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May 22, 2023

'Scandalous' plans to build a 'concrete jungle' on Gloucester playing fields get the go

Cries of 'it’s absolutely scandalous' could be heard as councillors approved

Cries of 'it's absolutely scandalous' could be heard as councillors approved plans to develop Blackbridge playing fields

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"Absolutely scandalous" plans to build a "concrete jungle" on a Gloucester playing field have been given the go-ahead. The Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society has been granted permission to the develop land at Blackbridge in Laburnum Road in Podsmead.

Their scheme includes a two-storey community and sports hub including a new building housing changing rooms, fitness studio and viewing areas, an all-weather pitch with flood lights, reprofiling of existing pitches, car parking, new vehicular access, play area, and landscaping.

But the proposals were opposed by more than 600 residents who signed a petition last year against the plans. And some 48 letters of objection have been lodged against the scheme. Their objections included concerns over road safety and would lead to an increase in traffic, and loss of green open space which is used for free informal recreation and dog walking.

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Residents have previously described the development as a "concrete jungle" and fear it will lead to the loss of wildlife and increase noise, air and light pollution. Gloucester City Councillors debated the proposals at tonight's (June 6) planning committee meeting at North Warehouse.

Dave Earl, who spoke on behalf of residents against the scheme, received a huge round of applause on concluding his speech. He said the development was in the wrong location and should not be approved because the developer had not provided enough information to demonstrate the plans would comply with the council's policies.

"The original plan for Blackbridge had no artificial pitch and vehicle access was going to be through The Crypt. This would not have been opposed as it would not have led to such a negative impact on so many people."

However, the proposals also received 17 letters of support from Podsmead Big Build, The Crypt School, Hartpury University and College, Active Gloucestershire, Rugby for Heroes, GL Communities, England Athletics, Gloucester Athletic Track, Quedgeley Wanderers Football Club, Cooperative Futures and Goals Beyond Grass.

Mark Gale, who represented the applicant, called on the committee to approve the proposals. He said the scheme is supported by so many community groups because of its potential to improve health and wellbeing

Mr Gale also said the development is a high quality upgrade to an underused playing field. "The improved facilities will enable a much greater level and range of activities undertaken all year round," he said.

He also said the scheme was five years in the making and was allocated for such development in the city plan approved earlier this year. Concerns were raised during the debate over access to the site via Laburnum road and there were questions over whether coaches would be able to access the site.

Quesions were also raised over the impact double yellow lines would have on parking. But officers had recommended approving the scheme and Cllr Steve Morgan (C, Grange) who chaired the meeting ultimately proposed granting permission and this was seconded by Cllr Joanne Brown (LD, Barnwood)

"We know it's a difficult and contentious application. The overall balance has to be in favour of this application."

The committee voted to approve the proposals by ten votes in favour and one against. Cries of "it's absolutely scandalous" could be heard coming from the packed public gallery.

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