A PUBLIC meeting is due to be held in response to controversial plans to build homes on popular recreational space.

West Berkshire Council (WBC) rejected Newbury Community Football Group’s (NCFG) offer to manage the lease for the Faraday Road site.

While councillors are hoping to rejuvenate the area with flats, members of NCFC submitted plans for an all-weather pitch and new facilities.

A consultation meeting will take place at Document House in Newbury, with two presentations at 6pm and 7pm on September 13.

Lee McDougall, who submitted the planning application, said: “We hope lots of people can join us, whether you support the application or not, or you would just like to know more.

"We wholeheartedly support the vision to improve the London Road estate. As part of this vision, our proposal to improve the community football ground with state of the art 3G pitches for all ages and new clubhouse facilities enhances the public-realm and is in harmony with Victoria Park.

"Our key objective is ensure Newbury retains a locally accessible football stadium that can be used by the whole community at both youth and junior level.”

More than 90 per cent of respondents to a previous consultation felt that Newbury did not have adequate outdoor football facilities.

Since forming in 2016, NCFG have been responsible for helping Newbury FC to gain a two-year extension to their lease from WBC.

Councillor James Fredrickson added: "This land is important for our vision for the area, but until work begins we want it to remain accessible to the local community.

"Newbury Town Council have a good track record running local facilities, such as the tennis courts and Victoria Park, as well as regular events such as the market.

"I am hopeful that they will rent the land from us and use it to benefit the town until the moment development begins."

The regeneration of the London Road estate is one of several projects set out in the Newbury Vision 2026.