A CHARITY football match is taking place on a proposed development site in Rudheath this weekend, to show just how precious the land is to the community.

The Matilda Foundation is playing at St John’s Playing Fields in Griffiths Park on Sunday, February 26.

A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by HBV Northwich Limited and Griffiths Park Land Limited to build 46 ‘affordable’ homes and a three-storey, 66-bed care home on the playing fields.

Campaigners have been fighting against the plans, saying the site is a much-needed community asset, offering residents open space to play sports, walk their dog, meet up with friends or enjoy the park with children.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help support the campaign.

Rudheath Parish Council also applied to Cheshire West and Chester’s planning department for the site to be listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Northwich Guardian: St John's Playing FieldsSt John's Playing Fields (Image: Linda Rimmer)

On Sunday, The Matilda Foundation football match will kick off at 2pm and campaigners would like as many people as possible to attend in the hope of highlighting how well-utilised the playing fields are.

There will also be buckets to donate to the charity - set up in memory of Matilda Cosgrove, who was tragically stillborn in June 2019.

As well as attending the football match, campaigners are urging people to lodge their views on the proposed development.

To view or comment on the application visit the council’s planning portal here and search for 22/04436/FUL.

To view and comment on the Asset of Community Value application, search for 22/04282/ACV.

A letter submitted by planning consultants Avison Young in support of the development said: “The high-quality housing will contribute towards and identified need for affordable dwellings within the local authority and will be supported by appropriate car parking and landscaping.”