Home / Sports / Elite Football Hub Faces Green Belt Opposition
Elite Football Hub Faces Green Belt Opposition
10 Feb
Summary
- A state-of-the-art football training centre is planned for South Yorkshire.
- The facility will offer training grounds and accommodation for professional teams.
- Concerns about green belt land development have been raised by opponents.
Plans for a multimillion-pound "state-of-the-art" football training centre in South Yorkshire have received a recommendation for approval. The proposed Doncaster City Elite Training Centre, located in Bawtry, aims to provide comprehensive training facilities and accommodation for professional football teams.
Council officers noted "very special circumstances" justifying the development, suggesting its benefits outweigh potential harm. The application has garnered both support, including endorsements from professional clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, and objections from residents concerned about green belt land use and proximity to homes.
The facility, envisioned by former football agent Willie McKay, would include five full-size pitches, an indoor pitch, and accommodation for up to three teams. Officers recommend approval with conditions, such as guaranteed community access to a 3G pitch and contributions to local infrastructure, paving the way for potential completion within 12 months of permission.
