Council refuses own plan for 3G football pitch

Campaigners celebrate as plans for a 3G football pitch in Louth are refused

A council has unanimously rejected its own plans to build a 3G football pitch following a public outcry.

East Lindsey District Council's planning committee refused the authority's application to develop an artificial grass pitch on the Wood Lane playing field in Louth.

Dozens of campaigners with banners lined up outside the council offices ahead of a planning meeting on Thursday. One banner read: "Leave our field alone".

Louth town councillor Darren Hobson said the "overwhelming message" from residents was that they did not want the development, but added "this is the right facility, but it is certainly not the right location".

The Save Wood Lane group had raised concerns about the loss of green space and potential noise issues.

While the group were in support of new football facilities in the town, they said they did not want their "beloved playing field to get destroyed".

Council bosses had argued that the development would help meet the town's current and future footballing needs.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council had considered ways to address concerns, such as building an almost 10ft (3m) high acoustic barrier to minimise noise.

Formal complaints

Branding the plans next to the Meridian Leisure Centre as "outrageous", the group had threatened the council with legal action if the plans were approved.

More than 250 formal complaints were submitted on the council's planning portal.

District ward councillor George Horton had urged the committee to reject the scheme.

Fellow members were quick to agree, citing the loss of open space and concerns over crime and antisocial behaviour among the reasons for refusal.

James Timson, leader of the Save Wood Lane group, said: "The planning committee has recognised it as a valuable green open space, which is there for recreation and, of course, some forms of football matches and training.

"I don't think they'll apply to fence that field off again," he added.

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