CONTROVERSIAL expansion plans have been withdrawn by Stockton Town Football Club.
The club submitted new plans to develop an artificial turf pitch with floodlighting and pathways at its base on Stockton’s Bishopton Road West.
A second application sought permission to relocate the club’s main natural turf pitch with floodlighting, prefabricated stand and other facilities.
But the plans were met with scores of objections from residents on the neighbouring Bramley Green estate.
One of those residents, Stephen Pitchers, raised concerns over parking, road congestion and noise issues as well as the hours of opening and “the
removal of any existing trees and shrubs to accommodate this development”.
Another resident, Suzie Taylor, said: “We do not want or need noise from football matches, extra traffic, people parking on the estate on match days
and devaluation of our properties. “This is a lovely peaceful estate surrounded by green fields and trees - why spoilt it?”
Others supported the application, including Owen Clark who said: “This will provide a great resource for residents, particularly young people, in the
area and beyond.
“The progress the club is making is to be applauded and this development will only improve things further.
“As a resident who lives close to the club, I believe they are a huge asset to the local community and these proposals will guarantee its future for the long-term.”
Despite the withdrawal of the two new applications the club still has permission in place - granted by Stockton Council’s planning committee last
year - for its original expansion plans.
The club was given the green light in June to erect a 200-seat stand, floodlighting, artificial turf pitch, pay booth, changing facilities and toilet and
refreshment areas.
As reported at the time the £700,000 scheme was the latest improvement at the expanding club, which moved to its current premises in 2008.
The club, which currently sits top of the Wearside Football League, was unavailable for comment.
But a letter sent to Stockton Council by club chairman Martin Hillerby said: “After some long and detailed discussions with senior members of the
council it was agreed that the current circumstances we all now find ourselves in means that the only sensible decision would be to withdraw both current planning applications regarding Stockton Town Football Club.”
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