On behalf of Hyndburn Borough Council, Alliance Leisure and ISG Construction, DPP has secured planning permission for the construction of a new leisure centre, to be known as Wilson Fields in Accrington.
Designed by Pozzoni architects, the new leisure centre will create a physical activity, sports and community hub providing both indoor and outdoor physical activity provision. The proposals will replace the outdated facilities at Mercer Hall in Great Harwood and will significantly enhance the leisure and sporting provision in the area to support healthy and active lifestyles.
Whilst the site is already an established sporting use, with a number of external playing pitches, it is located in the Green Belt and DPP were required to prepare a detailed Very Special Circumstances case to demonstrate the need for the facility and the benefits for the local community.
DPP worked closely with the design team, the LPA and Sport England at pre-application stage and throughout the determination period to ensure that all parties were satisfied with the proposals.
Nicola Crowley, Principal Planner at DPP said
We are delighted to secure planning permission for this new leisure centre which will replace the existing outdated facilities to give residents access to high-quality leisure facilities.
Image: Pozzoni Architects
