Opposition grows to scheme for 80 homes on playing field

THE latest attempt to build on a historic Hull sports field has run into opposition.

Barratt Homes has told councillors it wants to build between 50 and 80 homes where bowling greens used to be on the former Reckitt-owned playing field in Chamberlain Road.

The rest of the field would be used for four rugby league pitches and changing facilities.

In the past campaigners have resisted any attempts to build on the field, one of the last remaining green areas in the city.

Coun Adam Williams, said he and his two Liberal Democrat colleagues who represent the area were opposed to the plan. “Our view has always been that it would be great if they bought the sports field back into use because they have been locked up for about four years.

“But we are concerned about the housing and we have said this to Barratt.

“If they put in a planning application local councillors will oppose it.”

The developers, who were holding an exhibition in Hull yesterday, say the facilities would be operated and maintained by Hull District Service Area, which oversees rugby league in the area. Barratt would also donate funds towards a new club house at nearby Pelican Park.

Retired firefighter Brian Johnson, who used to chair a residents’ association which aimed to protect the field, said people had to be realistic now a national developer was in the frame.

He said: “If we don’t work with them on this all we will do is alienate them. If we want some say on how it will be planned out we have to work with them. It could never be a cricket field again, having been encroached on by Dove House, but at least it will be used for rugby and football.”

Development director at Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Peter Morris said it was an “opportunity to provide two enhanced public recreational facilities which will benefit the whole community.”

In the past residents have fought off proposals to build there, including one by Wright Homes for 67 detached homes.

Two years ago planners rejected plans to cut down of trees on the ground. The sports field was originally created for workers of Quaker philanthropist Sir James Reckitt and acquired by its present owner in 2001.