Wisbech FC's relocation hits new snag

Nicki Walker

Football chiefs hoping to relocate the Wisbech town club have been dealt another blow after a council report said the new stadium would result in unbearable noise for residents.

A report by Joanne Garrod, a community safety officer at West Norfolk Council, has said that the noise and disturbance generated from the potential new stadium on the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border would have a detrimental effect on local people.

She said in a report to West Norfolk Council that slamming doors, shouting from the terraces, loud music from the social club and noise from people smoking outside will make residents' lives unbearable.

Her views are a serious challenge to the club's proposals.

The club wants to relocate from Lerowe Road to a purpose-built ground on Lynn Road, Walsoken.

"We cannot support this application as it will have a detrimental effect on the amenity of nearby residents," she said. "The control measures will have little or no significant impact on any potential nuisance and therefore it cannot be adequately conditioned to control noise and lighting."

She warned that "if this application was approved, residents would be adversely affected by noise. Based on the assessment objectively, complaints are very likely."

Her report, the latest in a long series of documents to be considered next month by the council's development control committee, refutes the club's assertion that "during match days noise levels would not cause demonstrable harm."

Tim Slater, of 3D Planning, a consultant to Wisbech Town FC, believes the clubhouse "will act as an acoustic screen from match noise".

He said: "Properties close to or adjoining the proposed new ground will experience an impact upon residential amenity, in respect of increased noise and disturbance, particularly on match days. It is considered that through proper management and mitigation these impacts can be kept within acceptable limits."

A decision will be made by West Norfolk Council next month.