Go-ahead for Market Drayton sports ground work

Major plans to improve a recreation ground which is the home of a number of Shropshire sports clubs have been given the go-ahead.

The scheme includes putting up floodlights, building a 70-seater stand and six storage buildings at Greenfields Sports Ground in Market Drayton.

The improvements are expected to cost between £35,000 and £55,000. The ground is home to Market Drayton FC, Market Drayton Tigers FC and the town's rugby club.

Under the plans approved by Shropshire Council, three floodlights will be put on the training pitch, while the buildings will be used to store sports equipment as well as for toilet facilities.

Two letters of objection were received by the council, raising concerns over noise pollution and footballs going into neighbouring gardens.

But Market Drayton Town Council raised no objections to the plans.

A report on behalf of Greenfields Sports Association said the development was needed to improve facilities for both the clubs and spectators

It said: "The principle of development at the sports ground is well established and the district and town council support the retention and gradual improvement of the facility as it provides the main open area sports ground of the town.

"The development will not add any further traffic flows into and out of the sports ground. Therefore, there is no proposal to increase parking in the main parking area."

A report on behalf of Shropshire Council added: "The proposals contribute to the health and well-being of the local community by improving an existing sporting and recreational facility, whilst safeguarding residential and local amenity.

"The proposals are appropriate in design and scale."