A NEW football pitch could be on the cards for Earley, but its proposal has prompted a mixed response.
Wokingham Borough Council has identified Laurel Park as a potential site for a new 3G flood-lit, all-weather football pitch.
And it could be installed by the end of the year, if plans are approved.
Bob Collis, chair of the Earley Environmental Group, said that the group is against a pitch on Laurel Park, especially if it is placed on the lower field, next to Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve.
“This is very valued environmental woodland,” he said. “It would be a loss of valuable green space.”
Mr Collis said that the group is concerned about the facility’s impact on wildlife, as well as noise and light pollution from the site.
“We are trying to preserve as much green space s we can in an urbanised area,” he added.
Cllr Caroline Smith, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hillside said that her support for a 3G pitch depends on identifying a site that fulfils a wide range of important criteria.
“A suitable site can be found in Earley, but the lower field of Laurel Park, adjacent to the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve, is not one of them,” she said.
“The impact on the environment could be enormous. I also share residents’ concerns about the impact on their lives, and on traffic and parking in what is a residential street.”
Jean Hackett, chair of the Community Orchard said that she is also concerned about the plan.
She said that the orchard has been vandalised many times since it was established, and is concerned that flood-lights could be an incentive for “people to do mischief” in the area.
She said that in previous years, people have broken off branches and uprooted the trees.
Ms Hackett said that she is also worried that building a 3G pitch will bring more visitors to the area, causing an issue with parking.
“People already use Marefield as an overflow carpark,” she said.
Also concerned about parking is Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative councillor for Hillside.
She said that on Saturday, January 15, she spent time speaking to residents living along Marefield about the proposals.
“I talked to about 40 or 50 people and a lot of them said that they were worried about traffic and parking, and to be honest, I think they’re right” she said.
“That road shouldn’t be used for access, its too narrow. I’m going to have a conversation with the highways team. I’ve got some ideas and I think that there might be a solution that improves access and reduces the impact on residents.”
Cllr Jorgensen said that she would like to fix any issues with the proposals before it goes to planning, and said she would also like to discuss the evening opening hours and impact on the nature reserve.
In a letter sent to residents, the borough council said: “We are investigating options on access and car parking to reduce the parking challenges at weekends and with the associated midweek use.
“No decision has been made and this will be carefully considered.”
John Bland, Marefield resident, said that last week a neighbourhood group, MBOS, was formed to unite against the plans.
But he added that he was not anti-football, as both his daughter and granddaughter have played for Laurel Park FC.
MBOS consists of residents living in of Marefield, Barkby, Owston and Sibson.
He said that around 40 people joined a Zoom call on Monday night to discuss the proposal.
“We can’t understand why councillors were opposed to developing Swallows Meadow, one mile down the road, but not this park,” he said. “Councillors should be fighting to keep it green.”
He said that during the pandemic, residents’ priorities had changed, and that parks had become more valuable.
“That space saved people,” he said.
Mr Bland said that solving the issue of parking would result in building over more green space, and suggested the 3G pitch be considered for another site, such as Chalfont.
Cllr David Hare, Liberal Democrat councillor for neighbouring ward Hawkedon, said that he would like to see a full consultation.
“I am really disappointed that recently some residents received a letter confirming Laurel Park was the proposed site and that the 3G pitch could be installed towards the end of 2022,” he said.
“A consultation was mentioned, but no details were given. A poorly handled consultation, that does not allow other suitable sites to be considered, is not going to win the support the many residents who would welcome a 3G pitch, in the right place.”
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at the borough council, said that demand from grassroot football clubs is continuing to outstrip local availability.
“It’s important we can create new all-weather 3G pitches to meet demand and help people keep active and well throughout the year,” he said.
“We’re looking at where these could be located, with the council’s executive considering Laurel Park as a preferred option last summer.
“We’re currently carrying out feasibility studies to assess the site in more detail before making any decisions or starting design work.
“Should we decide to move forward with a new community facility at Laurel Park it would be subject to obtaining full planning permission, including engagement with local residents, and detailed environmental studies.”
