IT'S been a long time coming, but after more than 20 years of waiting, the Haverhill community football project has finally been officially approved.

A new ground will now be built in Chalkstone Way for Haverhill Rovers, complete with two stands, one with covered seating for 150 spectators, after St Edmundsbury Council's development control committee gave its overwhelming backing for the project on Thursday.

Councillors gave their support after hearing the £1.8m complex would benefit not just the football club but the wider community by also including a training pitch and three other full-size pitches, car parking and a clubhouse with a function room available for public hire.

Samuel Ward College student, 14-year-old William Howe, told the committee how vital he believed the new facilities will be to the area.

"It's a great facility for everyone in the local area and beyond," he said.

"At the moment we have to travel to places such as Bury and Linton to get good facilities for sport after school.

"This would be a great facility for the school."

Haverhill Town Council's clerk Gordon Mussett added his support, saying the 'benefits outweighed the negatives' although Haverhill borough councillor Gordon Cox vehemently opposed the plans.

He said many Chalkstone estate residents were against a project that would deprive them of the open playing fields that are currently there and were worried about extra noise and traffic.

He said: "It's a complete waste of money."

Concerns were raised by councillors Jim Thorndyke and Ian Houlder over potential late-night noise from functions in the clubhouse and from the football matches played.

Cllr Stefan Oliver said: "I live in the notorious Nowton Park area and on Saturday afternoons it sounds like they are throwing the Christians to the lions."

St Edmundsbury's district environmental health officer, Karen Cattle, told the committee: "The building should comply with current standards and it should not be an issue with noise."

Cllr Dorothy Whittaker showed her support for the project, saying: "Every time we have consulted with people in Haverhill two overwhelming things have come out. One is more facilities for young people in the town and the other is more leisure facilities.

"This is an excellent scheme with a lot of thought having gone into it."

Haverhill borough councillor, Jack Anderson said: "The social benefits from the club itself will be immense for the whole town and the surrounding district."

The application was approved by councillors without a single vote against.

steve.barton@haverhillecho.com