Plans for Stretford sports facilities submitted

Revised proposals for new sporting facilities at Stretford High School available for public access have been submitted to Trafford Council.

The council said a period of consultation was carried out with school pupils, staff and residents prior to plans being submitted.

The plans include two new sports pitches at Gorse Hill Park and a sports hall situated in the grounds of Stretford High School.

The pitches would use land which the school has used for football matches for many years.

One of the pitches proposed is a floodlit all weather pitch, whilst the other is a grass pitch both of which can be used for football.

The sports hall will include a dance studio, gym, a community room and courts for badminton, basketball and five-a-side football.

The facilities will be available for use by the school and the community will have access during the evenings and at weekends.

Trafford Council said more than 400 people got involved in the pre-planning consultation, with 96% stating their support for the proposals to improve the facilities available.

Following feedback, amendments were made to the plans, for example pathways were added around the pitches to give greater room for spectators to get involved in activities at the park. Further comments are now being invited before the final planning application is submitted.
Matt Colledge, leader of Trafford Council, said: "We have worked closely with the school and residents to develop a facility that will be of the greatest benefit for both pupils and the community. These plans incorporate the needs of all users and provide much improved facilities. They will now be considered by the council's planning officers and presented to the committee for a decision in the coming months."

James Haseldine, head teacher at Stretford High School, added: "We worked hard to ensure that the pre-planning consultation involved everybody – not only our staff and students but also the wider community. We wanted to ensure that we got the best outcome for everyone. The vast majority of people supported our proposals and, where issues were raised we made amendments to our plans to address these. We are looking forward to getting to the next stage and ultimately creating world class sports facilities for Stretford."