A ST ANNES-based developer has scored a winner with its plan to create retirement homes on the former site of the famous Football League HQ.

Newfield Jones Homes won planning permission for the £4.5m project from Fylde planning committee last week.

Though it involves demolition of the distinctive Clifton Drive South building - visited by soccer luminaries like George Best, Bill Shankly and Sir Matt Busby - the football connection will not be forgotten. The 48 warden-assisted flats are to be named Hardaker Court after the late Alan Hardaker, Football League secretary from 1957 until his death in 1980, who first brought the organisation to St Annes in the 1950s.

He and his family lived next door to the HQ for many years, and daughter Mrs Lesley Greenslade said: "We're very pleased that he's going to be remembered in this way. John Hayfield of Newfield Jones Homes asked if we would mind, and we said of course not, it's a lovely gesture."

The St Annes HQ closed in February when the Football League opened new purpose-built premises in Preston's docklands.

An adjacent building is also making way for the new flats development, which will include a 28-space car park. The company aims to create a high-quality development in St Annes' original Victorian style.

Fylde planning chairman Coun Trevor Fiddler said: "The committee was pleased with the design and welcomed the fact that it is going to be residential rather than holiday flats. This will be a great addition for St Annes town centre."

Newfield Jones sales director Howard Carter said: "We're very pleased that the project has got the go ahead and will be announcing more details shortly."

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