Permission has been granted to build new sports facilities in Southport to celebrate a local club’s centenary.
The scheme at Holy Trinity Recreation Ground, at The Rookery Sports & Social Club, on Roe Lane in Southport would involve the demolition of the existing sports club before the construction of a new sports pavilion with four changing rooms, spectator facilities and lounge facilities.
The ambitious scheme offers “the best opportunity to secure the long-term future for the buildings and site at The Rookery” as it nears its 100th anniversary.
The land was left to a charity which is responsible for the care, maintenance and improvement of the 9-acre playing fields in 1925.
The gift was made by a local philanthropist for the recreational improvement of the local residents of the parish.
Today, the site supports three cricket clubs, a tennis club and one football – Southport Trinity AFC – which is Southport’s oldest amateur football club.
But the facilities – which include an old-fashioned communal bath – are outdated and need updating.
The clubhouse, which is over 65 years old and is used for social events, after match refreshments and fundraising activity, is also in need of modernisation.
A partial refurbishment of the lounge and bar refurbishment were completed in 2018, only for it to be severely damaged by a fire just three days after opening, which has led to “a severe reduction in revenue”.
In his report, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie wrote: “The site is for the provision of various sports, including cricket, football and tennis (amongst others) and is designated as open space within the Local Plan (LP).
“While the site is extensively used for various sports, it also acts as a hub for various groups to use for leisure and wellbeing activities. The Holy Trinity Recreation Ground Ltd is a registered charity which is responsible for the care, maintenance and ongoing improvements to the site.
“The existing clubhouse did undergo some restoration works in 2018 however the pavilion was partially destroyed by fire not long after. As it stands, the pavilion has now been condemned for health and safety reasons and temporary changing facilities have had to be provided in the car park.
“The use of the site (as a sports and community use facility) would not substantially change.
“Facilities could be provided to hold social occasions (birthdays, sports presentations/gatherings etc) however this is not substantially different from the arrangement at the site prior to the existing pavilion becoming damaged by fire. Issues of noise disturbance and any licensing activities/restrictions would be managed by actors outside of the planning regime.
“The function space is smaller than that which was used in the existing pavilion and is an incidental use to that of a sports pavilion.
“Representations have been raising concern about litter caused by users leaving water bottles that blow into neighbouring gardens and the ‘banging of football boots on residents walls/driveways’. Unfortunately, these are behavioural issues which lie outside of planning matters and concerns in this respect should be taken to the management of the sports ground.
“The proposal would see the replacement of the condemned existing pavilion with a similarly sized and located pavilion to an established sports club.
“The new pavilion would provide updated changing facilities which are fit-for-purpose and compliant with Sports England’s requirements in terms of sizing and safeguarding.
“It is noted that even where objections have been made, they are often caveated by their support in principle for the development in providing enhanced facilities at the site.
“The site is clearly a well loved community asset.
“The development as proposed would replace a similar facility which has become something of a millstone around the neck of the site.
“Comparatively, the development would not substantially alter the use of the site, however it would substantially improve the facilities available for its users and the wider community and this weighs significantly in its favour.”
The proposed football and cricket part of the site extends to an area of 33,956 sq m (3.39 Hectares) 8.3 acres and is laid out as sports pitches comprising two senior 11 a-side football, one 9 a-side, two 5-aside and one 7 a-side football pitches and two cricket squares.
There are currently three cricket clubs, one football club and a tennis club using the site.
The three cricket clubs consist of five senior, one ladies team, and three junior sides with around 100 playing members and 50 social members in total.
The football club has one senior and 20 junior sides with around 300 players, 50 officials, coaches and managers.
The tennis club has around 50 members.
In a planning application to Sefton Council, Richard Every Architect Ltd, on behalf of the club, said: “On 3rd April 2018 the clubhouse and changing rooms were partially destroyed by the fire only three days after the completion of the lounge and bar refurbishment.
“This has led to a severe reduction in revenue and the temporary requirement of two temporary changing rooms in the car park which reduces the parking to two accessible spaces.
“The absence of the lounge and bar for over four years has increased the pressures on the finances and increased the reliance upon short term donations.
“This is not sustainable in the long term and has a major impact upon the development of the sports currently on offer.
“The destruction caused by the fire provides an opportunity to redevelop the layout to today’s standards.”
The proposed works include demolition of the existing clubhouse and the construction of a modern facility with up-to-date changing rooms including provision for officials / accessible changing room and function room with bar facilities.
There would be four changing rooms built in accordance with Sport England’s Design Guidelines.
Richard Every Architect Ltd said: “This scheme offers a carefully crafted and the best opportunity to secure the long-term future for the buildings and site at The Rookery.
“The proposed works will ensure the longevity of the charity and clubs and provide sporting facilities for all.”
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