Blackpool FC training ground plans tipped to clear final hurdle

Subject to council approval, an 87-acre greenfield plot would be developed off Garstang Road between the town and Poulton-le-Fylde to serve a club with ambitions of reaching the Premier League.

The football club is looking to secure development consent from Blackpool Council when its application covering car parking at the site goes in front of the planning committee next week on Tuesday, 23 June.

Although the bulk of the development site falls within Wyre Council’s jurisdiction, a small part of it also comes under Blackpool Council’s authority meaning the football club has had to seek approval from both councils.

The Tangerines already secured permission from Wyre Council for the aspects of the proposed development under their control in April.

Wyre’s planning committee followed officer recommendations to greenlight facilities, including a two-storey building, indoor pitch, rooms for ground staff, and 10 outdoor pitches.

Blackpool will now consider the parking aspect of the scheme, which has been recommended for approval.

There are no adopted parking standards for this type of development but a transport assessment has found that peak demand for spaces at the planned car park would likely be below the 120 proposed, according to the officer’s report to the committee.

Blackpool’s highways authority has raised concerns that if the training ground is used more often, or the amount of car parking available proves insufficient, there would be overspill, so they have requested a car park management strategy as a condition of approval.

Other infrastructure covered by the project, which would be developed on a Green Belt site, includes floodlighting and footpaths.

Wyre’s approval was subject to a S106 legal agreement to secure financial contributions towards improving public rights of way.

The project team comprises AFL Architects and PWA includes Miller Goodall, Groundsure, AEC, and MJMC.

Also involved on the team are Miro Drainage, Milieu, Lexington, Hannan Associates, ERAP, Walker Sime, O’Neil and Partners, and Nationwide CDM.

The plans can be viewed by searching for reference number 23/00500/LMAJ on Wyre Council’s planning portal and application number 23/0429 on Blackpool Council’s planning portal.