OBJECTIONS were raised when developers sought approval for a football pitch in connection with housing development.

The application was made by GMV Eight Ltd on green belt land opposite Oakfield Nurseries, Aldford Road, Huntington.

The senior size pitch was connected with outline approval for housing development at the former Saighton camp, according to a report.

Huntington Parish Council argued the development would be detrimental to highway safety and there would be inadequate access off the road.

Councillors also questioned the position of the pitch and pointed out there was no pavilion or changing facilities.

Sport England expressed concerns about the management and maintenance of the pitch and suggested it could be used for any form of sport once approved.

Nearby occupiers referred to the loss of agricultural land, hedgerow, trees and wildlife and raised concerns about noise and disturbance.

They felt ball-stop netting would be inadequate and proposed car parking would be insufficient.

Planners suggested the development would preserve the openness of that part of the borough's green belt and pointed out the land was allocated for informal sport and recreation.

The pitch would be available to the local community as well as residents of Saighton camp.

The netting, 10m in height on the boundary with the A55 and six metres on Aldford Road, would have a lightweight appearance.

They accepted the pitch would be close to a number of dwellings and there was the possibility of disturbance.

Permission was granted.