Source: FOOTYMAD
Clarets set for Gawthorpe boost
It looks as though there is going to be some very good news coming Burnley Football Club's way this week with the plans for the improvements at the Gawthorpe training ground set to be approved. The Cabbage Patch, currently the goalkeeping training area, where the new indoor training facility will be sitedA planning application was submitted in September to extend the existing building at Gawthorpe and also to build an indoor training area with a 60x40 meter 3G pitch alongside it, but there were objections that now look to have been overcome.A petition was submitted by local residents regarding their concern over increased traffic whilst there was a concern over the development's close proximity to the Great Barn, which once housed the dressing rooms. However, planning officers said there were very special circumstances surrounding the development and, after the club proved its case, the plans are recommended for approval at tomorrow's meeting of the development control committee.Burnley Football Club said: "There are currently no indoor pitches at Gawthorpe, the proposed covered pitch facility provides an essential facility for first team and youth players. "The existing facilities fall well short of the standards expected for a club of this size and stature. They lack the range of medical, fitness and rehabilitation facilities needed to cater for the requirements of their elite athletes."The youth academy facilities are inadequate in meeting the requirements of The Football Association in terms of medical facilities, and indoor hall and parent's reception facilities."Without adequate up to date facilities, it will not only be difficult for the club to operate effectively, but it will also become increasingly difficult for the club to develop young players. It needs to attract, and retain, talented players who would otherwise have the choice of joining other clubs with superior facilities."In order for Burnley FC to be competitive, it is vital that suitable facilities are provided as soon as possible before the existing facilities become obsolete."The council played down the residents' objections and confirmed that there would be no increased traffic on the single track access road following the redevelopment.The Great Barn at GawthorpeFor those supporters who haven't visited the training ground, it is hard to explain just how far behind we are in terms of facilities. Former captain Steven Caldwell eluded to it just before leaving at the end of last season and current player Clarke Carlisle took a swipe at them during a recent video diary shown by the club.Getting this planning permission through will be massive for our club. The club themselves describe it as vital and this, along with the new pitch at Turf Moor, will be money very well spent.Should planning permission be granted, as now expected, work is scheduled to start right at the beginning of 2011 to be completed in time for the start of pre-season training at the beginning of July.The new look Gawthorpe will feature an indoor training arena, new changing rooms, a gym, referee's room, staff offices and kitchen.
