Plans to install a new pitch at Marine AFC’s ground in Crosby have been delayed after councillors expressed concern about noise.
The non-league club’s proposals would have seen its College Road pitch converted into an all-weather 3G surface and had the backing of local schools and community groups, which would be able to use the pitch more when Marine were not playing.
But seven neighbours had objected to proposals on the grounds that it would increase noise and traffic in the area.
Sefton Council’s planning officers had recommended approving the plans at a meeting of the council’s planning committee on Wednesday evening (June 2).
However, councillors chose to put off making a decision and ask Marine to submit an assessment of how increased use of the pitch would affect neighbours.
The club had not submitted a noise assessment with its original application, and environmental health officers had suggested “acoustic screening” would be required to deal with the increased use. Planning officers did, however, note that this could affect neighbours’ view of the pitch from their back gardens.
Cllr John Kelly said the lack of a noise assessment meant neighbours did not have a “surety” about the impact and any measures the club would take to mitigate it, while Cllr Paula Spencer said she would feel “more comfortable” with a proper assessment.
Cllr Kelly also raised concerns about parking, saying increased use of the pitch would have “a huge impact on the surrounding area at night time, especially with the night time economy”.
However, planning officers noted that Marine has its own car park and the council’s highways department had raised no concerns given most users were expected to arrive on a team bus.
As councillors suggested deferring the decision, committee chair Daren Veidman spoke to emphasise that they were not “bashing Marine Football Club here”.
He said: “The committee has to be sure our decisions are based on sound planning grounds.
“We’re all fans of Marine in one way or another.”
But Cllr Kelly replied: “I am bashing them because they haven’t submitted a noise assessment.”
The committee voted to defer its decision in order to request Marine submit a noise assessment prior to the application being reconsidered.
A similar proposal for a 3G pitch at Chesterfield High School in Crosby was approved at Wednesday’s meeting.
A petition with 59 signatures opposing to the plans had been submitted, with neighbours worried about floodlights disturbing them as the pitch can be used until 9.30pm on week nights.
However, councillors voted to approve the plans with only two members dissenting.
