Planning Permission Granted for New Football Ground and Housing Development in Chard

Planning approval has been granted for a development comprising nearly 300 residential units and a new stadium for a local football club. Somerset Council’s decision to approve these plans was unanimous during a meeting held on Monday. The construction of 295 residences is slated for the northern periphery of the town, specifically on land situated between Chard’s bowling club and its garden centre, accessible via Thorndon Park Drive. Concurrently, Chard Town FC expressed satisfaction with the “great result” of obtaining a new venue, a goal they have pursued for three decades to depart from their existing Zembard Lane location, where a sloped playing surface has hindered the team’s performance. Martin Wale, the councillor representing Chard North, stated that the housing units are necessary to address local demand. He commented, “I thought that the plan which was put forward was the best for not only Chard but also Combe St Nicholas and the residents of Cuttifords Door,” referencing the adjacent hamlet bordering the proposed development site. He added, “This will give a supply of, particularly, affordable housing for Chard which is, sadly, badly needed.” Ryan Parris, a committee member for Chard Town FC, remarked: “It was a great result and one that will mean so much not only to Chard Town FC but to the community and especially the younger generation who will be the main beneficiaries of the new community sports facilities. It’s only the first step and there is a long way to go until the opening, but this step is a mighty leap forward for sport in Chard.” In 2019, the club faced relegation because its playing field was deemed excessively sloped, failing to comply with FA regulations required for participation in higher tiers of the football league system. Presently, they compete in the Somerset County League Premier Division, with aspirations of achieving promotion within the league structure upon relocating to their new facility. Beyond a full-size football pitch equipped with floodlights, the approved plans encompass a clubhouse, changing facilities, and two additional pitches designated for community use—one standard size and one specifically for junior players. Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, the developers, have committed that 35% of the residences will be designated as affordable housing, structured with an 80/20 division between socially rented units and shared ownership properties. Furthermore, the planning approval mandates a contribution of £121,000 to support the expansion of the local GP surgery. For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.