Cheers mate. So, I've read the clubs objection on the portal (quickly as it's very long) and it's "interesting" for a couple of reasons, positive and negative. Negatives, two things first.
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From my post a couple of weeks ago it is that land between Stobart Street and Millennium Way that's the issue. When the Sheepfolds plans were first proposed that was part of a buffer zone of commercial businesses between the stadium and residential pieces and only 450 houses were proposed. When the plans were submitted it had been changed to 600 homes and the buffer zone has basically disappeared with commercial businesses downgraded and housing in apartments above commercial now included. This leaves potentially only 21 metres gap between an extended south stand and any residential development. That does break the existing agreement the club had with the council CEO and the club look to have very good grounds to object. If the council press ahead with these existing plans, it could get very messy, almost certainly going to court, possibly the secretary of state and potential appeals. It's a negative as it could affect the clubs expansion plans and revenue. It's also a negative as it'll almost certainly slow down the development on the councils side and knock onto other developments. It just seems senseless and surely the development isn't that reliant on the extra housing to make it viable, especially if it's going to negatively affect one of the big drivers of your economy.Positives, it's great to see the club thinking ahead and although those plans are just indicative, they look good, especially increasing commercial/corporate revenue. If current demand for tickets continue it may not be long before a formal application goes in.
