Plans to build three floodlit astroturf pitches and stands in Parsloes Park have been given the green light by Barking and Dagenham council.
Members of the council’s planning committee unanimously voted in favour of the work which now goes to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for approval.
The development will see the single-storey pavilion knocked down and a gym, new changing rooms and studio put up in its place at the South-East end of the park.
Parsloes Park is classed as a metropolitan open land, which means that there are restrictions in place similar to that of a green belt site in order to protect it from development.
As part of the development, covered, seated stands would surround one of three full-size all-weather pitches, which would also be fenced and have floodlights. There will also be two covered bike stands, an electricity sub-station and a bin store built.
The site is part of the council commissioned redevelopment of Parsloes Park to breathe new life into the area and the development of the pitches features as part of Football Association, Sport England, Premier League and Football foundation project to improve facilities throughout the country.
There were three objections to the project, with residents raising concerns about possible pressures of parking, light pollution and loss of views.
However, council officers concluded the development will not have an unacceptable impact on surrounding homes because it is centrally located within the park and the plans include conditions to limit noise, lighting and dust as well as providing adequate parking facilities.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement said: “This is very welcome news for the residents of Barking and Dagenham as it will help bring about massive improvements to the park.
“This was where Sir Bobby Moore honed his skills and this funding will not only make a significant contribution to our community but will provide an open space for people to walk and children to play.
“These are exciting times for young people in our borough and has been a long time coming.”
