Retrospective planning permission for changes to the south stand at Accrington Stanley FC have been recommended for approval ahead of a planning meeting this Thursday.
The club was granted permission in October 2020 for various changes to the south stand, which included the seated fan areas and other club facilities.
Permission was sought to demolish the ancillary club facility buildings, whilst retaining the existing stand, to be replaced by a new single storey building.
This building would contain a replacement club shop, club offices, the manager’s office, player and officials changing and shower facilities, a repositioned tunnel, a new high level TV gantry, hospitality area, and a new supporters bar.
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Following the granting of this permission, development took place at the application but was found not to be in accordance with the approved plans.
Details on Hyndburn Council’s planning agenda said: “As originally granted, the supporters bar and hospitality lounge were proposed to be located within the western section of the building. Within the eastern section would be the club shop and office space.
“Then, accessed via a dedicated players entrance, would be players changing rooms, showering facilities, and a physio room. A new pitchside TV gantry was also proposed centrally within the stand.
“A building has now been completed at the site and contain a hospitality lounge (the 1986 Lounge) and supporters bar (Coley’s).
“Whilst the building’s footprint, scale, and external appearance is not dissimilar the development that was previously granted, the internal layout differs such that is represents a significant divergence from the previously approved scheme and cannot be considered to be an implementation of the planning permission already granted.
“The applicant is therefore applying for retrospective planning permission in order to regularise the existing unauthorised development at the site.
“The previously approved scheme included the requirement to implement the build in accordance with acoustic specifications to reduce noise breakout and ensure that noise would not impact on the nearest residential receptors.
“This included specification for external wall construction, installation of insulated cladding panels, and a ceiling void in the roof and the use of mechanical ventilation.
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“Unfortunately the roof of the building that has been constructed at the site, and which this planning application seeks consent for, fails to comply with these requirements.”
Five objections have been received from neighbouring properties, with concerns raised such as why a planning application has been submitted when work has been completed, disruption of sleep due to noise, light pollution in rear gardens, and devaluation of property, amongst others.
Lancashire County Council Highways did not raise any objections to the plans, alongside United Utilities, Altham Parish Council, HBC Environmental Health, and the Lead Local Flood Authority.
The recommendation is that planning permission is approved subject to certain conditions.
The planning meeting takes place today (Wednesday, January 17) at 3pm. The full plans can be viewed on Hyndburn Council's planning website.
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