A COMMUNITY football ground could result from plans to revamp a derelict nightclub site.

After more than 10 years in the pipeline, a proposal to create housing on Great Harwood’s Wood Street site has been rubber stamped by a planning inspector.

One of the plan’s conditions is that developer Ian Jackson gives £400,000 for sporting recreation.

The cash is currently earmarked to transform Lyndon House Playing Fields into Great Harwood Rovers’ new ground.

The Wood Street site is the former home of Great Harwood Town which folded in 2006, following an arson attack in 2005 which left Monroes nightclub derelict.

The plan for 34 homes was last year refused by Hyndburn councillors concerned about losing potential playing field provision, however this reason has been overturned.

Planning Inspector Robert Watson said the derelict site was likely to remain unusable as public open space.

Chairman of Great Harwood Area Council, Coun Lynn Wilson said: “It’s fantastic because any blight that can be ticked off the list is a great thing.

“It should also prove to be very positive for Great Harwood Rovers if their plans can now go ahead.”

In his report, the planning inspector concludes the £400,000 is ‘likely’ to go to Rovers. Should Hyndburn Council approve this, match funding from the Football Foundation would create an £800,000 ‘community football ground’.

Plans for a new pavilion, changing rooms, kitchen and storage facilities also include a coach training suite and pitch improvements.

Currently youngsters and adults playing at the Lyndon House pitches have to get changed in their cars or on the pitchside.

Club secretary Andy Counsell said: “Sport England who are backing us, supported the plans, so we are in line for it.

“However the decision isn’t final yet.

“It would not only be for the sporting club though, the ground could also be used by any community group for local meetings, events or fetes.”