Synthetic 3G surface approved for playing fields, but 'chaotic' parking could be an issue
Councillors have approved the conversion of a natural grass playing field in Saltburn into a synthetic 3G ‘Playzone’ surface.
The 30 metre by 20 metre sized pitch will be floodlit and surrounded by perimeter fencing. A design and access statement submitted with the plans said it would be “high quality” and an “exciting facility”.
Meanwhile, a report for RedcarCleveland Council's regulatory committee, which gave the thumbs up, stated that the distance between the site and nearby homes was adequate, meaning there were no concerns about being overlooked or loss of privacy. The report also mentioned that the lighting would be focused on the play area and positioned to prevent any light pollution or disturbance to the closest houses.
- Gisborough Hall given go ahead for 'restorative woodland spa' with outdoor swimming pool
- Businessman Nasser Din tells of sadness at 'speculation' over Middlesbrough apartments plan
The existence of a recently completed skate park already on the site, off Hob Hill Lane, which will be next to the new pitch, was noted along with the lack of associated car parking facilities. But it was still considered to be in a “sustainable” location and within walking distance of a number of homes, with public transport also available.
There was an intervention from a representative of Saltburn Golf Club who said a covenant on land occupied by the car park it used to the south of the site meant no less than 50 spaces should be reserved for its members and visitors free of charge.
Peter Wilson said despite this many of its members had been unable to park on one recent weekend, describing the situation as “chaos”.
While a meeting of the committee acknowledged the comments, it was also agreed - and by the speaker himself - that the existence of any covenant was not a material planning consideration in the decision being made. Development services manager Claire Griffiths suggested, instead, it was a civil matter.
Mr Wilson said: “I recognise that is not a planning issue directly, but the covenant is between the golf club and Redcar and Cleveland Council. It may need to go further than this committee.
“The success of the improved sports facilities at Hob Hill is to be welcomed, including the [Saltburn Athletic] football club and a skatepark. But it is putting pressure on the ability of the council to comply with no less than 50 parking spaces available to members and visitors.
We feel action is required, but to be clear, we aren't against the 3G pitch application itself.
Committee chairman Councillor Stuart Smith stepped down from his chairmanship during consideration of the matter as he said he wrote letters of support in relation to funding for the new pitch. He spoke on the application as a ward member in Saltburn and said the playzone would be a “focus point” for young people’s activities.
He said: “The town has no youth centre and other such facilities. Saltburn Athletic Football Club established in 1998 has played a pivotal role to compensate for some of these shortcomings in the town.
“The creation of a playzone would encourage activities across all ages and abilities within a safe environment. It would also support the ambition of the council to enable opportunities for everyone to be as physically active as they can be.
I'm completely behind this application.
Last year the council’s cabinet agreed to plans to create PlayZones in Eston, Grangetown, Guisborough, Marske, Dormanstown, Redcar and Saltburn. Each one is expected to cost up to £275,000 each with the Football Foundation footing 75% of the costs for their design and construction. The remaining cost was expected to be met from internal and external funding available to the council.
For Redcar & Cleveland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter