The Executive has agreed to the disposal of Bristol Road Playing Fields via a 75-year lease to the Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust. This is with regards to the proposed development of a Community Sports facility on the site of the Bristol Road playing fields.
This site use to accommodate four football pitches. However, competitive football ceased some years ago and the sites main use is currently used as a large dog walking area. Whilst the site is an important green lung, it is under-utilised and the proposals include long-term investment. The Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust, would like to see the site developed into a major community sports facility which would include:
- Community Park
- Children’s Park and activity area
- Picnic and Dog Walking areas
- 2 x hard court multi use games areas
- 2 x 7v7 community open access grass pitches
- 2 x 5v5 3G community access cage pitches
- 1 11v11 community pitch (grass)
- 1 x 11v11 community stadium pitch
- A community pavilion clubhouse
- A car park
- Appropriate lighting
The 75-year lease will allow Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust to proceed with a phased approach, with their first objective being to get two football pitches in a condition to allow competitive matches.
The lease is conditional on the granting of planning permission. Access is a key point and causing community concern. The Executive were assured that it would be the first thing to be addressed. Other objections were about dog walking areas, potential anti-social behaviour and noise. The proposals include a designated dog walking area; it is hoped that the increased usage will address of the anti-social behaviour issues and design elements of the construction will address the noise concerns.
The proposals will require planning permission and several issues raised by objectors to the disposal of the lease can be addressed via the planning process.