Plans to enhance a Merseyside football club's ground have been approved by Wirral Council. A new stand is set to be built at the home of Heswall FC, which was founded in 1891 and currently plays in the West Cheshire 1st Division at Gayton Park.
Approved plans include demolition and new structure
The approved application involves the demolition of an existing covered area to make way for a new 63-seat football stand. The stand will be formed from a converted shipping container, which a council report into the plans stated "is common at similar amateur football grounds".
The three-row stand, which is said to have already been delivered to the site, has been painted yellow and blue to match the club's colours. The council's report says the newly approved stand "is considered an improvement in design terms from the previous structure on site". In addition to being seen as less visually appealing, the report adds that the existing structure "is no longer fit for purpose".
Potential impact on spectators and residents
The report adds: "The site is already an established sports ground with spectator facilities and whilst the improvement to these facilities may encourage more spectators to attend games, it is not considered that the provision of a 63-seat stand would result in significant harm to the amenities of nearby residents given the established nature of the site, and distance from properties."
When the plans were submitted to the council, it was claimed: "The proposed structure will provide a safe, durable, and visually coherent facility for spectators, significantly improving the usability and appearance of the site." It also states: "The development represents a clear enhancement over the existing arrangement, which is temporary in nature, visually poor, and not fit for long-term use."
