Council rejects advice to block redevelopment

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine have seen their hopes of redeveloping the Arriva Stadium knocked back by local politicians.

The Premier Division’s Mariners and Chester-based developers Cityheart Ltd are now considering their options after expressing their disappointment with the decision by Sefton Council Planning Committee on Wednesday to reject their application to build a 4,000 square foot convenience store and redevelop the front of the football stadium.

The Mariners only announced last month that they were hoping to remodel the front of their stadium to improve facilities for both fans and community users and had thought the application would be successful after the planning officers recommended its approval.

On Thursday Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "I am disappointed at the decision to reject our application to carry out a major upgrade of the Arriva Stadium including the building of a convenience store especially as the planning committee overturned the recommendation of its officers to approve the scheme.

"The club is now to discuss with Cityheart what options are now available as we continue with our on-going strategy to improve facilities at our football stadium. This decision denies potentially our only way to raise substantial funds that is needed to redevelop the old frontage to our stadium and site."

Cityheart Limited director David Savage said: "We have worked closely with the Council’s Highways team to resolve a number of issues including the management of the car park, deliveries and site access arrangements and to be refused consent on a technical point which we had thought was agreed is disappointing."

He added: "The principle of retail was never in any doubt. There are several options available to us right now and we will choose the one which will deliver the right outcome."