ACCRINGTON Stanley Community Trust's controversial plans to build a £2million 'community hub' have been given the green light.

Hyndburn Council’s planning committee approved the application for Higham Playing Fields which will see a new multi-use community building built alongside sports facilities.

These include a full size floodlit artificial football pitch, three renovated grass pitches, a new ECB approved artificial cricket wicket and a 75 space car park added to the site.

Martin Fearon, chief executive of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said: ‘‘We are delighted with the decision that has been made by the planning committee.

"We have been carefully designing the plans over the past few months to ensure we had the best possible facility to present to the Hyndburn community.

"The sports hub sees a great mix of facilities for all sectors of the general public to enjoy.

"We believe that grassroots sport needs more investment and we are going to play a big part in this by providing this fantastic project for our community."

An online petition and a 'Save Highams Playing Fields' group was set up earlier this year against the plans.

A spokesman for the group said: "As expected the council have granted permission subject to conditions in officers report.

"Everyone spoke very well and brought up some very valid points and requests."