PLANS for a major new housing development at Chichester's Portfield football ground ran into all-out opposition at a meeting of the district council's southern area development control committee.
Warnings were given of a massive impact on the local environment and severe traffic problems.
The committee was told the ground had been released by the council, which owns the land, for an 80-home scheme, following the merger of Chichester City
FC and Portfield FC.
After hearing local protests, and debating the issue, the committee finally voted to go and inspect the site before making a decision at a future meeting.
Planning applicationAn application for planning permission has been submitted by the council itself and the city FC.
The committee heard the preferred site for the merged club was the Oaklands Park ground, where improved facilities would meet FA requirements, allowing the club to aspire to a higher league.
A 184-signature petition said the Portfield site should remain a green open space and used for a variety of community purposes, including a junior sports pitch, children's play area, wildlife and allotments.
Objectors claimed a proposed new roundabout would cause even more local traffic congestion, and tree-felling would destroy a green entry to the city.
"Good site"Recommending approval, planning officer Peter Filtness said there was considerable local concern, but officers believed this was a good housing site, within the built-up area, and the development would not cause unacceptable harm.
City mayor Cllr Michael Woolley said the city council strongly objected to the application on three grounds – loss of a sports facility, the impact of traffic, and the density of the development.
County councillor Mike Hall urged the committee to refuse permission because of density of the scheme, loss of open green space and inappropriate and unacceptable access.
Westhampnett Road and Church Road Residents' Association claimed the proposals were far more detrimental than a previous application which was dismissed by the committee.
Green lungOne objector told the committee a green lung would be lost if the project went ahead – an environmental haven in an area bereft of such gems.
But developer Andrew Finnamore, agent for the applicants, said all issues raised by objectors had been looked at in detail.
The committee was told the district council had allocated £815,000 to provide a new clubhouse and improved ground at Oaklands Park.
Around £200,000 of this had already been spent, and construction was under way on upgrading the clubhouse and facilities.
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