Appeal lodged to overturn stadium block

EVO-STIK League Marine are backing an appeal to overturn a decision by their local council to reject plans to redevelop the front of their Arriva Stadium.

The Premier Division’s Mariners announced on Monday that Chester-based developers Cityheart Ltd had submitted an appeal to Sefton Council’s planning committee after their April application to build a new 4,000 sq ft convenience store and redevelop the stadium immediately behind the College Road end was rejected.

The application highlighted improvements to the existing stadium and will include two new turnstile blocks, a snack kiosk, a groundsman’s store, a souvenir shop, a multipurpose room, perimeter fencing, emergency exit gates and new car parking spaces.

The proposed new convenience store would be situated immediately adjacent to Waterfields confectioners in College Road with private parking spaces for up to 10 cars. The proceeds from the disposal of part of the car park will fund the redevelopment of the old stadium facilities.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "Our developers Cityheart Ltd have exercised their contractual right to progress plans for the redevelopment to the front of our site by submitting an appeal to the planning inspectorate based in Bristol. The decision to submit an appeal by Cityheart Ltd has been made following receipt of advice by them and accordingly we have advised our members of this at our AGM held recently."

Leary added: "Representatives of Cityheart Ltd have submitted their case to the Planning Inspectorate for the decision in April to be overturned. We are hopeful that the appeal will be successful and result in the building of a new convenience store and the provision of a new modern frontage to our football stadium."

Mariners officials say they will be making no further comment until the outcome of the appeal is known.

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