Preston North End have been granted permission for a new training ground, up to 450 new houses and an open park to be built on Ingol Golf Course.

A meeting with Preston City Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday 10 August saw 7 councillors approve the request, as opposed to the 4 councillors who voted against the application.

The meeting, which took place at Preston Guild Hall, at 2.30pm, was attended by 140 members of the public who secured tickets for a seat at the event.

Related: Preston North End Ingol plans ‘due for approval’

This was the second application that PNE submitted to Preston City Council, after their original application back in June was rejected, and therefore featured slight amendments.

Three members of the public addressed the committee, including members of the Ingol Residents Association, and a representative of Preston North End, from PWA Planning.

The representative of PNE, from PWA Planning said: “I was born in Preston, I live in walking distance of the application site and I also support PNE.

“Over 100 acres, 60% of the total land area will be available to the residents of Preston as public open space, covering an area of twice the size of Avenham and Miller Parks combined.

“The balance of the land will create up to 450 family homes, including up to 135 affordable dwellings, which will help those highly in need in Preston.

“In response to the previous decision of the main site, the new application increases the amount of public open space and reduces the extent of housing.

“This is a landmark application for the city and its football club.”

Bruce Ellison, chairman of the Ingol Residents Association, gave a passionate argument stating that the councillors should defend the original Local Plan for the city and reject the application.

After the meeting, Bruce said: “I am extremely disappointed.

“I am also gobsmacked at PNE supporters who did not ask to speak at the meeting when they had the chance to.

“The decision has ignored the local planning policy.”

Alan Brookes, from Ingol Residents Association, said: “I am disappointed, naturally, but this is not the end of the process.

“We will be asking for the application to be called in to the secretary of state.

“Two months ago in the last application, the council made the right decision – This is a ferago.

“It highlights serious issues of status with the local plan.

“The council leader, and others, have been encouraged, which has led to the decision today.

“I would like to think that Preston City Council will consult the residents association and the residents of Ingol to decide what facilities will come from the funds – such as improvements to Tanterton Village Centre, or cricket pitches as there is a shortage.

“Either way, they must consult the local community as we were not guaranteed in the meeting that funds would be spent on the community.”

The planning application has now been granted for the new Preston North End training complex, housing scheme and open park, and as a result, work on this site can start immediately.

You can replay the whole planning committee meeting below.

https://www.facebook.com/blogpreston/videos/1629973980349172/

What do you think about the decision? Do you agree? Let us know your view in the comments below