Sports club bungalows bid returns

Controversial plans to transform a South Staffordshire football club into bungalows have been revived, just weeks after being withdrawn amid a flurry of objections.

The plan for Wyrley Rangers Football Club, in Long Lane, Essington, was dropped last month following a campaign by residents and councillors desperate to save the sports facility for future generations. But it today emerged that plans to convert the site into four bungalows and remove the 100-seater stand and flood lighting have been revived.

A new application has been submitted to planning bosses at South Staffordshire Council, in moves which campaigners have described as a "major blow".

The club is in the green belt and was given special planning permission back in 1996, partly funded by public money.

Councillor David Clifft, chairman of Essington Parish Council, said: "I had been inundated with letters from residents objecting to the application and drawing my attention to the fact that the club was only given special planning permission to be built in the green belt because it was a community facility and that it was partly funded with public grants."

"I will be taking up this matter with Sport England. I am very concerned about the application in view of the special planning permission being granted."

Sport England, which gives out Lottery cash to sport projects across the country, was against the original plans, saying the loss of the football club would be a huge blow to the community. Wyrley Rangers Football Club was put up for sale in 2007 but taken off the market last year. Wednesbury Town Football Club and Stafford-based Riverway FC have been playing their home matches there.

The 8.9-acre site features a clubhouse with function room, bar, restaurant and kitchen.

Essington Parish Council voted against the original scheme in May and residents are set to relaunch the fight again.