A CAMPAIGN to save playing fields in Rudheath from a proposed development has received a huge boost as the site is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Rudheath Parish Council applied to Cheshire West and Chester’s planning department for Griffiths Park to be listed as an ACV after developers submitted plans to build 46 ‘affordable’ homes and a three-storey, 66-bed care home on St John’s Playing Fields in the site.

The council has now approved the ACV request, giving campaigners a vital boost.

An area can be listed as a community asset if its main use furthers the social wellbeing or cultural, recreational, or sporting interests of the community.

By making the area a community asset, it becomes harder for it to be sold or developed, although the owner of the site can challenge the designation if they believe it is incorrect.

Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Helen Treeby, who is also on Rudheath Parish Council, welcomed the news.

She said: “This is a hugely important space for the residents of Rudheath and making it a community asset was the right thing to do and I am delighted Rudheath Parish Council was successful.

“I know from conversations I have had with residents how much the space is valued and used and how concerned people are about the possibility of losing it.

“The decision to make it a community asset is extremely important in the fight to try and stop building on St John’s Playing Fields and the surrounding area of park.”

Rudheath Parish Councillor Olwyn Dean, one of the organisers behind the campaign to save the playing fields, added: “I am delighted that we have been successful in getting Griffiths Park listed as an Asset of Community Value for the next five years, but we recognise that the land owners have a right to appeal so we will not give up the fight to secure this much-needed green space for the local community.

“We still need to fight the planning application for housing and a care home as the developers may try to gain this permission ready for development after the five years is up.

“The battle to gain this status has been a great motivator, bringing the local community together and we want to build on that in the future.

“Rudheath Parish Council and the Friends of Griffiths Park will do everything in our power to secure the park for many years to come, not just for the next five years.”

Tatton MP Esther McVey is also backing the campaign, along with Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury.

Ms McVey, who held a public meeting earlier this month with Cllr Treeby, said: “The public meeting showed the strength of feeling among residents on this matter.

“I am pleased Cheshire West and Chester Council has listened to our concerns, those of residents and those of Rudheath Parish Council; this space should be protected at all costs.”

A charity football match took place on the site on February 26, attracting more than 300 people, in the hope of showing developers just how precious the playing fields are to the community.

The Matilda Foundation played Forest Road and although the charity lost 5-2, they said the game had one of its highest attendances to date.