Sports club could be transformed if Bromborough homes plan is approved

Developer Elan Homes, which is based in Ellesmere Port, has put forward plans for 104 homes on the site of the former Octel Sports Club off Bridle Road in Bromborough. However, when originally applied for in 2020 by Aurora 2 Limited and Euro Property Investments Limited, the plans stalled due to a lack of new sports provision being supported in other places and over 300 comments, mostly objections.

However, some changes were made to the plans which will see new football pitches provided at the former Prices Sports Club in Bromborough Pool, the derelict clubhouse refurbished and support made for cricket, tennis, and bowling. For this to go ahead, the 104 homes will need to be approved and the application is expected to come to a Wirral Council planning committee later this month after being called in by Bromborough councillor Jo Bird.

The Prices Sports Club would then become the home for the Bromborough and Eastham Junior Football Club who will manage the facility going forward. The football club has over 600 members of girls and boys between four and 16 with 35 registered teams.

The derelict club building would become a new community centre with changing rooms while new pitches, trees, and more parking will be introduced. These would also be available for the community to use.

Elan Homes said the plans would help “deliver significant new housing in a location which reduces the need for green belt development in the Wirral.” On the Octel site, existing woodland will remain while a tree lined avenue and playground will be built alongside the homes.

Rhys Platten, Chair of Bromborough and Eastham Junior Football Club said: “This will be truly transformative for our club and its members,” adding: “We are currently operating across several pitches in different locations, without a single base. While we will still need to use pitches elsewhere in the borough, if these plans are approved this will not only create new pitches for the area, but it will also finally give us a ‘home’ from which we can operate.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Elan Homes said the plans would boost new housing in the short term, adding: “The site owners have made it clear that the former Octel Club will not re-open and therefore approval of the residential element will provide certainty for neighbours of the site, which is currently vulnerable to anti-social behaviour.

“New homes here will also generate the funding to allow us to deliver a fantastic community asset at Bromborough Pool, which will contribute towards the shortfall of sporting provision across the area.”

Councillor Bird said: “I welcome this proposal for much needed outdoor sports and community facilities for all kinds of families to enjoy. Bromborough and Eastham Junior FC have a strong track record of building good working relationships across the community and generations.

“I share concerns of people who live nearby, who want to continue walking their dogs on grass. Bus services and cycling facilities should also be improved. I requested that this planning application be decided openly in public, so everyone affected can be heard by councillors making the decision.”