Wolves' academy plan moves closer despite fears
The proposed £50 million transformation of acres of green belt land, that would see Wolves' training academy expanded, was today closer to reality – despite council bosses admitting the development would be "inappropriate".
The proposed £50 million transformation of acres of green belt land, that would see Wolves' training academy expanded, was today closer to reality – despite council bosses admitting the development would be "inappropriate".
Campaigners had raised concerns about the ambitious Compton Park project, which will also see the creation of a new school, university complex and housing development.
But a report by planning officials said today that the benefits of the proposals "outweigh" any potential harm to the green belt.
The council received 40 objection letters and one petition about the development from members of the public, who raised concerns about issues including the harmful impact on wildlife and noise disruption.
But 368 letters of support were also sent to the authority, with people stating that the academy would attract talented young players and that there would be economic and employment benefits.
In addition to that, Wolves received a further 800 letters of support via the Molineux Pride website, which keeps track of the club's stadium and training ground redevelopments.
Under the plans from Wolves owner Steve Morgan, the new £6m football academy would be created on the existing St Edmund's School site, which would be demolished and pupils moved into an adjacent building owned by Wolverhampton University.
The club will donate its £1m Indoor Academy Arena at Aldersley Leisure Village to Wolves Community Trust. Wolverhampton University will move from the Compton Park site and reinvest in a new science facility on its city centre campus.
A development of 55 luxury homes would also be created by Mr Morgan's Redrow Homes firm.
A report to Wolverhampton City Council's planning committee, by planner Stephen Alexander, states that the plans would result in "inappropriate development" on green belt land. But he says that Wolves had proved "very special circumstances" including the need for an academy and educational and economic benefits.
Mr Alexander said: "The very special circumstances case submitted is convincing. The benefits which will result from the proposed football academy would benefit not only local people, but will impact nationally.
"On balance, the harm to the openness of the green belt as a result of the new academy, school and housing, would be outweighed by the benefits to sport, education and resultant community benefits from the transfer of Aldersley to the trust, which constitute very special circumstances and clearly outweigh the harm caused by reason of inappropriateness."The application will go to planning committee on Tuesday.
