A decision is set to be made on plans submitted by Oldham Athletic to develop a 3G sports pitch on the area known as Little Wembley, near Boundary Park.
Plans were originally submitted in August by the Latics to replace the existing grass pitch with a new AstroTurf one, along with changing rooms, which would look to benefit the wider community.
Now, the council’s planning committee will decide on the plans when they meet on Wednesday (December 20).
As well as being used by the club, the facility would be available as a community resource, with sporting facilities to enhance first team, academy and recreational sporting use.
The project would see the commissioning of a single-storey building to accommodate changing rooms, along with a classroom/office space, toilets and refreshments area.
The site would also see eight column sports lights and cycle parking spaces installed.
The land was purchased in March last year by the Rothwell family as part of them buying back Boundary Park and some of the surrounding area.
The Oldham Times: Little Wembley sits next to Boundary Park
Oldham Athletic previously said in a statement: “As a club, we are passionate about using the many benefits of sport to improve the lives of local people and we are delighted that this high-quality first team facility will be able to be shared by the community.”
According to an application report, the pitch would measure 106m by 70m and would be available to use between 9am and 9pm each day, except for Saturdays when it would be open between 8am and 6pm.
The Oldham Times: How Little Wembley could look
Martyn Leigh, a nearby resident commented on the application saying the area has restrictive covenants, meaning there are agreements between landowners to not carry out certain developments on the land.
He said that if the club were to develop on the land, it would be unlawful, however, in the application report, it says restrictive covenants “do not constitute material planning considerations” and that it is up to the owner to ensure any works are in accordance with the covenants, with the council unable to enforce them.
The plans have been recommended for approval by planning case officer Graham Dickman, who said the new pitch would provide “significant benefits”.
