RESIDENTS have submitted letters both in support and in objection to a social club's plans to save its long-term future through a redevelopment and offering some land for housing.

New plans were submitted to create houses and to demolish and revamp Greenalls Sports and Social Club on Alder Hey Road, Eccleston in May.

The club has been a long-term part of the community and was a popular meeting point for fans on Saints matchdays in the days of Knowsley Road.

Last year, proposals for homes at the site and a renovation of the club were knocked back by council planners.

Planning officers said no noise assessment had taken place and the initial application had not demonstrated sufficient off street parking.

In rejecting the houses, planning officers added this would result in the loss of a protected open space, the bowling green and car park.

In the new proposals, three separate applications have been drawn up, which are awaiting a decision from council planners.

One is for the partial demolition of the existing games room and lounge bar area of the club and the creation of a new single-storey side and rear extension and front canopy, along with the creation of 37 parking spaces.

Another is for eight semi-detached homes at the site and the other application for another four semi-detached houses and one detached home.

Plans say the structure of the club and its internal decoration has "dated considerably", meaning that the building requires "considerable maintenance, along with ever increasing utilities expenses".

They add: "it is also recognised by the club that membership has dwindled in the past few years, both in terms of the users of the club and the users of the bowling green facility, thereby resulting in a significant loss of income.

"Unfortunately, the conclusion of that thought process is that some of the land that the club has within its ownership must be considered as a redevelopment opportunity, so as to provide an income stream to protect the long term viability of the club. Alternatively, and on current budgets, it is highly likely that the club and its facilities will have to close".

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On the proposed loss of the bowling green, a statement says: "We recognise that this action means a loss of the bowler’s amenity and as a committee we felt we had a moral obligation to find them a suitable facility at least equal to those on offer at Greenalls".

It adds the Greenalls committee has made enquires with bowling clubs within close proximity of the club "who showed that they were all willing to take on new members".

St Helens Star:

Greenalls Pic: Google Streetview

The council has received several letters both in support and against the new plans.

Speaking against the proposals, one said: "Alder Hey Road has suffered for years with the traffic that has generated from De La Salle School and the events held at the club.

"Building residential properties on land at Greenalls Club will increase that traffic volume and consequently cause an increase in air pollution".

They added: "The noise pollution will undoubtedly increase too".

Another said: "I have lived here for 25 years and noise has been an ongoing issue and I feel this will be exacerbated by the proposed alterations".

However, others expressed their hope that the plans are approved and spoke of the importance of the club within the community.

One wrote: "I feel the club is a valued part of the community offering a local resource and amenity giving people the opportunity to meet The function room provides a facility for the local community and wider."

Another letter, from a nearby resident of 50 years added: "My wider family use the club and we have held functions there for christenings, landmark birthdays and sadly funerals.

"The club provides a focal point for the community." They added a " new re-energised club will be a great facility for the local community".

Another stated: "The situation now with COVID-19 has highlighted how much we would miss this facility if it were to close".