LTFC's sports dome plans returns to committee after decision called in by Lib Dems

The Hatters' ambition to obtain academy category two status requires an indoor pitch.

An artificial three-quarter size playing surface in an air dome received outline planning permission from the borough council.

But the local authority then refused to offer the club a lease for the site.

Liberal Democrat councillors have used a rare standing order to force a reconsideration of the decision taken by the ruling Labour group's executive committee.

That verdict was made in secret, but prompted the Liberal Democrat opposition group to push for an explanation why a lease could not be granted to the Hatters.

The club was applying to expand its youth academy activities and promised it would be happy for any lease agreement to include unrestricted use of the playing fields by local schools.

It would also accept full responsibility for maintenance of the pitches, and would pay a commercial rent.

“The decision to say 'no' is hard to justify, so it's only reasonable to give the Labour council a chance to reconsider,” said Liberal Democrat group leader and Barnfield councillor David Franks.

“Having discussed the situation with my colleagues, I have to say we are all mystified.

"No reason for the decision has been given, at least not publicly.

"Since the football club offer would benefit local schools, young people interested in a football career, the club itself and would also produce some income for the council it's really hard to work out why it would say 'no'.”

Labour group leader and Lewsey councillor Hazel Simmons subsequently said, in a letter, that a precedent was set in 2017.

"Both Luton Town and an organisation representing local Gaelic football clubs approached the council, at that time, with a view to securing part of the playing fields for their own use," she explained.

"This coincided with the development of the new Linden Academy Primary School, which had limited outdoors sports facilities.

"Linden Academy uses the playing fields on a regular basis and Chiltern Academy has an option to do so once it reaches full pupil capacity.

"A decision was made to retain 100 per cent control of the playing fields, in case they were needed to support sporting activities at either school.

"It was recognised that the proposal includes an offer of a shared use, but there was a concern this might be difficult to manage in the circumstances.

"Any such lease would be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Education, so approval can't be then taken for granted."

The executive verdict has to be referred to the council’s overview and scrutiny board, which will review the reasoning behind it this evening.

Proceedings are expected to be in private again and the issue is the only item on the agenda.

The board lacks the power to change the decision, although it can be referred back to the executive committee for reconsideration or on to a full council meeting, with or without a recommendation.