A local sports club has been granted to create a new astroturf all weather pitch with lighting and convert the existing overflow area to create formal parking.
Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club can now go ahead and convert their existing grass playing pitch to an all weather pitch, for multi-sport use, at the site it leases off Styal Road.
The new pitch will be adjacent to the existing astroturf pitch, in the location of the lacrosse pitch.
The scheme includes the erection of eight 15m high floodlight posts and a 3m high fence enclosure to the pitch for security, to match the existing system used for the adjacent pitch, with high level fencing behind the goal areas.
Additionally plans includes the erection of a spectator stand for 75 people along the northern side of the pitch, to match the stand to the south of the existing astroturf, and the provision of 62 formal parking bays in the location of the current overflow parking overflow area.
The plans were approved by the Northern Planning Committee on Wednesday, 10th August, with one amendment to the planning conditions to reduce the evening limit on the use of flood lighting. The club had applied for this to be 10pm Monday to Friday but this was changed to 9pm to reduce the impact on the nearby cottages.
Councillor David Jefferay said "The committee was unanimous in its support for the application but there was debate on the impact on the nearby cottages in terms of lighting and noise. A condition that the planning officers had included requiring pads on the wooden boarding around the perimeter of the new pitch to absorb the impact of the ball was deemed adequate to mitigate the noise although there would still be the sound of voices. On lighting, a proposal was put forward that the hours that the floodlights can be used should be reduced from 10pm to 9pm.
"Some members of the committee, including me, voted against that proposal as they felt the restriction was unnecessary since the light assessment indicated minimal impact on the cottages. However, the committee voted for it and the application, with that amendment, was approved."
Becca Healey Chair of Wilmslow Hockey Club said "Our present astroturf pitch was laid in 2005 at which time the club had 6 Saturday teams - 3 mens and 3 ladies - today we have 13 Saturday teams - 5 mens, 5 ladies and 3 junior teams so there is constant pressure on pitch use.
"The second pitch will enable us to play all our home fixtures at our home ground and to further develop our junior development squads."
The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council planning portal by searching for planning reference 21/5730M.
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