GREEN Belt farmland on the edge of a Chester village could become a recreation ground if plans are agreed.
The application has been made on Penfold Way, Dodleston by Dodleston and District Parish Council.
The council has told planning officers at Chester City Council it is seeking approval for a change of use of the land from agriculture to recreation and open space.
A report says there is a need for additional sport and recreational facilities in most rural villages.
A public open space assessment carried out by the city council has identified a particular need for a cricket pitch in Dodleston.
The proposed recreation ground adjoins the edge of the village and planning officers believe it would allow for the provision of essential additional local facilities without creating an out of keeping feature in the countryside.
They point out that no details regarding landscaping or equipment have been submitted but say these can be controlled through conditions as could any lighting.
Any subsequent proposals for buildings would require planning permission.
A new vehicular access off Church Road would use an existing field access.
The County Engineer believes the use of the land for sport and recreation is unlikely to lead to significant extra traffic.
City councillors will also hear it is not thought there would be unacceptable levels of activity or noise which would affect residential amenity.
Any night time use of the land could be controlled through agreement of times during which any lighting would be switched off.
The application is due to be considered at a meeting of the city's planning board taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester on Wednesday (October 29) at 10.30am.
