COMMUNITY sports facilities including new homes for Toft Cricket Club and Knutsford Rugby Club are top of the planning agenda for the developers of Booths Park in Knutsford.

Following a four-month consultation period, Bruntwood - the owners of the estate - have drawn up plans for 150 new houses, as well as investment in the existing sports pitches facilities and this will form the basis of the Booths Park redevlopment.

It will also contribute to the cost of upgrading Knutsford's roads to tackle the existing congestion in the town as well as provide improved travel links with the town centre.

Around 30% of the 150 homes will be affordable housing and there will also be new office space, and in addition to securing the long term future of Toft Cricket Club the development will provide a long-awaited home for Knutsford Rugby Club.

Bruntwood’s development director, Chris Roberts, said: “As owners of the estate, we want to further enhance our vision for the future of Booths Park, which we see as one of the jewels in Knutsford’s crown.

"In our proposals, we will invest more into the existing sporting and community facilities to create a new place with a number of uses, which is in keeping with the rest of the landscape.

“We also know there is a need for new housing in Knutsford and believe we could provide a good mix of tenures, including affordable homes and family homes, as well as those aimed at keeping young people in Knutsford, on a scheme with the least impact on green belt.

“Once we have drawn up the plans, we will of course be consulting with the community and local residents to hear their thoughts and help shape these long-term plans for a new vision and a lasting legacy for generations to come at Booths Park.”

Planners have assured conservationists that the development will not detract from the continued commitment to the heritage of the park and its preservation as a site of historical importance.

Bruntwood is hoping to provide new playing pitches and a clubhouse for the rugby club as well as investing in the cricket club's training and youth development facilities and pavilion.