CITY councillors have approved plans to build new sports pitches and changing rooms at The Forest recreation ground.
The £1.9 million facilities will be built on the north-eastern corner of the site, which was formerly used as a bowling green. It also used to contain a pavilion and putting green.
The pavilion was destroyed by arsonists in 2004 and the bowlers who once used the site have relocated.
However, a number of concerns have been raised by local residents who claim that football is already well catered for at the park and say the plans will destroy a tranquil green space and unspoilt corner.
Residents have also objected to the removal of 63 trees and shrubs, although the council has said a new tree will be planted for each one removed.
Under the plans there will be an all-weather football pitch and a multi-use pitch, designed for netball and basketball.
Nottingham City Council's development control committee decided the benefits outweighed the negatives this week.
Berridge councillor Toby Neal said he had spoken with youth groups in the area.
"They are interested in a secure site and a well presented site. Personally, I welcome it. I think that it will add additional services that local groups will use," he said.
Committee chairman Councillor Chris Gibson said: "This is one of these applications which has got pluses and minuses. It was a difficult one and it's a matter of balancing the gains against the losses, and that's what I was doing in my own vote.
"It was a quiet area but it's in decay, it's not being used.
"There are people who enjoy the trees and foliage, but against that there's the chance of a high-quality sports pitch."
The project is being led by The Forest Sports Zone Advisory Group, which has been set up to oversee the project. It includes representatives from the council, the Partnership Council, a community-based charity in Radford, residents and sports groups.
The group is submitting bids for funding to help pay for the revamp.
Jim Taylor, chairman of The Forest Working Group, which has overseen £5 million of work already been carried out on other areas of the Forest, said: "We would implore people to see the proposals for the Forest in the round and not just focus on this relatively small area.
"A great team of local people have worked incredibly hard over 13 years to make the case and raise £5 million to restore the Forest to its former glory.
"We're planting lots of trees and our intention is to make it into a very civilised, attractive and enjoyable park.
"But a crucial element of this proposal is to provide the quality facilities for sport and the local community."
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