There is a planning presumption in favour of sports development and the area is shown as an area for sports development in the local plan. The 3G pitches, third generation AstroTurf, replace the grass pitches with an artificial surface on a concrete base, but the grass replaced is closely mown, so is of low ecological value.The important thing is that development is socially and environmentally responsible and sustainable, which means that the problem of accommodating parking isn't pushed onto park users and neighbours, degrading the park environment and putting cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Kings House has invested in the grounds since taking them on and has greatly increased the number of events. That has not up to now included increasing the capacity of the club grounds to accommodate increasing numbers of car and coach visits, although the developments have required planning consent, so there would have been an opportunity to protect park users and neighbours from the negative impacts of increased visitor numbers. That has been an omission that has negatively impacted park uses and neighbours. That the club now wants to address the problem by creating parking in its grounds, is to its credit. We have to hope that the council whilst supporting King's House to develop its facilities, will also protect the interests of park users and residents.As Paul says, limiting the hours that lights can be left on can also be a condition in the planning consent.That is more likely to happen if residents and park users lobby councillors and respond to the planning application.
Kathleen Healy ● 2391d