A NEW village playing field is recommended for approval.

The application has been made by Ashton Hayes Parish Council on farm land opposite The Pines, Ashton Lane, Ashton Hayes.

The parish council has told planning officers at Chester City Council it is seeking approval for a change of use to public recreational open space including the construction of changing facilities and a new vehicle entrance.

Five occupiers have written in backing the development saying there is a local need for the playing field and the village at present lacks suitable facilities.

One objection has been raised expressing concern that changing facilities would not be segregated and there would be nuisance to surrounding residential properties from noise.

It is also argued there would be danger to users of the field from traffic on Ashton Lane.

The Green Belt field is close to the village, according to a report.

The parish council says permission for the proposed change of use would provide a number of options including football and cricket and for future outdoor recreational activities.

Facilities are planned in a reclaimed brick and slate building measuring 14m 7m with a height of 5m adjoining a area earmarked for parking adjacent to the road.

Changing rooms, a shower and toilet facilities, storage and a small spectator area would be provided.

An assessment of Ashton Hayes has shown a need for an area of casual open space, says the report.

The field would be close to the village centre and the appearance of the facilities building would be in keeping with the surrounding rural area.

It would be well related to the village and would prevent an out of keeping feature in the countryside.

Planning officers say that any subsequent proposals would require further planning applications.

They do not believe the use of the land for sport and recreation would harm the character of the landscape or the openness of the Green Belt.

Recommending the application should be approved, subject to conditions involving the new access, they feel the field would not have an unacceptable effect on neighbours with a regard to noise or nuisance although it would involve greater use of the land.

The plans are due to be considered by Chester's planning board at a meeting on Wednesday December 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 10.30am.