A NEW community football facility with a 4G pitch could be built in Whitchurch as part of a major development involving more than 500 homes.

The joint applicants, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes (BHDW), want to build 561 homes along with sports pitches and a primary school on land west of Tilstock Road and Whitchurch Alport FC could benefit from new sporting facilities.

In a letter supporting the application, Alport chairman Jim Goddard said the club had met with the developers.

He said: "We write in support of the Barratt David Wilson Homes planning application for the Tilstock Road development in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

"We have recently met with developers to discuss the proposal which is exciting for both the football club and the town.

"Several generations have played, watched and enjoyed football at a grassroots level and we work hard to ensure this will continue.

READ MORE: Plans submitted for 561 homes and primary school in Whitchurch

"With a thriving junior section at the club, we wish to build and maintain a community hub where young and old feel welcome and appreciated.

"One challenge in our development is obtaining facilities to ensure our growth can continue within the town.

"A part of the Tilstock Road development sees a new complex being built for our club.

"With two football pitches , a car park and a club house, this gives us the opportunity to become a community hub providing football and training for all ages and building on what we have already achieved."

Mr Goddard said the club is being mentored by the FA and that football's governing body is keen to be involved in any development - and that it has expressed a desire for a 4G pitch for the town.

He added: "At present we are being mentored by the Football Association under the FA's Investment Ready scheme.

"This scheme provides consultation to clubs who are in need of professional guidance in order to move forward and provide further opportunities for football at all levels of the community."

In addition to providing facilities for coaching, Mr Goddard said schools and youth groups could benefit from the new facilities.

He explained: "If given approval, this development will not only bring in 500+ families to the area to boost the local economy, but will also present us with the opportunity to create a facility for the community providing coaching for the young, small sided men's and women's football leagues including walking and disabled football.

"Schools and local groups would enjoy a facility for all manner of events, but importantly the town would have a youth club which it currently does not enjoy and we are keen to pursue."