Councillors in Newcastle-under-Lyme have given the go-ahead for a new sports pavilion at The Wammy playing fields on Lower Milehouse Lane.

The new pavilion will include changing rooms, showers, toilets, offices as well as a social space for use by local sports teams.

There are currently no changing facilities or toilets on site, and the proposals will provide a much-needed community space for players and spectators.

A report by planning officers stated: "The proposed development would support an existing, established use of the site as a community football pitch and would not raise any adverse impacts in relation to the character and appearance of the area, residential amenity or parking and highway safety."

It added: "The proposed development is considered to comprise a well-designed building that would maintain the character and appearance of the wider area."

Councillors were supportive of the plans, but some raised concerns about the amount of traffic on Lower Milehouse Lane.

The new pavilion will have changing rooms, showers, toilets, officers and a social space (Google).

Cllr Gill Williams said: "I welcome this development and I'm sure it'll be a great asset to Knutton and Cross Heath.

"I do have a few misgivings – if we're going to sell off the piece of land opposite for development, we should look at safety issues now.

"A pedestrian crossing is definitely needed on this extremely busy road. New houses mean more families with young children who'll want to play on The Wammy, children from Cotswold Avenue will have to cross a very busy road.

She was also concerned about the lack of parking.

She said: "51 car park spaces will not be adequate to accommodate visiting football teams from outside the area."

Cllr Dave Jones called for a traffic survey and also called for the county council to be asked about providing a crossing.

Police initially raised concerns about security, with fears the low roof could be too easily accessed.

However the plans were subsequently updated to include security fencing, in a bid to prevent antisocial behaviour.

In addition, the roof has been designed with large overhangs to prevent unauthorised access and there will be shutters to stop people entering through windows.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.

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