Plans for a new 3G pitch submitted to improve a Stoke-on-Trent football facility have been unanimously approved.

Now Bradeley Football Centre on Chell Heath Road is set for a range of improvements.

As well as the new pitch, new fencing with neoprene inserts to dampen noise, and new access to the site from Chell Heath Road are set to take place.

The plans were submitted on behalf of Port Vale FC Foundation. 

The new centre will cater for women's football and disabled players and spaces for those groups will not be placed at less desirable times.

It is planned that the site will be open from 8am until 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am until 6pm Saturday and Sunday.

The new centre will cater for women's football and disabled players (image via Nub News)

Planning agent Tom Betts told the committee: "This proposal offers an exciting opportunity to enhance Bradeley Football Centre and introduce a contemporary sports facility for the local football community."

Will Turner, community and corporate social responsibility director at Port Vale, added: "Whilst it's a football development site, it's been done in extensive consultation with the local community, local schools and colleges and it's part of a wider strategy the club has to be supportive of its local community.

"It's quite well documented that Port Vale Football Club is a community club and we want to be able to use the power of the badge to provide opportunities for people particularly in the north of Stoke and Staffordshire."

Ward councillor and planning committee member, Gurmeet Singh Kallar asked for a meeting with the club to discuss issues residents had raised with him over users of the facility parking irresponsibly. 

However, the planning committee heard there will be a number of improvements to parking at the facility, including a new hard surfaced car parking area with 44 standard parking spaces, six disabled spaces and six electric vehicle charging bays and a covered 30 space bike area.

Planning officers told the committee that even under the worst case scenario the site should have enough parking spaces for all users.

Councillors on the planning committee at Stoke-on-Trent City Council voted unanimously to approve the application.

Commenting Cllr Ross Irving said: "I think it's a scheme that's needed to be honest.

"It's going to be a really good facility and I can't see a particular problem at the moment but any development creates traffic and parking but I do believe that it's being taken care of."