A summary of yesterday's meeting
Supporters may be aware that the club is at an important stage in its plans to return to Plough Lane and a public hearing was yesterday held at Merton Civic Centre.
If adopted, this policy would allow a football stadium to be built on the site. The club’s particular interest is, of course, the proposed policy for “Sporting Intensification” for the site at Plough Lane. Merton Council’s proposed planning policies for the development of sites around the whole borough. The purpose of the hearing, which lasted for three hours, was for an independent inspector to assess
The club attended this hearing, along with partners Galliard Homes and professional advisors.
By early afternoon, those present agreed that they had made their cases and the inspector concluded the hearing. The club and Galliard sought to rebut these arguments. During the hearing, the inspector heard statements from various interested parties, some advocating that the site should be reserved for greyhound racing.
Following the final hearing, the inspector will announce a date when his report will be issued to the council. Further hearings are being held to review the policies for several other sites but all are expected to be completed by the end of this week.
A more detailed write-up about yesterday’s hearing will appear in Tuesday’s Hartlepool match day programme and the club will keep supporters fully updated about any developments as they happen.