Southport and Birkdale Sports Club hopes to bowl over planners next week with their vision of an improved clubhouse.
S&B enjoys hosting a thriving sports scene with a series of local sports teams, and has also sometimes hosted Lancashire County Cricket fixtures too.
Now they’re hoping to improve their offering still through the creation of a part two-storey, part first-floor extension to the main pavilion building.
This would provide for a first-floor bar area with 64 covers along with a first-floor bar and terrace with a further 30 covers, offering beautiful views across the cricket pitch outside.
The ground floor extension would provide for a new accessible entrance to the club facing the car park on Trafalgar Road, along with a lift and an accessible toilet.
The plans will be decided by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (4th June 2025) with Planning officers advising councillors to give their backing to the new investment.
In a report, they said: “It is considered that the proposal is an appropriate use for the site, will be a positive addition to the character of the area, will not cause unacceptable impacts on neighbouring living conditions nor cause unacceptable impacts on highway safety and amenity.
“In considering the development the provision of a fully accessible access would be considered to be necessary to support the continuing use of the site as it would allow all members and visitors of differing abilities to access toilets, meeting rooms, refreshments etc.
“The introduction of a first-floor bar and external terrace, which would be served by a lift and have an accessible toilet, would improve the facilities available to members, visitors and visiting sports teams (such as Lancashire County Cricket Club).
“The improved facilities may then add to the viability of the club as a whole thereby supporting its continued operation and positive contribution to the community of this long-standing use.
“Taken in the round it is therefore considered that the proposed facilities are “necessary” for the use of the site due to the reasons given.”
The plans were drawn up and submitted to Sefton Council by The Friday Project (TFP).
In their submission they said: “The application for planning approval (includes) alterations to the entrance area, including a double storey extension and first floor extension over part of the ground floor. The double storey extension primarily provides vertical access to the new first floor extension.
“The new entrance lobby will provide level access into the club by way of a platform lift. This arrangement means that the existing ramp, which is uncompliant, can be removed.
“The new first floor extension will provide a new bar refreshment facilities, customer seating and a covered balcony overlooking the cricket field, to be enjoyed by club members.
“The proposal also provides additional toilet facilities, including a DDA cubicle and a meeting room.
“Southport & Birkdale Sports Club (S&BSC ) offers an inclusive, friendly and adaptive service that is responsive to the needs of members and as a result the club wishes to expand their offer by improving the access into the building and developing a first floor of this part of the building.
“S&BSC intend to fully comply with current regulations and good practice. S&BSC wish to make the new facilities as accessible as possible in all areas, in line with local planning policy.
“In terms of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club’s ongoing management obligations under the DDA, the company intends to undertake regular staff training in order to ensure a continued accessible service.
“The development of the ground and first floors of this particular section of the building will benefit the overall use of the building and bring it in line with current standards, ensuring the longevity of the building’s life.
“The use of the upper floors of this part of the building, as a members bar with wc facilities, create a comprehensive facility appealing to all members of the club.
“The proposed interventions aim to provide an outstanding sports facility for members, visitors and supporters.
“The creation of a new first floor over a section of the building will also provide a balcony for use by members and will provide home and away teams an unrivalled facility from which to appreciate the sports calendar.
“The extension to the ground floor equates to 35 sqm and the first floor extension provides an additional 196 sqm of floor space.
“Southport & Birkdale Sports Club sits at the heart of a family orientated neighbourhood and is a much used and loved facility of the area for sports fans and spectators.
“The venue has overcome the changes of the years, stood the test of time and still remains one of the areas prominent and well loved, social establishments.
“The existing ground floor entrance area and approach, in their current state are consequently not contributing to the economy. The entrance is unwelcoming and can barely be seen from the road.
“Improving the visibility of the main entrance with a new double storey extension and signage will provide a focal point for visitors to approach the building.
“This proposal will see the ground and first floors of this section of the premises, renovated, brought into line with current standards and fitted out to provide a high standard of accommodation.
“The development of the ground floor part of the building to provide compliant access into and around this new section of building and the new first floor extension operating as a café bar, will generate much needed jobs for the area and draw people to the neighbourhood.
“The objective is to provide an enhanced facility for dedicated sports orientated families, friends and individuals to visit the Sports Club for sports and social events.
“The café bar will offer a good value and distinctive food and beverage operation, supported by the club’s main kitchen on the ground floor and it is anticipated that the new café bar will provide a unique and characterful facility in an attractive neighbourhood. The ability to get a hot drink and breakfast, whilst watching training sessions and games from the new first floor and balcony, is a facility that members will greatly appreciate.
“Guest and visitor parking is accommodated within the existing Sports Club car park. There are good public transport facilities serving the area.
“We believe the proposals will greatly benefit the sports club operation and greatly improve facilities for home and away teams, their families and supporters. The scheme will provide outstanding facilities and generate a modest income to help support the club house and grounds, ensuring the upkeep and longevity of the premises.”
The application has been called-in to be determined by Sefton’s Planning Committee by Councillor John Pugh.
Within the call-in template he has stated that he considers the application should be refused as the proposal is: – harmful to residential amenity – harmful to highway safety – harmful to ecology – harmful impact on quality of life of future occupants.
A petition with 49 signatures has been received that objects to the proposal but does not give reasons for the objection.
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