Major transformation of King George V Playing Fields approved by Walsall planning committee

King George V Playing Fields will now undergo a transformation including a new pavilion to replace the existing one, a 3G football pitch, flood lighting, multiuse games area, a new play area and outdoor gym.

Members of the planning committee met on February 12 to approve the plans, mostly funded by Towns Deal government money.

Discussions mainly revolved around objections from Bloxwich Hockey Club.

The players have used King George V Playing Fields since the club was created in 1903, until a recent ruling by Hockey England that dictated league games must be played on astroturf.

The club moved to Sneyd Comprehensive on Vernon Way but the astroturf was condemned in 2021 following deterioration.

Chair of the club, Katie Yeoman, said the council promised that the club would soon have an astroturf pitch at King George’s from the Towns Deal funding, and therefore no maintenance work was carried out at Sneyd.

But Mike Richardson, speaking on behalf of Walsall Council, said hockey wasn’t included in the brief when creating the plans.

Katie said if the 3G football pitch was a 2G pitch instead, it would mean hockey, netball, rugby, tennis and social football could be played on it, rather than just football alone.

But chairman of the planning committee, Councillor Mike Bird, said the club’s objection could not be dealt with as a planning consideration.

He instead offered assurance that a pitch would be found for them either on site at King George’s or off site elsewhere.

Councillor Bird said: “I see no reason why we could not have a facility here which could accommodate hockey, whether that be a further pitch or a multi-use of this one.

“I will give you an undertaking that the officers will be instructed to find a provision whether that be here or at an alternative site.”

Other objections included existing antisocial behaviour, parking issues, and increase in traffic.

It was heard that the enhancements at the facility and additional footfall would provide security, as well as further CCTV, and the 140 parking spaces would accommodate peak demands.

The plans were approved unanimously by the planning committee.