St Peter's Playing Fields, Wallsend, could soon become home to a new sports hub. North Tyneside councillors have been advised by council officers to grant permission to the development.
The proposed hub will have a pavilion, club house, a multi-use community space and a new 3G football pitch on 6.8 hectares. The proposal has proved popular generating 162 public comments in favour, although 42 objections have been recorded.
Some residents feel the new hub could negatively impact the amenity of the area, disrupting locals as a result of flood lighting and noise.
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Some locals also feel, according to a council report, that “Lots of open playing fields and open space have already been lost as a result of development, including the Queen's Vale development where one of the conditions was that this open space would remain open for all residents to access”.
The Northumberland Wildlife Trust originally objected to the proposal and requested further information and clarification. However, upon review the Trust retracted its objection.
In a letter to the council the trust wrote: “We are satisfied that the proposed landscaping will adequately limit pollutants entering Wallsend Dene Local Wildlife Site with surface run-off, and will provide increased habitat for wildlife and have a positive impact on biodiversity on the site.”
However, the general feeling among the public comments is positive. One resident claimed “this could help reduce ASB in the local area tenfold, if run correctly.”
Another claimed “Our town has lost too many green spaces and others are under-developed. I think this development will again put Wallsend on the sporting map and will not encroach on areas which have not historically been Sports Fields.”
Sports England also raised no objections to the project following consultations with the Football Foundation and the Rugby Football Union.
Wallsend councillor Matthew Thrilaway told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s a lot of money people are willing to invest and it’s a great opportunity for the local community and organisations. It is a serious and exciting proposal.”
Councillors will meet next Tuesday at 10am to discuss the plans.
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