Rallying cry to battle Yarm School’s sports pitches and footbridge over River Tees plan

In 2013, Stockton Borough Council rejected proposals from Yarm School to create 11 pitches and a pavilion on land on the east bank of the Tees, opposite the school.

The application, which also sought to construct a wooden footbridge that would span the river and give access to the facilities, was dismissed amid strong opposition from residents living nearby.

A number of concerns were raised, including the impact of the development on the landscape, its potential for attracting anti-social behaviour, congestion, noise pollution and the possibility of the plans unlocking “valuable” land for housing.

In August last year, councillors also turned down plans for a 36-metre (118ft) bridge that would link the school with the Tees Heritage Park around Eaglescliffe.

Yarm School has now submitted a renewed proposal that it says takes into account the views of councillors and residents, with eight pitches instead of 11 and without public access to the footbridge, which would be gated. Scores of people turned out to voice their objections at a meeting of the Egglescliffe Area Residents Association (EARA).

Neil Westwick, representing Lichfields, which is handling the plan on behalf of the school, defended the proposals amid a debate that saw residents cast doubt on his claim that the new facilities could be used by the public.

Mr Westwick said it would be up to the school to manage access and that the plans had received significant support from the families of pupils, though EARA chairman Shane Sellers pointed out that much of the support came from outside the area.

Mr Sellers urged people to continue objecting as he expressed frustration over Yarm School’s head and chair of governors not accepting an invitation to the meeting. He said: “It is their choice not to come but it is sad. They say they are listening to the community but had they come tonight, they could have properly listened.”