A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a £2million sports hub on open land has cleared its final hurdle.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust 's development on Higham Playing Fields in the town has been approved by the national body responsible for playing fields.

Consent was given by Fields in Trust despite strong local opposition including a 2,500 signature online petition opposing the project.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "This is great news for the borough."

The chair of the 'Save Highams Playing Fields’ group Cllr Malcolm Pritchard said the decision was 'disappointing' and vowed to fight on,

Fields in Trust, formerly the National Playing Fields Association, ensures public sites for sports and recreation are preserved for local communities and has powers to block or amend schemes.

It received the application for consent in March 2018 and it has now been assessed and approved subject to contracts being signed.

The scheme, given planning permission in December, features a new multi-use community building, fencing and lighting, a 75 space car park, and the creation of 3G pitches.

These include a full size floodlit artificial football pitch, three renovated grass pitches, a new ECB approved artificial cricket wicket.

Martin Fearon, chief executive of ASCT, said ‘’We are delighted to receive Fields in Trust’s approval.

"This is fantastic news for Hyndburn as we now have the go ahead to build the facility which will benefit thousands of local people.

"We are really looking forward to creating a fantastic facility for the Hyndburn community to enjoy."

Cllr Parkinson said: "This means the final hurdle has been cleared and work can start.

"It will be a fantastic sports facility for everybody to enjoy. This is a big investment for Hyndburn and we are all delighted to hear the good news from Fields in Trust’’.

Milnshaw ward's Cllr Pritchard said: "This is a very disappointing decision. We have fought hard to save these fields and we will be holding a meeting to consider our next action including the legal options."

Mr Fearon added: "The sports hub will play a big part in increasing participation in sport, reducing obesity levels and providing a top class facility for all members of our community."