Blackpool FC training ground tipped for green light

The Tangerines have plans for an 87-acre greenfield plot off Garstang Road between the town and Poulton-le-Fylde, fuelling Premier League ambitions.

If Wyre Council’s planning committee follows officer recommendations next week, the club will gain facilities that include a two-storey building, indoor pitch, a premises for ground staff, and 10 outdoor pitches.

Other infrastructure covered by the project, which is earmarked for a site classed as Green Belt, includes floodlighting, footpaths, 120 car park spaces, and the creation of a new access off Streeton Road.

The access aspect of the plans falls under Blackpool Council’s jurisdiction. It is noted in the Wyre Council officer report that Blackpool’s planning department will need to be satisfied a suitable access can be achieved.

Tackling the Green Belt issue, the planning officer recommendations draw on a Wyre Green Belt Study report compiled by the authority, which includes this plot of land.

This states the land “contributes significantly to preventing neighbouring towns merging”, but has no impact the setting and special character of the area.

The buildings to be used by grounds staff would be classed as appropriate outdoor sport facilities, and while the land is agricultural, it is not deemed to be countryside, according to the officer recommendations.

Views of the other structures on the site are deemed to be limited, and there will still be large areas of openness remaining.

Outlining the overall benefits of the proposed development, the officer report states: “These state of the art facilities would create the need for jobs given that there is a need to maintain, enhance and secure the facility as well as assist in the day to day activities of the club itself.

“In assessing the wider economic impacts of the facility one of the key aims of the new training ground is to enable the club to attract new talent, as well as retaining and enhancing its existing talent, to create a playing squad which is capable of delivering the club’s long-term ambition of reaching and maintaining a place in the Premier League.”

Approval would be subject to a S106 legal agreement to secure financial contributions towards improvements to public rights of way.

AFL Architects and PWA lead the project team which includes Miller Goodall, Groundsure, AEC, and MJMC.

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

The planning meeting takes place on April 3. The plans can be viewed by searching for reference number 23/00500/LMAJ on Wyre Council’s planning portal.