Plans put forward for new £1.7m sports pitch in Telford

The new 3G pitch would be sited on playing fields near the Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre in Madeley.

The scheme would also provide dedicated parking and an extension to the Ski Centre offering new changing rooms.

The plans are moving forward after Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet agreed to provide £427,000 of funding for the scheme during a meeting at Addenbrooke House in May.

The rest of the funding will be coming through the capital programme.

The entire scheme will see the ski centre turned into an all-round leisure facility, which the council hopes will improve facilities in south Telford. The proposal has been designed tomeet the relevant Sport England recommendations.

It is hoped the scheme will see around 42,000 admissions of adults and juniors.

A design and access statement, submitted with the plans, said: "The aim of this proposal is to improve the quality and availability of sports facilities in the borough and in particular the ward of Sutton Hill and Madeley where a specific need has been identified."

The statement says that residents have already been consulted on the scheme. Invites were sent to 60 residents along Court Street and Coronation Crescent to a public consultation meeting held at the ski lodge on February 15.

A total of 17 written responses were received. Most were in favour of the development with some concerns raised regarding the increase in vehicle movements along Court Street and the effects on the amenity of adjacent properties, which have been addressed in the plans.

"The proposal is to replace two football pitches which are in average condition and of limited use with an all-weather playing surface and to provide new changing rooms to accommodate the players of the sports of football and hockey.

The investment is expected increase the year-round use of the playing fields which are to remain protected under the council’s Green Guarantee.

The target date for completion would be April 2018, which would coincide with, and be part of, the legacy of the celebrations of Telford’s 50 th birthday. If approved, the proposed facility would replace the former Madeley Court artificial turf pitch.

The new 3G pitch and changing rooms which are designed to meet the latest Sport England technical guidance would also enhance the amenities in the vicinity of the Nuplace development at Miners’ Walk in Madeley as well as raising the profile of the Ski Centre site.

It is intended that the pitch will be available for use by schools, sports clubs, local groups and individuals from 9am to 10.15pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 8.15pm on Saturdays and Sundays.