Sponsored by
MUGA 'will go on controversial site'
Controversial plans to build a play area near a Chorley school are set to go ahead despite hundreds of complaints.
In recent weeks, a furious row has erupted in Astley Village over the siting of a planned multi-use games area (MUGA) for young people after plans were submitted to build it near Buckshaw Primary School, off Chancery Road.
Many villagers support the plans but say it should be built on land close to the rugby fields or Astley Park.
However, planners have now recommended approval for plans to build it near the school despite more than 80 letters of objection and three petitions signed by more than 330 local people.
Detractors say the scheme will be an 'eyesore', pose a public safety hazard with balls going over the fence into the road, and become a target for vandalism and public nuisance.
Supporters claim the central location of the development will make it more accessible and easier for police to monitor.
In a report to the council, planners said the site was not 'ideal' but urged chiefs to approve it.
It said: "Any recommendation for this proposal has to be a balanced judgement, particularly in view of the sharply divided public response.
"Many objectors have qualified their objections by stating that they support the provision of a ball games facility but do not agree with the proposed site but this application must be judged on its merits with regard to the chosen site."
A final decision is expected at the council's next development control committee meetings on Tuesday, March 3.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chorley
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
