The former secretary of Estover Playing Fields Association is among objectors to the £1.5 million state of the art all-weather sports pitch planned for the 19-acre site.
Sue Clenshaw and her husband have written to Fenland Council listing eight areas of concern over the application lodged at the beginning of January and which still awaits a decision by planners.
The Clenshaws’ letter says that whilst they have no objections in principle to the application, as Estover Road residents they have concerns and said they wished to register “disappointment in the lack of a public consultation/exhibition”.
They are concerned about access to the park and want speed bumps fitted to ensure it is not used as a meeting place for young people in cars.
They also want early talks with licensing officers about the bar and club room and are concerned having licensed premises near to people’s homes “which has not been experienced down Estover Road before; needs careful consideration”.
The Clenshaws’ also want conditions imposed to stop floodlights impacting on nearby houses and note the current planning condition which ensures they are not used after 9.30pm.
Hedgerow retention and tree protection also feature in their objections and they also noted that in their 35 years living down Estover Road, the field has always been open to users on a casual basis.
“Young and older people use the playing fields for kick abouts after school/work and at weekends,” they say. “Is this use going to continue? The 19 acre has been open space for so many years it would be disappointing if casual users are not able to access the playing fields whether playing rounders, running round the field or having an impromptu game of football. “
They add that not everyone wants to play football or netball “and walking is good exercise. With people walking round at different times of the day this will also help deter against vandalism.”
Their concerns over drainage – their last point – are reflected in comments from Sass Pledger, a senior county council officer in the economy, transport and environment department.
The county council say the application is unclear about a watercourse and where it ultimately discharges to. There are also concerns by the county council over all aspects of drainage and they have called for “more detailed calculation of required storage”.
A handful of other letters from residents support the application but have raised concerns over access for dog walkers, inclusion of litter bins and access for casual users and walkers.
Fenland Council has given no date for determination of the application.
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