Blackpool plan for new elite training ground backed

The proposals include 10 outdoor pitches, an indoor pitch and a two-storey training building

Blackpool Football Club's plan to build an elite training ground and academy has been supported by members of the town's planning committee.

The committee supported a recommendation to approve the application for the facilities, which will be built on land accessed from Steeton Road, part of the Grange Park housing estate.

It was agreed to support the application and delegate final determination to the council’s head of development manager.

The scheme includes 10 outdoor pitches, an indoor pitch and a two-storey training building for use only by Blackpool FC’s first team and academy teams, and the facilities would not be open to the public.

Blackpool Football Club's plan to build an elite training ground and academy has been supported by members of the town's planning committee

It would replace the current Squires Gate Lane training ground which the Seasiders have used for more than 50 years, with owner Simon Sadler unveiling plans for a new academy in May 2022.

Several conditions were attached to the permission which still need to be finalised.

Committee member Fred Jackson said after the meeting: “There were some concerns among members of the committee about parking, but we felt if the conditions proposed were met then the recommendation should be supported.”

The decision follows approval of the same application by Wyre Council’s planning committee in April. The bulk of the site falls into Wyre’s planning jurisdiction.

Five objections from residents had been received by Blackpool Council with concerns including increased traffic, light pollution from floodlights, loss of natural habitats and noise disruption.

But in their report to the committee, planning officers said these issues could be resolved through proposals such as a traffic management plan.

No timeframe for the new training site was given.

However, the club's owner Simon Sadler told a recent fans forum the current priority was investment in the new east stand at the club’s Bloomfield Road stadium.