New sports centre in Manchester green belt – Walsingham Planning make the case

Sports & Leisure Group is a company formed in conjunction with the Civil Service Sports Club operating as ROKO to explore the potential for redevelopment to provide additional sports use at their grounds around the country.

In Timperley, near Manchester the Company acquired the BA Sports Club that had been closed down through a lack of interest and a declining membership.

This sports ground is in the Green Belt and in an area designated as important open landscape in order to maintain the separation of the urban areas of Manchester.

Walsingham Planning negotiated with Trafford Council to secure permission for a new two storey sports club including a swimming pool, a large first floor gymnasium, treatment rooms bar and extended parking areas.

As the grounds adjoin the local Rugby Club, the permission included a new joint access.

Because of the Green Belt designations and the sensitive planning location, Walsingham Planning had to prepare a detailed case for “very special circumstances”.  This included meetings with local residents, the Rugby Club and others in order to achieve a successful conclusion.