Plans lodged to improve football facilities at Hartlepool grassroots sports venue
Plans have been lodged for new spectator seating, floodlights and changing facilities to boost football provision at a multi-sport community venue.
Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning chiefs to enhance the offer within the existing football enclosure at Hornby Park.
The application, submitted by Steve Cockrill from Seaton Carew FC, based at the Elizabeth Way site, seeks to “support the day-to-day operation and long-term sustainability” of the established grassroots club.
It would deliver a steel spectator stand approximately 38 metres in length, three metres in width and three metres in height featuring tiered seating, along with six 15-metre floodlighting columns to serve the football pitch.
It would also provide six modular units which would house changing rooms for matchday officials and home and away teams, toilet facilities, a food preparation and serving unit and a turnstile cabin.
A planning statement notes the site accommodates multiple football teams across a range of age groups and has experienced “increasing demand for improved on-site facilities to support training, matchday operations and spectator engagement”.
It continues: “It will significantly improve the quality of facilities available to players, officials and spectators, supporting increased participation in sport and enhancing overall user experience.
“It represents a clear investment in grassroots sport and contributes positively to the long-term viability of an important local community asset.”
It adds the facilities will also improve welfare standards, site management and safeguarding arrangements, particularly for younger users.
The application is classed as “part retrospective” on the council’s planning portal meaning some elements of the work have already started.
A decision is expected to be made next month.