The proposed new sports facilities, designed by Preston architects Cassidy + Ashton, include a new 3G sports pitch, a replacement grass rugby pitch and training area, new changing rooms, a new changing and spectator pavilion and reconfigured car parking to accommodate 194 cars.

The approved application represents the second phase of planned improvements to the sporting facilities and follows the approval in 2020 for the creation of 12 grass pitches.

The entire sports development scheme will cover approximately 14 hectares and forms part of the first stage of the £28.8m investment allocated for the redevelopment of the 144-hectare Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. The appointed contractor Conlon Construction is scheduled to commence work onsite in July, with ongoing support from Cassidy + Ashton.

“I’m delighted that planning permission has now been granted by both Fylde and Blackpool Councils in time to prepare to host the European Youth Football Championships next year at this new state-of-the-art sports complex,” said leader of Fylde Council, Karen Buckley.

“t’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that the Fylde Coast has to offer with an annual event that could attract up to 1,000 youth teams from across the UK and Europe.”

A further planning application is due to be submitted by Cassidy + Ashton for the redevelopment of land north of the Common Edge Road sports facilities for new employment, residential and ancillary uses, as well as associated highways infrastructure.

This supports the overall vision for the Enterprise Zone as set out in the adopted Zone’s Masterplan and emerging local planning policy.