Albion training ground set for go-ahead

Plans to create a training centre for West Bromwich Albion are set to get the go-ahead, despite complaints from neighbours.

The club's proposals, which include an artificial floodlit pitch and larger indoor facilities, are being recommended for approval by Walsall Council planners.

But a 23-name petition and nine letters of objection have been lodged in opposition to the scheme on green belt land at the Birmingham Road site, on the border of Walsall and Sandwell.

Edna Sutton, aged 76, of Birmingham Road said: "It is always the residents that suffer with the Albion. People park in front of my house to drop off friends at the ground. I don't want any floodlights up or the ground made any bigger. It will look even more ugly. I can see it all from the back of my house. It just looks like a large Meccano set."

Gladys Day, aged 63, a former dinner lady, also of Birmingham Road, said: "I was against the building of the training ground in the first place.

"I don't see how they can make it any bigger. If the players lived here they wouldn't want it either."

Despite the complaints council officers are suggesting members of the Walsall Planning Committee support the scheme when they meet on Thursday.

The 45-acre site has nine outdoor grass pitches and a single-storey pavilion which will be extended. An artificial floodlit pitch with eight 15-metre high floodlights is proposed with an indoor training pitch. Work is also planned on a gatehouse and security fencing. And parking will be increased.

In a report to councillors David Elsworthy, head of planning, says: "Residents' concerns have been considered. However, the proposal has demonstrated special circumstances to outweigh the technical harm to the green belt."

A football club spokesman declined to comment.