Club cries foul over planning row

The youth programme of a Nottingham football club could be at risk after proposals for training pitches were recommended for refusal by planners.

Most of Arnold Town's new Eagle Valley complex has been approved but Gedling Borough Council wants a high safety fence to screen training pitches.

The club has said it cannot afford the fences and up to 20 junior teams will suffer.

The council will consider the matter this evening.

Arnold Town has been trying to build a new ground, which it says is vital for its future, for years.

Extra costs

Most of the Eagle Valley complex has been backed by the council but planning officers have said the youth pitches are too close to the busy A614 and should be moved or fenced off to prevent balls landing in the road.

The club has said this is not financially viable and has called on supporters to attend the meeting to back the plans.

Board member Paul Stanley said it was a matter of urgency: "I honestly believe it could be the end for the club. We have 38 teams and we need to get them all up here.

"At the moment all our teams are playing throughout the borough and are incurring costs while we have this wonderful new facility here that we cannot use until we get planning permission for these pitches."

Gedling Council said it could not comment ahead of the meeting.