Plans to move forward on development of the Prestwich Heys Football Club on Sandgate Road have been approved.

As a ward Councillor I was at a site visit with many local residents who raised many important concerns about the proposal. My councillor colleague Cllr Vic D’Albert represented residents at the meeting later that evening.

Here’s Vic’s report from the meeting:

“Bury Council’s Planning Control Committee last night approved controversial plans to re-develope the Sandgate Road Football Ground. The plans for new buildings, fencing, extended car park and floodlighting were passed by 6 votes to 3 and followed a visit to the site by the Committee earlier in the day. Ward Councillor Vic D’Albert commenting on the decision said, “I am pleased for the club but very dissapointed for residents, some of whom are very distressed about this result. I think the club has to learn lessons about working with their neighbours and would reiterate my belief that this successful club is fast out growing their Sandgate Road home and in considering future developments start to look at a more suitable location.

Earlier Vic addressed the committee and said:

 “First of all I would like to say that I am not opposed to Prestwich Heys and I hope that they continue to thrive and prosper both on and off the pitch.However just I am not opposed to The Heys, I also feel that the applications before the Committee tonight should be divorced from any emotions about enabling the club to develop and ultimately to compete in higher leagues.Just as the committee would approach the request for development of a residential property would not take into consideration the growth of the family living there the committee I feel should not be looking to accommodate the growth of Prestwich Heys. That issue should not be a contributing factor.The key issue generating most opposition to this application is with regard to the proposal for a set of 6 floodlights on 15 meter stanchions….15 meters is about 50 feet. When I tell you that an ordinary residential property is about 30 feet – I think it puts this issue into perspective.  Those affected have a right to live their own lives free from pollution of whatever kind. Without having their homes and gardens illuminated at inappropriate times and disturbing their lifestyles. I believe these proposals are a step too far. When Heys relocated to Sandgate road in 1991 this was a football pitch and St.Josephs Avenue was already built and occupied – they have developed into a reasonably successful club and now have a football ground. I would argue that the plans before you tonight for fencing extended car park provision and floodlighting take the club a step nearer having a football stadium and therefore these plans amount to an over-development of the site.I think its time the club were more open in sharing its visions with the local community and also considered its long term future.I feel the time is fast approaching when Heys should consider as part of those ambitions finding a more suitable location to enable them to grow and achieve at a greater level.One thing is sure and that its not for the local community to accept Heys development at cost to their own quality of life. Its not for St.Josephs Avenueto accomadate the ambitions of Prestwich Heys – especially as they were there firstIt could be argued tonight that rejection of these plans would make Prestwich Heys a victim of their own success. That may or may not be the case. In any event what is clear to me is that the residents living adjacent to this ground should not be the victims of their success. I therefore, with much regret , but as a matter of fairness, request that these applications are rejected.”