Plans to develop Hough End approved

A scheme to improve the leisure centre and playing field facilities at Hough End in Manchester have been backed by planners.The approved plans include a two-storey extension to the existing Hough End centre, which will accommodate changing facilities.A community room, education space, cafe facilities and a health and fitness space to service sport and leisure users on site are also included.Two 3G artificial football turf pitches with improvements to grass playing fields and new car parking, including for cycles and electric provision also feature.Alongside this, plans are in place for highways improvements to neighbouring roads.The current development plans for the leisure centre and the 35-hectare site were revised and amended following the withdrawal of the original proposal last year.Manchester City Council said the proposals approved took into consideration the concerns from residents, including environmental impact, loss of public open green space and highways issues.It added that further junction improvements, more sustainable car parking, and increased measures to improve local biodiversity have been added. A reduction in the 3G pitch development, inclusion of organic 3G infill pitch solution, and active travel improvements, also now feature.