Outrage over plan to build houses on sports field
PLANS for a huge housing development on sports playing fields in Salford have sparked outcry.
Residents have vowed to fight moves to build on the Duncan Matheson playing fields and public meetings have been held to set up a protest group.
Developers Barratt Homes and land owners the Greater Manchester Trust for Recreation have revealed they want a policy relating to the 19-acre site’s future use changed.
The land off Lancaster Road in Claremont should be ‘comprehensively enhanced for recreation purposes’ with a ‘limited amount of residential development’ unlikely to exceed 100 new properties, according to a planning blueprint setting out future development in Salford.
But writing in response, the trust and developers say they want the policy revised, claiming there is ‘no evidential basis’ of a need to retain and improve the site or evidence to support the ‘artificial ceiling’ of up to 100 dwellings. Their response reveals the trust, also known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (BGCGM), has a ‘working relationship’ with Barratt and together they are ‘seeking to bring the site forward for redevelopment.’
No planning applications have been lodged but scale drawings on a ‘concept plan’ reveal separate blocks of houses on the site. Residents fear the number of homes could run to many hundreds.
Salford council also owns part of the land which is named after a 19th century Scottish philanthropist. The BGCGM element of the site is mown and used for outdoor sports on a ‘formal but ad-hoc basis.’ It includes grass pitches which are often flooded, a Scouts hall and disused changing rooms.
An action plan published by the council two years ago said the land was ‘disused’ and a ‘return to active uses would not be cost effective or sustainable.’
The land is described in the trust’s response document as ‘wholly unsuitable and unsustainable as a long term outdoor recreation site.’ However, should a development go ahead, the plans reveal the trust and Barratt Homes ‘would be willing to work’ with De La Salle Sports Club and Oakwood Park to improve sporting facilities there. Residents claim, however, the land is used for rugby, scouting and football training. Craig Stapley, 30, of Lancaster Road, was one of hundreds of residents who attended a public meeting and said more homes in the area would add to demand for already over-subscribed schools and public services. “I bought my house for the view but everyone has Resident Craig Stapley their own reasons as to why they do not want this to go ahead,” he said. “They are talking about knocking down two houses on Lancaster Road to make way for an entrance to the site. People have to sit in traffic queues for ages on Lancaster Road it’s terrible. This is going to make things a lot worse.”
Weaste and Seedley councillor Paul Wilson said residents aim to set up a steering group. He said: “I am disappointed that the trust hasn’t consulted with the community on the site’s future and disappointed with claims the site isn’t used. We remain open and willing to meet with trustees.”
There have been several attempts to refurbish the fields over the years, including installing a golf driving range on the land, but none have come to fruition.