New battle over plans to build on sports field

The Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate allowed the plans by Barratt Homes for the former Reckitts sports ground on appeal earlier this year, ending a 10-year fight by residents.

But in September councillors refused to approve so-called “reserved matters”, after concerns were raised over inadequate parking for new sports facilities and an emergency access.

Representatives from Barratt Homes have submitted new plans including extra areas for off-road parking on the new estate, and also an appeal against the refusal.

Councillor Adam Williams claimed residents had not been properly consulted over the proposals and he stressed that he hoped the appeal which has been launched by the developer will be rejected.

Coun Williams added: “All the playing fields are overgrown, the club house is boarded up, the perimeter fence is falling apart and the whole site is a mess. Unfortunately since a planning application in 2004 was rejected the owners kicked off the sports clubs, chained it up and it fell into rack and ruin, to the extent that a lot of people in the area say they would prefer Barratt to build on it.

“But I think it will be sad as this once public green space will be lost forever.”

Sub post-master Serji Singh, who has led local opposition, said: “I think it just shows that Barratt is determined to build on this site. There has been no interaction with the community yet again.”

Barratt wants to build the homes on seven-and-a-quarter acres of the 17-acre site, where bowling greens, tennis and netball courts used to be.

The remaining land would be left for a pair of rugby pitches and two junior pitches and changing rooms, with the developer also donating funds towards changing facilities at Pelican Park about a mile away.