125 homes planned next to Hednesford Town FC
More than 100 homes could be built on Hednesford Town Football Club's land under plans for a sprawling new estate.
Developer Taylor Wimpey wants to build 125 homes off Keys Park Road creating 100 construction jobs in the process.
The homes would go on derelict land – owned by the club – which surrounds the 6,039 capacity ground.
But fans of The Pitmen – who play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League – are being told not to worry as bosses say they are working closely with the developer to ensure there is no negative impact on the club. And they say it could even lead to extra parking and boost numbers through the gates.
Carl Cooper, the commercial manager at the club, said: “We are currently working with the developers and the like to make sure there is no impact on the club.
“The development will actually help us as we want to be more a more inclusive and attractive club. The chairman is dealing with the sale of the land but it is our land. Taylor Wimpey has been in contact with us all the way through to make sure any impact on the club is minimal and that there will be no impact on supporters.”
Plans were submitted at the start of the month, with Cannock Chase District Council planning bosses expected to make a decision later this year.
As well as the homes the development will also increase the parking available at Hednesford Town Football Club and provide a new area of green space to be used by residents. Annabelle Harper, a spokeswoman for the housebuilding firm, said: “We are confident that we have prepared a high-quality planning application to provide much-needed new two, three and four-bedroom homes, including affordable housing, for the local area.
“Our proposals will also see us provide financial contributions to the local authority for the benefit of the local community. Discussions about how these contributions will be spent are ongoing."
“In preparing our planning application we consulted with the local community and now look forward to our application being considered by Cannock Chase District Council.”
A report prepared by Taylor Wimpey for planning chiefs states: “This high quality housing development will help to meet local housing needs. The area of green space and increased parking provision for the local football club will also provide significant local benefits.
“The overall result will consolidate development within Hednesford, creating a distinctive place that is sensitively designed and will relate well to the local character as a whole.”
