Cheshire West and Chester Council says Thor can knock down Vics' ground if they want to (From Northwich Guardian)

Cheshire West and Chester Council says Thor can knock down Vics' ground if they want to

4:35pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in News By Andrew Simpson

THE Victoria Stadium’s prospective new owners do not need permission to knock it down.

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) told the Guardian that Thor Specialities (UK) Ltd, should they complete a deal to buy land the ground is built upon, can demolish what it likes.

However nothing new can be erected without asking the authority first.

“They would need planning permission,” said the spokesman.

“And currently there is no application to build anything at the Victoria Stadium.”

Not only that, the land is allocated for leisure purposes with a sports club using the site.

Thor will need to persuade CWAC to change the use of the plot, as well as seeking approval for whatever plans they have.

“We have a significant amount of work to undertake,” said the firm in a statement.

“It is our intention to invest in the region of £2.5m in the building of new facilities and we would prefer that this is carried out by local contractors.”

The Guardian has asked twice what plans Thor has, but to date has had no reply.

However managing director David Hewitt said the club can take with it the Danebank terrace as well as the stadium’s floodlights.

He said: “Thor would be delighted to donate both to help protect the club’s longer-term interests.”