Ashby Ivanhoe FC scheme gets go-ahead at second time of asking - but club is urged to 'get neighbours onside'
By Graham Hill 6th Mar 2024
Ashby Ivanhoe FC has been given the go-ahead to carry out improvements at its NFU Ground in Lower Packington Road - after the club's planning application went before councillors once more.
The scheme appeared to have been passed last month, only for a miscount among councillors over a vote to defer the decision.
As a result, it went before North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee again last night (Tuesday).
A representative of residents living close to the ground gave objections to the plans - and councillors said the club must do more to communicate with their neighbours.
But an application to permit works to the existing clubhouse, to include raising the roof height to provide first floor accommodation, dormer windows and a balcony with a single storey building to provide changing room facilities, was passed.
It was agreed that work on the clubhouse - now scheduled for 2025 - would not start until a previous planning application allowing the expansion of car parking and pitches, had been completed.
Councillors were told by a resident that the decision still did not address traffic and safety issues regarding accessing and exiting the ground - and felt the issues had not been properly addressed.
But a council officer said that the matter had been addressed and added that Leicestershire County Council Highways had offered no objection.
Cllr Rachel Canny said: "I understand where the residents are coming from.
"But the application doesn't look at parking, we cannot deal with that, but the previous work will be carried out and that's the right way to go.
"However, looking at this case, it's clear there is such ill-feeling between the club and residents, they need to get their neighbours onside.
"I'm dis-satisfied that it took them so long to get a liaison committee together.
"But I'm happy with the improvements the club are planning to make."
Cllr John Legrys echoed Cllr Canny's views.
He said: "The only issue I have is enforcement, and that's checked on a regular basis. This agreement needs to be kept in check.
"I'm also disappointed with the friction between club and residents, and the lack of concern by the club over what they're having to deal with.
"This condition is quite rare, but I understand from my colleagues in Ashby that there has been some agreement and I hope the club will have some serious outrreach ith the community to make sure people get what they want.
"None of want to stymie a club that is getting on in the world. But there are consequences and effect, people have to live with each other."
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