Former Wyrley Rangers clubhouse plan turned down in ‘victory’ for community
A former clubhouse faces an uncertain future after plans to bring in new uses for the building were thrown out.
The home of the defunct Wyrley Rangers Football Club was the subject of a planning application to change its uses into a place of worship, crèche, day nursery, training centre or exhibition space.
But despite planning officers recommending that it be approved, councillors on a South Staffordshire District Council planning committee turned it down.
It was refused on the basis the change of use could impact the future use of the football pitches and changing rooms, which would have remained under the proposal.
Essington Parish Council chairman David Clifft described the refusal as a ‘victory’ for the local community.
He said: “My fear is if you increased the number of off-field activities at the site it would eventually impact the on-field sports operation.”
He added: “I want the clubhouse to be used by sports clubs associated with the pitch.
“The clubhouse has been on the market for some time, maybe the owner needs to change his stance and market it toward sports clubs.”
Owner Nadir Imamoglu said permission for a change of use for the clubhouse in Long Lane would have made it more marketable.
Mr Imamgolu, who is waiting for a report on the decision, said: “Bringing in another use for the clubhouse would have secured the future of the football pitches.”
According to the report by planning officers to the committee last month, Sport England was satisfied the change of use would not impact football pitches.
The report continued: “The re-use of the existing buildings would provide a new use for part of the site which could result in the creation of some jobs.”
The two pitches are used by an Under 21 side from Cheslyn Hay and a team from Pelsall.
The 8-acre site has two floodlit pitches, a 100-seater covered stand, a caretaker's bungalow and it was put up for sale last April.
It was originally on the market for £800,000 but it has been lowered to £745,000 due to a lack of interest in the site.
Previous plans for four bungalows to be built on the 8-acre site were rejected by Essington Parish Council and South Staffordshire District Council.
But residents rallied together to reject the plans due to concerns that the proposed buildings were on the green belt and it would meant he loss of a community sports facility.
Wyrley Rangers was founded in 1988 but withdrew from the West Midlands Regional League in 2007.
