the new 3G pitch will be built on an area currently 'unplayable for the majority of the year'.

The pitch will not only be used by the school, but also by clubs such as Witton Albion, Cuddington and Sandiway JFC, Weaverham YFC, and the Cheshire Autism Practical Support charity.

Despite the plans being revised following consultations, Weaverham Parish Council and Weaverham Civic Trust continued to oppose them.

“The current application is, basically, a re-submission of a withdrawn application with virtually no changes and most of the concerns expressed previously are not addressed in the new application,” read a comment submitted by the parish council.

“In particular there are a number of remaining concerns including concerns about light, noise, parking, drainage, biodiversity and the lack of a promised Good Neighbour Scheme.”

A spokesperson for the civic trust added: “The details submitted with the application are contradictory and lacking the necessary information to make an informed decision.

“There are concerns relating to floodlighting, noise, parking and antisocial behaviour.”

Weaverham High School has been contacted for a comment on the application’s approval.