A FLINTSHIRE football club which has counted the likes of Michael Owen and Ian Rush among its ranks has won its appeal over the refusal of plans for a new 100-seater spectator stand.

Hawarden Rangers wants to build a covered sitting area at its ground at Gladstone playing fields to meet criteria set out by the Football Association of Wales.

But the club, which sat top of the Welsh National Division One prior to the Covid-19 crisis, had the plans rejected by Flintshire Council last year.

However the decision has been overturned by the Welsh Government's planning inspectorate after Hawarden Rangers appealed the original decision.

The Leader:

Citing reasons for the decision, published on April 24, the planning inspectorate states that under Flintshire Council's unitary development plan (UDP) "essential facilities for sport and recreation…provided that any built development is kept to a minimum and is sited, designed and landscaped so as not to unacceptably harm the openness of the green barrier” may be permitted.

Gladstone playing fields includes a number of buildings, tennis courts, a bowling green and a skatepark - all of which are generally grouped together and situated at the main entrance and next to car parking facilities.

Hawarden Rangers play on the main playing fields themselves - set apart from this existing grouping of buildings and other facilities.

While the planning inspectorate notes this in its report, as Hawarden Rangers' senior teams' pitch is already surrounded by a railing, this "signals it to have a slightly different, or perhaps more specific (or even important) function to the other pitches within the playing fields".

This in turn is said to make the proposed stand a structure that would be "reasonably expected" at such a sports venue.

The Leader:

To compete at Welsh National Premier Division level, the club must have a seated area for up to 100 spectators as set out by the Welsh Football Association Tier 3 Ground Criteria.

Lynn Owen, club chair, said: "It's really good news in time of bad - we're absolutely delighted that the decision's been overturned and we can't wait to get started on the project whenever it is we're allowed to do so."

Ant Turton, Hawarden community councillor, also welcomed the news.

He said: "I'm delighted with the result, I have been a strong supporter of the club for many years, the hard work and commitment put in by all the volunteers is a great success story for the community as a whole.

"I appreciated, and listened to the concern from some local residents, and as always the pros and cons of the decision were aired and listened to.

"Hopefully now once we are over these uncertain times the club can commence with the project and we will see the fields back in regular use for all the residents."