A state-of-the-art sport centre is another step closer for Helsby with the announcement of a major housing project.

An agreement to provide 120 homes alongside improved facilities at Helsby Community Sports Club has been signed off.

The project began more than 10 years ago, with the approved planning applications submitted in September 2014.

Designs for the club feature a multi-use sports hall, modern changing rooms and 3G 11-a-side football pitch.

There will also be two bowling greens, four tennis courts and a running track at the new home on Callender Way.

A Section 106 agreement with Cheshire West and Chester Council means 120 houses will be built on the current site off Chester Road.

Helsby Community Sports Club off Chester Road in Helsby

This has now been signed by CWAC, developers Brookhouse Helsby Ltd and trustees from the sports club, meaning planning approval was finalised on December 3.

A Helsby Community Sports Club spokesman said: “We are very pleased to see that the Section 106 Agreement has been signed.

“This is an integral part of the Planning permission that will enable a long awaited new sporting facility for Helsby and the surrounding areas.”

Helsby’s football, running, tennis, bowling and angling clubs are all involved in the project, while the hub will also include new office space for the parish council.

Extra changing rooms for the existing nearby rugby pitches will be provided, as well as a function room and a snooker room.

The sports hall could be used for badminton, basketball or five-a-side football.

Celebrations greeted unanimous planning approval for the centre, which could ‘give the village a new heart’, at a strategic planning committee meeting in March.

Happy members of Helsby Community Sports Club when the plans were approved in March
Happy members of Helsby Community Sports Club when the plans were approved in March

Helsby councillor Alan McKie said: “I’m extremely happy to get the 106 agreement out of the way.

“Since conception this project has taken some 13 years, so it has been a long time coming.

“All the people of Helsby will be pleased, but we hope and we wait for all the pieces to come together.”

The 120 homes will include a mix of detached and semi-detached properties with a small number of three-floor flats.

Under the agreement the new sports facilities must be built before work on the housing can start.

Helsby Community Sports Club did not wish to comment until the six-week appeal period had passed.

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