Plans for an all-weather pitch at Wilmslow Rugby Club are being recommended for approval next week, despite nearly 60 objections being received.
The Pownall Park based club has applied for permission to replace their grass playing pitch with an Astroturf one that would be for multi-sport usage.
The new pitch would have steel mesh enclosures up to 1.2m in height in green, with associated landscaping, and replacement flood lighting masts.
The application has been called in to the Northern Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Mark Goldsmith due to the following concerns: "The application letter mentions 'A noise survey is provided to support the assessment in relation to noise from the premises and associated with the proposed engineering works and use of the 3G pitch'. However, this does not seem to have been provided, nor has a flood risk assessment. Nor is there a report on the flood lighting and how this may affect local residents.
"Residents are concerned that this all-weather pitch will be rented out continually and will not just be used by the rugby club. They have questioned why the application is shown as 2 x 5- aside pitches, not as a rugby pitch. Their concerned is that this will primarily be a commercial 5-a-side centre that will generate considerable noise 7-days a week and up to 10pm at night."
Two letters in support of the application were also received, one of which stating "The proposals would be a massive enhancement for both the club and the wider community, providing much needed all weather sports facilities. At a time when we need to encourage more people of all ages, but especially children, to do more exercise and enjoy the social and mental benefits of playing sport (as the allweather pitch is not just for rugby)."
Whilst objections were received from 57 properties, concerns raised include: noise and light pollution to the surrounding properties, significant harm to the Green Belt, traffic and parking issues, potential pollution to the river from microplastics and the fencing will have a detrimental effect on the character of the landscape.
Additionally, Wilmslow Town Council recommend refusal of this application. They wrote "The proposal will result in significant loss of amenity to adjacent properties and disturbance from noise and light pollution. This proposal is inappropriate development in the Greenbelt without special circumstances and will be detrimental to the openness of the Greenbelt, the light and noise harming the residential area and countryside including Pigginshaw Brook a scheduled local wildlife site. The proposal is contrary to Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Policy NE1 'Countryside Around the Town' as it fails to respond the Wilmslow Landscape Character Assessment Area A5 Lower Bollin's characteristics."
Adding "The Town Council also notes the proposed site layout and plan does not show all of the houses in Woodlands Road whose back gardens overlook the proposed development. Wilmslow Town Council also believes the statement that there will be sufficient on-site parking is untrue."
The Planning Officer is recommending the application for approval at the committee meeting on Wednesday, 5th March stating "It considered that the proposals would support the provision of an enhanced outdoor sporting offer and promote healthy lifestyles for Cheshire East residents."
Comments
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Wilmslow RUFC are no different and must ‘move with the times, welcoming other sports. Meanwhile, their 1st XV are playing well - a 2:15 ko.
I played for 25 yrs for other clubs and have the scars to prove it. Perhaps I’m biased, but I agree with the Planning Officer.
There would be a lot of it by a slope above a river.
If you buy a house next door to a rugby club or indeed any other sporting venue, you should expect there to be developments and improvements to the facilities.