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CHIGWELL: Spurs get go-ahead for new training centre
PREMIER League football club Tottenham Hotspur has overcome vigorous opposition and won approval to build its first team training ground on green belt land in Enfield.
The decision paves the way for the club to end its long association with Chigwell where it has had its training ground in Luxborough Lane for many years.
At a special meeting of Enfield Council's planning committee, councillors voted nine to four in favour of the plans which will see a two-storey training facility built, an sports club demolished, and the loss of 11 hectares of agricultural land, which is part of the Forty Hall estate and currently used by Capel Manor College.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: "We are delighted with the result and must thank local fans, community groups, educational bodies and industry figures for their tremendous support."
Mr Levy said the decision meant the club was one step closer to building a state-of-the-art facility which would enable it to attract, retain and train world-class talent.
He said: "The community package that will accompany this facility will additionally deliver great benefits for the people of Enfield."
The committee heard from a string of speakers opposed to the plans, including the Friends of Forty Hall Park and the Enfield Society.
The planning proposal must now be given consent from the Mayor of London, as well as meeting a long list of conditions set by Enfield Council.
Once building begins it is expected to take about two years to complete, with the cost believed to be up to £30m.
Part of the proposal is a legal agreement which includes opening up the academy facilities to the public for 20 hours a week, and the creation of a ten-year long community programme which includes £2m of funding.
At last week's council planning meeting, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation chief executive Kathryn Robinson said the planned programme was hugely ambitious and was a unique opportunity for young people in the borough.
She said: "These new activities will create 70 new jobs for local people with a wide range of qualifications. It's not just about football, we know that."
Enfield Council's head of development control Julian Jackson told the meeting London Mayor Ken Livingstone had written to support the application while the councillors decision to support the proposals were in agreement with council officers.
The officers' report read: "It is considered the applicant has put forward a robust argument demonstrating that very special circumstances exist to outweigh the harm caused by reason of the inappropriate development in the Green Belt."
9:38am Wednesday 14th November 2007
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