Cabinet to consider sale of part of country park
News release issued:
Kidderminster Harriers Football Club could expand their training facilities and education programme if their plans to buy land from Wyre Forest District Council get the go ahead.
The Council’s Cabinet is considering selling part of Burlish Country Park (also known as Burlish Meadows) to the football club.
The site is part of the former golf club off Zortech Avenue, Kidderminster and has been a public open space since 2018. The land being considered for disposal does not include any part of the Burlish Top Nature Reserve. It is approximately 8.5 hectares out of a total approximately 40 hectares of Burlish Country Park, which represents approximately 21%.
Kidderminster Harriers FC has ambitious plans which are set out in its vision to create a modern, welcoming hub that seeks to build a strong connection between the club, its fans, and the local community. Earlier this year the Council agreed to sell its freehold interest in Aggborough Stadium, the car park and the supporters club to the football club.
The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will consider the proposal to sell the land at its meeting on Thursday 2 July. Any recommendations will then be discussed by the Cabinet at its meeting on Thursday 9 July.
The Harriers are proposing four full-size pitches, three of which would be artificial grass pitches, along with two smaller pitches for junior football on the Burlish Country Park site. The football club would be required to submit a planning application, and the Local Planning Authority would consider this proposal in line with its statutory duties, including relevant planning policy, material considerations, and consultation responses. Planning permission would need to be secured before any development could proceed, and the land sale would go ahead only if permission is obtained. As part of the statutory planning process, there would be a public consultation on any application, enabling residents and stakeholders to submit representations which must be taken into account in the decision-making process on the planning application..
Councillor David Ross, Cabinet Member for Finance and the Capital Portfolio said:
“We want the football club to succeed and grow talent for the future. Having a successful club in the district brings many benefits not just for football, but for healthy living. It would also bring investment into the area, along with new and enhanced facilities.”
“This proposal does not include the Burlish Top Nature Reserve. While the Country Park is well used by locals, significant areas would remain available for public use and enjoyment. The Cabinet therefore feels it is appropriate to explore the proposals put forward by the Harriers and to consider the sale of part of the site.”
Both meetings start at 6pm and can be viewed online.
If the Cabinet decides to go ahead with the sale, the Council will advertise the Cabinet’s intention to sell the land as it is public open space. Any comments received will be taken into consideration before a final decision is made on the disposal of the land.