Ambers dream gets green light

Ryman North Cheshunt are looking forward to building new state-of-the-art training facilities at their home on Theobalds Lane after winning planning permission to pursue their dream.

The plans - to overhaul 16 acres of land to provide high quality playing surfaces, install a sustainable irrigation system and a full size floodlit artificial pitch - were given the green light by Broxbourne Council on Tuesday night.

Along with an artificial pitch, the major project will provide a range of senior and junior pitches to Sport England standards. A lagoon will also be built as part of a sustainable water-­harvesting system to keep the new pitches drained and irrigated all year round.

The development is part of the ambitious plans currently being put in place by Cheshunt Sports Leisure Ltd who took charge in 2011. Headed by local businessmen Lee and Dean Williamson, the company has overseen a turnaround in the club's fortunes with more than 15 teams, including a newly formed disability side, now playing under the Cheshunt banner. More are now being planned to take advantage of the development along with the foundation of a future football academy.

Delighted Cheshunt Chairman Dean Williamson said: "This is a major step forward for Cheshunt Football Club. We will have one of the best training facilities in Non-­League football and this is the first step in our plans to become a Conference standard club and academy.

"We have already invested heavily in the facilities at the club and with these plans will soon start to realise the potential of this great club. The proposals will provide first class sports facilities that will cater for every aspect of football development, no matter what the weather conditions, age or level of play."

The Ambers believe their proposals will be a great benefit to the local community and Williamson thanked local residents for backing their application.

Williamson, who said the club hope to start work within weeks and expect to complete the project within 12 months, added: "We would like to thank club members and local residents for their support throughout the application process. Sports facilities are very important to the borough and this project will significantly improve the sports provision at Cheshunt Football Club to the benefit of the wider community."

More information on the proposals can be found at www.cfcpitchimprovements.co.uk.