More details have been revealed about planned locations of new football pitches in Wokingham borough.
Notes for the executive meeting this week have detailed the plans as part of the council’s playing pitch strategy (PPS).
The PPS showed that the most significant demand is for 3G Artificial Grass Pitches (APGs), to allow all teams within the borough to meet the Football Association’s aspiration for each team to have at least one hour each week of training.
There are currently 654 football teams in Wokingham borough, meaning there is currently a requirement for 17 full size 3G AGPs.
Given that there are already eight full size 3G AGPs and two smaller sized 3G AGPs within the borough, the current shortfall is eight 3G AGPs.
The PPS action plan identifies the following suggested delivery strategy for the key football need for eight additional AGPs, and up to nine adult grass pitches.
The planned locations are:
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Three 3G AGPs and four adult grass pitches at Gray’s Fruit Farm, adjacent to the South Wokingham strategic development location.
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One 3G AGPs and one adult grass pitch at Hogwood Farm as part of the Arborfield Garrison strategic development location.
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One 3G AGPs in Woodley, most likely on an existing grass pitch.
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One 3G AGPs in Earley, most likely on an existing grass pitch.
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Two 3G AGPs and four adult grass pitches as part of the Hall Farm strategic development location.
Notes added: “It is important to note that the suggestion of additional pitches in the Woodley and Earley area are subject to suitable sites being available.
“Further investigation and engagement is required to consider achievability.”
The PPS confirmed that football is by far the most popular sport within Wokingham Borough, with 70 football clubs having 654 teams between them.
Wokingham Borough Council’s executive, which meets on Thursday, is being asked to note the identified need for outdoor sports facilities within the Playing Pitch Strategy, and approve the action plan as the basis for further work.
