Campaigners for a new sports facility have been dealt a blow after council officers recommended the plans be turned down.

Hatfield Peverel Football Club had hoped to build a new clubhouse, pavilion, indoor sports hall and changing rooms, along with pitch lighting and an all-weather pitch on land in Wickham Bishops Road.

The £2 million plan had the full backing of Hatfield Peverel Parish Council, along with 679 residents who signed a petition in support of it.

But 116 objections have also been made and Wickham Bishops Parish Council opposes the scheme as unsuitable for the rural location.

Braintree Council's planning officers have recommended the project is refused planning permission when it is considered at the Witham area committee meeting on Tuesday, January 4.

Published Friday, December 24, 2004

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