Council submits sports pitches plan after seeking residents’ views

PLANS TO build eight new sports pitches on fields near Askham Bar in York have been submitted by City of York Council.

The planning submission comes after residents were asked last month to give their views on plans to build three 11-a-side pitches, as well as two nine-a-side pitches and three seven-a-side pitches and on-site facilities, at a special drop-in event.

The plans follow an increase in the number of children playing football in the area with the number of Bishopthorpe White Rose Junior Football Club players growing significantly.

Questions were raised regarding potential anti-social behaviour on the site and ecology and York Council has pledged to work to minimise potential disruption.

The proposals include improving field boundaries which will help the environment for wildlife.

The council’s public heath team are also working with Bishopthorpe to prepare a development plan that will help the club thrive in the future, with plans for them to take on the long-term lease and management of the facilities.

The projected total project cost is £1.3m which will be funded from the Football Foundation, Bishopthorpe White Rose Junior Football Club, local sponsorship and small grants, with the remainder from the capital programme agreed by City of York Council.

Coun Ann Reid, interim executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “The playing fields near Askham Bar will allow residents to have access to great facilities to improve their health and wellbeing.”