Luton Council to make a decision on Hatters' Academy dome lease at future meeting

Luton Borough Council have confirmed they will make a decision on the lease for the site of Luton Town’s Academy dome at a future executive meeting.

Earlier this month, the council passed the Hatters’ application for a sports dome to be built on a playing field off Cutenhoe Road, which means Town can look to develop their academy from Category 3 to Category 2 status, allowing them to play in the Premier League’s U23 development games programme.

However, chief executive Gary Sweet revealed in his recent programme notes ahead of the 2-0 win over Wycombe, that building the facility wasn’t possible yet, while also warning that the Hatters could be forced to move their training facilities out of the area, saying: “Pre-lockdown, we had proposed a lease of the playing fields on the site adjacent to Cutenhoe Road and Park Street, next to our training facilities at The Brache.

“Alas, we currently have a long way to go to persuade a number of Councillors who, despite agreeing to it initially, have more recently rejected the proposal meaning we can’t proceed at this stage despite our plan being given consent.

“There was no formal reason given at their last meeting, making it rather difficult for us to make any form of appeal even though we’ve met all of the requirements validated by the Council’s own officers and consultants.”

After being asked by the Luton News why the lease was turned down and whether they would be accepting Sweet’s invitation, a council statement said: “A formal decision will be made on the lease for the Dome at a future meeting of the Executive.”