Football club makes changes to plans for new multi-million-pound home |
Gorleston FC is seeking planning permission from Great Yarmouth Borough Council to build a new stadium and associated facilities at its original home, the Recreation Ground on Church Lane.
This includes a 3G first-team pitch, three upgraded grass pitches, a community café in a clubhouse, spectator stand and parking.
Architects Chaplin Farrant, who designed the Nest for Norwich City’s Community Sports Foundation, have drawn up the plans with the club.
The proposed development. Image: Chaplin Farrant (Image: Chaplin Farrant)
Graham Hacon, the club's vice chairman, said it had listened to feedback from neighbours and supporters, with measures already taken to address concerns about parking, green space, habitats, floodlights, noise and public access.
The council agreed a 75-year lease on the site earlier this month, allowing the club’s 32 teams, 700 players and volunteers to build its future at the site.
The club first played there in 1889, but left in 1982.
Mr Hacon said: “First and foremost, the club’s intention is to be a good neighbour and continue its valuable role within the community."
With a requirement in the lease ensuring that the public can use the ground, the club said 27pc of the site will be enclosed - with the rest remaining open to locals.
Amid concerns about parking, the club said 75 to 100 car spaces and two coach spaces would be provided.
Mr Hacon added: “The club is communicating with all users of the Recreation Ground to tell them to park responsibly and considerately with residents in mind.
Graham Hacon, Gorleston FC's vice-chairman. Image: Gorleston FC (Image: Gorleston FC)
“We have also decided not to remove any trees and adapted our plans to retain all existing trees.
“We will be carrying out a lot of planting on site and have also adapted the positioning of floodlights to negate any light spill on adjoining properties.”
Noise reduction boards would clad the site to allay concerns, and the number of rubbish and dog bins on site is being increased.
Mr Hacon said: “Because we will be responsible for the ground maintenance and ongoing maintenance of the entire site, except the skate park, playground and the multi-use games area, we will bring up the overall condition of the entire site.”
Addressing concerns about intrusive security cameras, he added: “There will be additional security cameras but none will overlook adjoining properties.
"Cameras will be placed for the security of the ground but will also provide better security and visibility over the overall site."
'A facility for everyone'
The club said work by Norfolk County Council Highways to create new cycle ways and pedestrian areas in the Church Lane area would encourage alternative travel plans.
Gorleston’s first team has been playing at Great Yarmouth FC’s Wellesley while it has had no permanent ground - and Mr Hacon said this is not sustainable as it threatens the survival of one of Norfolk’s most successful and well-supported clubs.
“This is about creating something special for Gorleston and its people, with year-round community use, youth development, education and health initiatives, while supporting grassroots football," Mr Hacon said.
“We have said from the start that building a permanent home after being ‘homeless’ for years after leaving Emerald Park is about more than football.
“Gorleston Recreation Ground is a facility for everyone in Gorleston – not just the people living close to it and not for any one user – and will remain open for use of the people living across Gorleston to enjoy as they do today."