Leicester's Aylestone football complex given go-ahead
Planning permission has been granted for a football centre in Leicester after protests by residents forced the abandonment of the original plans.
Proposals to put the pitches on a nature reserve at Aylestone Meadows were rejected after opposition.
The development, including a clubhouse and artificial turf pitch, will now be sited on the former Riverside College site and Aylestone Playing Fields.
Work is due to start on site in early spring.
The city council said the decision followed "significant public consultation".
A changing room block will also be built on Aylestone Playing Field, with showers, toilets and a small kitchen.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I'm very pleased that the planning decision brings a satisfactory conclusion for the residents, the Aylestone Meadows' campaigners, and of course the football clubs.
"I would like to pay tribute to the campaigners who fought hard to save the meadow. This is a great victory for community action."