Residents request football facilities on former school site (From The Northern Echo)

Residents request football facilities on former school site

4:10pm Friday 1st January 2010

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RESIDENTS of an area of Darlington are being urged to take action to ensure their football facilities are upgraded if a development goes ahead.

Plans to build 100 homes on the site of three former schools in the Beaumont Hill area of Darlington have prompted calls for measures to be taken to offset the impact of the development.

The plans look likely to be kick-started using £4.5m of Government funding after being short listed for the money last month.

The plans are yet to gain approval however, and members of the community are being urged to have their influence on the proceedings before it is too late.

When granting planning permission, councillors can ensure developers commit money to improving the surrounding area for local residents through a section 106 planning agreement.

Such agreements have been used around Darlington in the past, to build youth facilities in Middleton St George, and for the forthcoming £100,000 improvements to Green Park, off Oakdene Avenue.

Champion of grass roots football in Darlington Martin Landers, who runs the Darlington Healthy Hearts 5-a-side league in Firthmoor, called for any section 106 planning money to be invested in creating a top class sports field with levelled pitches, drainage systems and perhaps even flood lights.

He added: "There is great need in Darlington for pitches that don't waterlog in winter as these are necessary for sustaining well run leagues.

"I would urge local residents in the area to contact their local councillors now and do everything you can to not miss out on a rare opportunity to make the next generations of kids proud of you.

"If you need some inspiration just think of the facilities that children growing up on Neasham Road once had on their doorsteps behind the copper Beech Pub. These are now replaced by four storey flats."

Labour group Councillor Mark Burton, said the Beaumont Hill football pitch, which would not be built on if the plans are approved, needs £80,000 investment for the improvements.

He said: "Since 2007 residents on Saltersgate Road have reported issues of flooding in their rear gardens, which I believe to be as a result of water running off from the football field.

"Improving the field for local football teams would also resolve the flooding issue for residents.

"Lighting would be an asset too, but consultation with residents nearby would need to be undertook firstly."

Coun Burton said a multi-use games area, which can be used year-round, could also be a possibility for the site, but that would need the backing of residents.

To have your say, contact Coun Burton on 01325-486378.

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