Sports Update

Mark Wilders CRA / MLC

I promised in an earlier Crier that I would keep residents updated on the progress of the much anticipated and much needed Sports Facilities. Well the developers have now tabled their proposals for the main sports area and these were discussed at the CRA meeting on 12 September. If you would like to view these proposals just pop along to Roger’s garage. Whilst the CRA was pleased to see the something on paper, it is important to get it right before a planning application is submitted and approved. Poorly considered facilities would have a serious long-term effect on Cambourne residents and would become a burden to the future Parish Council. The CRA’s comments were as follows:

1 the multi-purpose sports building would be better situated more centrally to the sports fields

2 the squash courts should be an integral part of the sports building

3 the sports building should have a viewing area overlooking the hard surfaced area

4 the proposed phasing of the sports facilities should be clearly indicated with trigger points and/or dates

5 young residents have expressed concern over combining the skate board park with a basket ball area – further consideration and clarification of this is required

6 concern was expressed over the apparent change from the master plan with respect to the loss of the driving range replaced with ‘land to be determined’. This is understood to be the precursor to a housing planning application. This is not acceptable to the CRA.

7 Concern was expressed over the understanding that the developers intend to create the first playing field at the furthest point from the access road. The CRA request that the first playing fields are adjacent to the access road.

8 Concern was expressed over the lack of changing facilities and toilets until the sports building is erected at 2000 homes. This would make using the playing fields and hard surfaced area extremely difficult and would preclude competitive matches.

9 Concern was expressed over the lack of details of the proposals for the complete playing field provision. It is proposed that no planning permission is granted until the complete picture is clear and agreed to avoid a piecemeal development.

10 Concern was expressed over the developer’s proposal to include in the 45 acres of playing field areas that cannot be considered as playing area or spectator areas such as ponds, woods, and verges. This is not acceptable to the CRA.

11 It is understood that the area originally referred to as the eco park kick about area is now proposed by the developers to be a sports field. It is understood that SCDC will be employing a consultant from the Playing Fields Association to assess whether the specification of this area is suitable for this purpose. On condition that it is the CRA will make active moves to create this area as the first playing field including white lining and provision of goal posts.

12 It is understood that the area referred to as the Great Cambourne meadow / kick about area is not a sports field. It is understood that SCDC will be employing a consultant from the Playing Fields Association to assess whether the specification of this area is suitable for this purpose. The CRA request from the developers a definition of a kick about area and whether such informal sports would require a lower level of provision, bearing in mind the recent accidents.

As always, the CRA are keen to reflect the views of the community, so if you have any comments on the above please let me know.