Friday, July 08, 2011

Plans in for £3.5m FC United ground

 Source: Place North West

 FC United of Manchester submitted a planning application on Friday for its new 5,000-capacity community stadium in Moston.

The application was submitted after the club's drop-in sessions in the area found a mixture of support for the development, designed by Taylor Young, together with some concerns over parking in particular.

"There has been some opposition to the proposal from residents, mostly regarding parking and noise," said Andy Walsh, FC United's general manager.

"But we have worked hard to address these concerns in our plans and if we get permission to build we will prove to residents that we are determined to be good neighbours.

"For example, our submission includes proposals on a sustainable travel plan, including park and ride and park and walk schemes.

"We have also found a lot of support for the development among Moston residents who would welcome the additional community amenities our development would bring."

The club is continuing to work with Moston Juniors FC - the current leaseholder on the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields site - about how the two organisations would work together and develop the facilities, if permission is granted.

There will now be a formal consultation period with residents about the proposal before Manchester City Council's planning committee considers the application - likely to be at its September meeting. FC United is also working with the Charities Commission to apply for permission to use part of the site that is covered by a charitable covenant.

The club has already run six drop-in sessions across Moston to explain the plans to residents and answer their questions. The club has also delivered a series of leaflets to more than 10,000 homes in the area to explain the community benefits its stadium would bring.

FC United's proposals for the development include a 5,000 capacity stadium, community changing facilities and classroom, a function space open for public bookings, three additional community pitches and landscaped public areas.