Rayleigh Sports and Social Club have objected to the planning application from Countyside for 500 new homes “North of LonDon Road”. If you hunt around you can find their objection on the District Council Website – it was uploaded on October 17th.
Their objection letter is quite long, but can be summarised by one phrase:
“…an objection on the basis that the provision of pitches outlined in the application is inadequate”
The letter goes on to say:
“…..RTSSC shares Sport England’s view that the provision of 1.61 hectares of land as two mini soccer pitches would not meet additional local demand for pitches for organised sport arising from the population growth brought about by the 772 houses that are planned to be built north of London Road and on Rawreth Industrial Estate….”
“… The Playing Pitch Strategy Consultation in January 2012 concluded that there was need for additional cricket pitches in Rayleigh…”
The club are basically proposing that there should be an additional cricket pitch, an additional full-size football pitch, extra car parking and enlarged changing room facilities, with hopefully improvements to the pavilion, and for the District Council to offer a new longer lease for the club, at the same level of rent.
Admin Do you have the figures for the amount of pitches that should be provided by the local authority per head of population. If I remember correctly RDC is below the recommended level.
Hi Bruce the link is below. – chapter 6 is the summary:
http://www.rochford.gov.uk/sites/rochford.gov.uk/files/documents/files/planning_playingfields_f.pdf
Let us not forget that the Chief ( Cutmore )and Deputy Chief ( Hudson ) Councillors made a pledge ( in writing ) to reward the 40 year contribution to Rayleigh life ( by RTSSC ) with new and enhanced facilities for RTSSC . Then withdrew that promise immediately after the Government Inspector approved their plan – I’ll leave you to draw conclusions.
Jim @ 2 above. I think we in Rayleigh Action Group need a pat on the back for achieving what no one else managed in getting RDC to withdraw their threats/plans to end the 45 year old lease held by RTSSC after we jumped up and down and demanded answers as to the possible ‘Constructive Trust’ the land is subjected to. Also the unanswered difficult questions as to how/who/why on RDC made the decision to take the playing field for housing thus allowing for access to a former colleagues farmland in the first instance? What developer was in negotiation on this site with which planners and which officers at RDC? Perhaps admin could make those enquiries. Well done to RTSSC for finally demanding a decent deal for all the work they have done over many years. This is a poke in the eye for some I’m sure and secures at least some green fields on the entrance to our town.