TWO new football pitches and up to 55 homes have been given the thumbs up on a stretch of overgrown Middlesbrough land. 

Efforts to put houses on unused sports fields at Acklam Iron and Steelworks social club have rumbled on for years.

But, after past refusals, Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee gave a fresh bid for 55 properties, an adult football pitch and a junior ground the green light at a meeting on Friday afternoon. 

Developers Peter Hall and Leon White had plans for 96 homes and 28 flats at the Grove Hill site knocked back in 2018 after Sport England said the loss of playing fields would be unacceptable.

Committee members heard Sport England still had concerns about pitches being “squeezed in” on the stretch near Park Road South. 

However, councillors wanted to see the overgrown fields put back into use this time around. 

Councillor David Coupe said the land hadn’t been used for a number of years. 

“It would be of benefit to have this allowed because it would give you two pitches you haven’t got at the moment,” he added.

Cllr Joan McTigue, member for Longlands and Beechwood, was delighted the plans were going ahead.

She added: “It has been an eyesore for quite some time.

“However, I would like to see us keep a strict eye on it to make sure the conditions are carried out.”

The stretch of land had already been allocated for 30 homes in Middlesbrough’s wider local plan blueprint.

Planning officer Andrew Glossop said the proposed pitch size met minimum FA standards.

“While it’s reasonably tight on the sides, it provides overrun areas,” he added.

“There would be a requirement for ball stop fencing as part of the scheme as we’d expect with any modern pitch.”

Permission has already been granted for a new clubhouse and car park at the club.

The committee was also told there was a planning requirement for the old clubhouse to be demolished. 

Cllr Carolyn Dodds recalled Marton Grove School using the land for its sports days. 

“I worked at the school for 20 years,” she added.

“I think it’s a shame it’s been left to get into the state it has today and I would like to see it used again.”

Members voted unanimously to grant outline planning permission.

The bid will be sent to the Secretary of State for a final decision given Sport England’s objection.