AMBITIOUS plans to create the country’s biggest indoor football academy in Wirral have been given the unanimous backing of the borough’s planning committee.
Planning officers in Wirral Council had recommended the application by Sport Excel Academy Ltd to convert a derelict industrial unit in south Wirral into a major international coaching academy be rejected.
Their report said the area in Bromborough is zoned for industrial and warehousing use and despite the building being vacant for the last six years, it should continue to be considered only for industry.
But members of the planning committee overturned the recommendation and unanimously voted in favour of the scheme.
The details have now been sent to Government Office North West as it goes against Wirral’s Unitary Development Plan.
John Granby, chief executive of Sport Excel which is behind the scheme, said: “Everyone associated with Sport Excel Academy is absolutely delighted that Wirral's Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of our unique and exciting proposal.
“We would particularly like to single out ward councillors Niblock, Taylor and Moon and Cllr Kirwan for their support and of course, the 896 supporting petitioners – led by Graeme Roberts, Chairman of Wirral Sports Club.
“Sport Excel Academy promises to have a massively positive effect on the people of Wirral – creating 30 new jobs and training 270 youths for employment per annum in one of the country's employment blackspots.
“We will host international coaching seminars with coaches from renowned professional clubs given state-of-the-art facilities to demonstrate their techniques to a world-wide audience, boosting Wirral tourism.
“The next step for a proposal of this magnitude is that Wirral Borough Council's approval will be sent to Government North West with a balanced report reflecting their unanimous support.
“The key point is timescale.
“We need a quick and positive answer and we are extremely hopeful that Government Office North West have every reason to back our proposal.”
