Menu

Heath Charnock facility set to get new pavilion which will ensure return of football

Posted on - 24th October, 2024 - 8:00am | Author - | Posted in - Chorley News, Redevelopment, Sport
New pavillion, Gillet Playing Fields
New pavillion, Gillet Playing Fields

A run-down sports facility in Chorley is set to get a new pavilion which will mean football can once again be played on the site.

The Gillet Playing Fields in Heath Charnock were previously used for junior matches, but the ageing, substandard changing rooms have prevented games being played there for several years.

Chorley Council, which owns the plot – on Weavers Brow – is now poised to revamp the sporting offering at the location.

Read more: Deepdale phone box used for dealing, defecation and indecent behaviour won’t be removed

The authority’s own independent planning committee has given the go-ahead to the demolition of the existing changing area and a disused garage, along with the removal of one of two shipping containers currently standing on the site..

The new single-storey pavilion to be built in their place – in the south western corner of the green space – will include new changing rooms, showers and toilets, a kitchen, social area, scorer’s room and separate facilities for match officials. The car park will be resurfaced and the current shower block turned into a maintenance store.

Gillet Playing Fields
Gillet Playing Fields

A report presented to the committee described the existing set-up as being in “a poor state of repair” and “not complying with modern standards for pavilion buildings”.

The changes will not affect the cricket ground on the site, which is leased to Chorley Cricket Club who use it for third team and junior matches.

Committee member Cllr Michelle Beach said the facilities needed “updating [and] modernising” – and added that the blueprint appeared to be an “excellent” proposal.

The greenbelt status of the land meant the scheme had to demonstrate “very special circumstances” in order for the development to be permitted.  Principal council planning officer Iain Crossland said the cumulative benefits of the project were considered to meet that test.

In its capacity as the applicant behind the plans, the council had argued that the pavilion would have a “relative[ly] limited impact on greenbelt openness due to the modest scale of development” and would bring “wider community benefit”, Mr. Crossland said.

The meeting heard that the playing fields themselves would be unaffected by the new building – and the committee approved the proposal unanimously.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Share
Preston in pictures St Walburges ChurchPreston - Lancastria House 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - Shelley Assurance Building 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - Central Methodist Church 240817Preston - The Tithebarn PH 240817Preston - The Market Tavern PH 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II*] - Bull & Royal Hotel 240817Street View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails