Cambridgeshire locals say plans for 3G sports pitch have ‘no regard for the impact to residents’

Residents are worried about the impact that plans for a new 3G artificial grass pitch could have on their Cambridgeshire[1] village. The plans for the pitch were submitted to the district council by Impington Village College in October. They propose adding artificial turf on the green space and grassy playing fields within the southwest corner of the college site in Impington.

The plans also include perimeter fencing, acoustic fencing, 6x13m floodlights and a new access footpath. Many of the locals are worried about the loss of the more natural playing fields that are currently there and the number of cars regular football matches would bring to the roads.

The site had previously been earmarked for a 15m 5G monopole to be installed in the area.[4] However, after several objections were made by residents in the village, the plans were thrown out.

'Appears to be no regard for the impact to local residents'

Many locals said they were in favour of the new pitch and could see the benefits it could bring.

However, they said they were concerned about the increase in on-street parking. Andy Brewer, a maintenance manager at the University of Cambridge and nearby resident, said: "I am in favour, and so are most of the residents as I am sure it will be well used. But there appears to be no regard for the impact to local residents, yet again.

The five properties in Park Drive will look directly over this pitch whereas at the moment, they look over a beautiful tree-lined green open space. "The floodlights will be visible from both sides of the college wall where, as mentioned before, it's currently lined with beautiful trees. If it's got to happen, then please consider moving it to the corner."

Mr Brewer understands the need for the pitch but mourns the loss of the current green space and grassy pitch. He added: "It's not a popular fight and we can see the benefits of the 3G pitch. The general consensus among us is that there's more chance of it being approved than rejected.

"But why would you put the pitch in the bottom of people's back gardens? Nobody wants it to go from a beautiful green space to a full size pitch and with regular football matches taking place, it could be a struggle for some of us to get out of our drives." "They need to ask themselves, do we need it? and if so, what are we going to do with parking?

The locals are making their feelings known on this."

Concerns roads will be clogged with parked cars

Another resident, who commented on the planning portal, said the roads near the area are already filled with cars at the weekends and evenings. They said: "If access is via Park Drive, most people will park on New Road, actually on the road, or on the green edge which runs along the double yellow lines. They will not park in the grounds and walk through.

"At weekends and evenings, we already have a lot of on-road parking for the gym and sports centre and also for the local recreation ground which has very minimal parking. Many of the minor roads also get lots of people parking and they have a job to park their own vehicles. "If it were located further back, people would be encouraged to park within the grounds and walk through.

A quick parking space on New Road and a short walk through Park Drive would be the favoured action going on past recent experience."

The application's vision

A design and access statement with the application said: "The proposed pitch will replace an existing grassed pitch with better quality provision in a suitable location. It could accommodate any additional parking demand generated by the proposed development and result in no additional stress on the wider area for parking. "The proposal would contribute to the fulfilment of the site and local community needs.

The provision of the facility would be of sufficient benefit to the development of sport as to outweigh the detriment caused by the loss of the playing field or playing fields."

A decision is due to be made by South Cambridgeshire District Council at a later date.

The plans can be viewed in full, using the reference 23/03892/FUL or clicking here[5].

References

1. ^ Cambridgeshire (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
2. ^ More than GBP1million to be spent on carless route between Soham and Wicken (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
3. ^ Residents fear pet cats could kill locally if new 'catastrophic' housing development with 80 homes goes ahead in Cambs (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
4. ^ earmarked for a 15m 5G monopole to be installed in the area. (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
5. ^ here (applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org)