PUBLIC consultation events are being held over controversial plans for two new all-weather pitches at a Chester-le-Street sports facility.

An application has been submitted by Durham County Council to its own planning department for the full-size artificial floodlit pitches at Riverside Sports Complex.

The site, to the south of Durham County Cricket Club’s Riverside ground, already has extensive playing fields, including five grass football pitches, a running track, and an existing adult-sized 3G all-weather pitch.

Scores of objections have been sent in to the county council from people living nearby, while Chester-le-Street Rugby Club has also voiced its opposition.

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In a six-page letter of objection, club chairman John Lindsay said the pitches will have detrimental effect on its ability to train, play and recruit members.

He said: "There are other places in which the proposal could be built; opposite the bus station in Chester-le-Street, which is currently wasteland and underdeveloped, incorporated into the new leisure centre development or what will become the old leisure centre site, and upgrade pitches within existing football clubs' land and stadia.

"There are a host of alternative sites available before removing the grass pitches should be considered.

"We hope that the planning committee recognise the detrimental impact the construction of two 3G all-weather pitches would have on all residents and casual leisure users within the local area and ask councillors to decline the permissions and instead, lobby to develop the ecological landscape of the local area and retain the grass pitches."

Sport England had issued a holding objection while seeking clarification on a number of points, including information on whether the rugby and American Football users of the grass pitches had been offered relocation, or whether the design of the pitches accommodates those sports. Its holding objection currently still stands.

County Durham Green Party has objected, saying: "The existing grass pitches are more accessible to all than these proposed enclosed unsustainable pitches."

Residents are now being invited to have their say on the plans.

Face-to-face events, where people can find out more and provide feedback, will take place at the Riverside Complex from 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesdays, June 29, July 6 and July 13.

Feedback can also being given in person at the Riverside Complex, by calling the council's customer services team on 03000 260 000 or online on its leisure transformation consultation web page, until 5pm on Friday, July 15.

The proposals are part of the council's "Leisure Transformation Plans" which have also seen developments drawn up for Abbey, Peterlee, Spennymoor and Teesdale leisure centres.

Cllr James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: "The plans for the Riverside Leisure Complex are one important part of our overall leisure transformation programme and will add new facilities, improve the existing offer, and help us to provide the best possible opportunities for physical activity for all.

"It is important, therefore, that residents and users give us their feedback, tell us what would encourage them to become more active, have fun, and get moving more, ultimately, improving their overall health.

"Their feedback will enable us to deliver improvements at the Riverside Leisure Complex that will meet current and future needs, make the best use of space, and contribute to the overall leisure transformation intentions."

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