Object

Representation ID: 13866

Received: 22/01/2021

Respondent: Dickens Heath Parish Council

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Proposed Sports Hub -
Serious concerns about loss of playing pitches and sports facilities on site south of Tythe Barn Lane.
Important to retain links to the village and their contribution to the health and wellbeing of the local community.
DHPC propose an alternative consolidated enhanced sports hub on the site north of Tythe Barn Lane (within the boundary of the 2016 Draft Local Plan proposal), that will incorporate the existing sports pitches.
Proposed alternative sports hub would not alter the proposed housing development in the concept masterplans.
Our indicative scheme has the support of the common landowner.
Can be delivered in a timely manner with seamless transfer of clubs, Highgate United FC and Old Yardleians Rugby FC onto new site.
Would keep the facilities close to the village and be of great benefit to new and existing communities, and not an undetermined remote location further into countryside.
Adequate parking and good access, reduced need to travel.
Potential for additional planting to meet climate change objectives.
DHPC seek to replace part of the proposed wilding area. The sporting use would have a greater community, healthcare and recreational benefits than the designated wilding area.
Sports hub would provide a much more efficient use of land.
DHPC anticipate the sports hub being supported by Sports England as a logical alternative and less disruptive site for longstanding sporting activities.
Large section of existing designated wildlife area on this site includes the Equine Rescue Charity with stables and grazing, which would be relocated by the landowner.
Scheme would retain nationally recognised Akamba Heritage Centre.
Final scheme should be approved through EiP process.