Portsmouth Training Ground Shelved

Plans put forward by Premiership club Portsmouth for a 55-acre training ground close to the city have been turned down by a local planning committee.

The plans, which included 11 outdoor pitches, were rejected by Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee.

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said: ‘We are disappointed at the council’s decision but plan to lodge an appeal as soon as possible.’

The council rejected the proposals for the Titchfield site saying it was within a conservation area.

The original plans would have allowed the council access to the facilities for training purposes, as well as for the club working with 35 local schools.

Storrie said the plans would not have damaged the site, commenting: ‘Our plans will ensure the site remains green, while the facilities and opportunities we are offering could not otherwise be offered by the council.

‘We are enhancing the wildlife and habitat walks throughout the site, opening the Grade 1 listed Tithe Barn for the first time to the community and installing a viewing area so the inside of the barn can be seen at any time.’

Opposition to the plans had also come from English Heritage which pointed out the proximity of two historic properties to the site.