Cambridge City FC new stadium plans approved

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Mad Dog
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Cambridge City FC new stadium plans approved

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It looks like that planning permissions has been granted. The only thing I've noticed is it looks like it's going to be another one large stand new ground in the mould of the new grounds we've come across at Hayes & Yeading and Thame:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/ca ... n-13843950
Cambridge City FC 'delighted' to have new stadium plan back on track
Adam Care
7-8 minutes

After four years without a permanent base, Cambridge City FC has taken a major step forward in its bid to build a new stadium.

This morning (November 1) plans were approved for a new 3,000-seater stadium on a former landfill site in Sawston, which would provide a new home for the club.

The plans, which also include an artificial grass pitch, floodlights, a full-sized training pitch and 500 parking spaces, were approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council by a margin of eight to two.

The decision is the latest step in the long-running saga of the club’s relocation.

Permission for the Sawston stadium was previously approved in 2014, but was overturned by the Court of Appeal following an objection from a local resident.

Club chairman Kevin Satchell told the News he was “delighted” with the decision, and couldn’t wait for building work to start.

“It’s over three years since we initially got planning permission, and to then lose it was extremely disappointing”, he said.

“It is still subject to the secretary of state’s approval, but it is a big boost for the football club.

“Every club needs a permanent home, and it’s good to see it on the horizon again.”

The plans will now be passed to secretary of state Sajid Javid MP, who will consider whether to ‘call it in’ for further discussion.

But Mr Satchell said he hopes to see building work begin within a year.

He said: “Because we are coming into the middle of winter, it may be we’ll have to wait until spring, when we would hope to be moving in.

“The councillors heard all the arguments, and I am just glad they came out on our side.”

He also paid tribute to the club's fans.

He said: "We said throughout that what we were proposing was more than just a football club as it would also benefit the local community and once it is built those benefits will be there for all to see.

“This is our fifth season now without a home and I have nothing but admiration for the loyalty and dedication that our supporters have shown whilst we ground share. It is our responsibility now to deliver a stadium, and a facility which they, and the local community, will be proud of”.

The new stadium will be built on land north of Deal Grove, off Babraham Road.

As the site is designated as ‘green belt’ land, the committee had to demonstrate “very special circumstances” to justify defying its own policy of preserving green space.

Planning committee chair councillor Pippa Corney voted for the plan.

She said: “We’re really pleased that the Lilywhites’ plans for a new home are now back on track.

“Since the original planning application was quashed, the committee has made increased efforts to clearly articulate reasons for making decisions that go against what officers are recommending to us, as was the case with this application.
The site in Sawston, where Cambridge CIty FC hope to build their new stadium (as of July 2015)
The site in Sawston, where Cambridge CIty FC hope to build their new stadium (as of July 2015)

“Their recommendation was quite right because there must be very special circumstances to allow development to take place within the green belt.

“However, the committee felt that the sports facilities that will be available to the local community will be so important and well-used, that this represented those very special circumstances necessary.”
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The committee heard from local councillors and residents in support of the plan, who argued it would bring new recreational facilities to the village.

Sawston Parish councillor Brian Milnes was among those who spoke in favour.

Speaking after the meeting he said: “This is a fantastic result for the people of Sawston and for the whole region.

"It is great that Cambridge City Football Club will once again get its own permanent home.

“And this will bring significant benefits to the community in Sawston. It will bring regeneration to an unsightly area of the village.

"And it will provide a facility that all residents will be able to use.”

Councillor Deborah Roberts was one of the two councillors to vote against the plan, telling the committee she was concerned about increasing “pressure” on the green belt.

“If it was squashed or relaxed, we would have a really serious situation on our hands”, she said.

“It may not be pretty at the moment, but I don’t think we’ve ever assumed all the green belt is pretty.”

However other councillors disagreed, arguing the benefits the plan would bring to the community would outweigh the impact on the environment.

Councillor John Batchelor said: “This is an extremely scrappy area currently.

“I think there is little doubt whatsoever this proposal will improve this as a local facility, but the green belt issue is clearly the one we have to address.”
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