What was described as an “Earley conundrum” was the topic of one question at last month’s full council meeting of Wokingham borough council.
Cllr Caroline Smith asked whether any feasibility work had been done following January’s announcement of the council’s playing pitch strategy
She said: “ Please will you provide a current status report on the three sites identified provisionally in Earley for a 3G (artificial) pitch as to their feasibility, the sites being Chalfont Park, Laurel Park and Maiden Earley School?”
Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: “Despite the delivery of six new full size 3G artificial pitches within the borough over the last 10 years, the recently approved Playing Pitch Strategy identified that there was still a significant shortfall of around eight 3G artificial pitches to meet current demands.
“The Playing Pitch Strategy set out a high-level strategy which included seeking to deliver a new 3G pitch within the existing settlement of Earley, subject to a site being identified.
“The council is aware of the challenges and sensitivities around the siting of this type of facility within an existing community.
“Officers are currently exploring what sites might be available to deliver a new 3G pitch to serve the community in Earley and, once all the potential sites have been identified, we can then move on to establishing the assessment criteria.
“It is worth noting that it may be that there is not a suitable site within Earley where a 3G pitch would be acceptable and financially sustainable, and ultimately, we might need to meet this demand at another location within the borough.
“Outside of Earley, our ambitious plans within the Playing Pitch Strategy envisage the development of a third 3G pitch within the Arborfield SDL, three new 3G pitches on the Grays Farm Sports Hub, and two new 3G pitches shared with the new school at the proposed Loddon Valley Garden Village settlement.
Cllr Smith said: “ The Playing Pitch Strategy identifies specifically Chalfont Park, Maiden Erlegh School and Laurel Park.
“Both Chalfont Park and Maiden Erlegh School are surrounded by residential properties, so noise and floodlighting would impact their amenity. Laurel Park is also adjacent to large peaceful Nature Reserve.
“All three sites have serious parking and access issues, and space taken would leave almost no space for other activities such as exercise.
“In my opinion, this makes all three sites not viable. Would you agree?”
Cllr Ashwell sid: “I would not disagree, but this sums up our Earley community conundrum really well.
“We are crying out for a 3G pitch to serve our community of 32,000 in Earley, but it is in a mature residential setting.
“So, where do we put it? Or do we meet this demand outside of Earley, which in my opinion would be a real shame.
“All I can say is, let us find that space.”
