Football Club’s All-Weather Pitch Proposal on Open Space Rejected

Councillors have turned down a football club’s proposal to construct an all-weather pitch on a designated green area. FC Clacton, situated in Essex, had sought permission to establish an artificial grass playing surface on property belonging to Tendring District Council, adjacent to the club’s stadium at Rush Green Rec. During a meeting held on Tuesday, the councillors collectively voted against the plans, citing worries that the development would result in the forfeiture of a protected open space. FC Clacton expressed its “bitterly disappointed” reaction to the ruling in a social media statement. The club indicated, “We will consider our options carefully [and] probably have to seek legal advice.” Steven Andrews, the club chairman, addressed the meeting, asserting that the drawbacks of the initiative were surpassed by its capacity for “community good.” He informed the councillors: “We can’t deny that we’re encroaching into a park.” He added, “But it’s a relatively small area and more than offset by the community good the facility will bring to literally hundreds of users every week.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the proposed scheme encompassed a 4.5m (15ft) fence accompanied by landscaping surrounding the pitch, along with four 12m (39ft) floodlights. Council planners issued a report stating that the pitch would constitute a “harmful protrusion” into the existing open space. Maurice Alexander, a councillor present at the gathering, described the resolution as “very difficult,” noting the presence of arguments from both perspectives. He elaborated: “One, that it would be used by the community as a whole, assuming they can afford to use it.” He continued, “The other is that we have created these policies to protect ourselves and to keep these places.” Maria Fowler, who chairs the council’s planning committee, commented: “All-weather pitches are marvellous and this would no doubt have been a well-used facility.” She added, “But this would have prevented the general public from using what is public open space.” For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.