Stoke 'should share facilities'

There were a number of objections to the new facility

The public should be able to use a Premier League football club's planned £6.5m training ground, a council said.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council backed Stoke City Football Club's plans for Rose Tree Avenue, Trent Vale, on condition it included community use.

The plans, which include an academy sports pavilion, will still have to approved by the government because the site is within the green belt.

More than 40 people signed a petition against the proposals.

The petition, by Trent Vale against Stoke City, as well as six letters of objection, raised concerns including the loss of playing fields and increased noise levels.

However, the Football Association wrote to the council in support of the plans on the site of the former Michelin Athletic Club.