PLANS for two new artificial grass sports pitches at Belhus Park Golf and Country Club in Aveley have been approved by Thurrock Council’s planning committee reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The scheme, which was considered independently after previously being linked to a rejected application for the former Fireman’s Sports and Social Club site, will replace a redundant driving range with two full-size artificial grass pitches.
It also includes a sports pavilion with changing rooms, toilets, kitchen, spectator facilities, storage areas, fencing, floodlighting, and a landscaped trim trail with biodiversity zones.
Karl Hayes, managing director of Impulse Leisure Belhus Park, told councillors the development represents a major investment in community health and wellbeing. He said: “Currently, the demand for high-quality all-weather football facilities far exceeds supply, leaving many grassroots clubs, schools and community groups struggling to access safe and reliable spaces for training and matches. These pitches will address that gap.”
Belhus Park is designated as a Sports and Wellbeing Hub under council policy, and Sport England confirmed the plans meet national planning tests and align with Thurrock’s Playing Pitch Strategy and Active Place Strategy.
Tom Kelly, Conservative councillor for Little Thurrock Rectory, welcomed the decision. He said: “This aspect of the scheme is obviously brilliant. Impulse do a great job in the borough when you look at the sites they run. I like the location, the car park’s big enough, and it’s nothing but good news to get more people active and playing sports.”
The site lies within the green belt, but planning officers noted that sports and recreation are considered appropriate development under national policy. Conditions will be attached to manage lighting, landscaping and biodiversity.
The approval follows controversy over the Fireman’s Club application, which sought to replace playing fields with seven industrial units. Councillors refused that scheme in September over concerns about merging Aveley and Purfleet, air pollution, and property values linked to industrial growth.
The Belhus Park development is expected to deliver modern facilities for local teams and schools, create jobs, and support Thurrock’s ambition to improve health and wellbeing through sport.
