Meadowhead New Football/Rugby Ground Plus More

[SheffieldForum]

A longer summary of the first document:

 

The Sport England Response (31/07/2024) outlines the organization's objections to the proposed redevelopment of the Sheffield Transport Sports Club (Application Reference: 24/00884/FUL) due to its significant impact on cricket provision. Sport England's response, aligned with their statutory consultee role, focuses on the proposal’s failure to meet the Playing Fields Policy and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requirements.

Key Points of Sport England’s Objection:

1. Planning and Playing Fields Policy:

   • Sport England's policy opposes any development leading to the loss or prejudice of a playing field unless it meets one of five specific exceptions outlined in their Playing Fields Policy. The proposed redevelopment does not meet these exceptions, which is why Sport England maintains its objection.
      
   • The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), particularly paragraph 103, requires developments to protect or enhance playing field provision. The current proposal fails to meet this requirement, particularly with regard to cricket.
      

2. Impact on Cricket Provision:

   • Sport England emphasizes that the proposal will significantly reduce the available cricket facilities, affecting both the quality and quantity of playing fields. It highlights the need to maintain cricket facilities to meet current demand and suggests that the existing facilities are already insufficient to meet local cricket needs.
      
   • The report notes that 13 cricket grounds have been lost in Sheffield over the last 10 years, further exacerbating the problem. The proposal does not address this deficit and, in fact, adds to the issue by reducing the capacity at the Sheffield Transport Sports Club.
      

3. Misinterpretation of "Playing Field" Definition:

   • Sport England criticizes the applicant’s fundamental misunderstanding of the term "playing field." The applicant differentiates between playing pitches and playing fields, suggesting that areas not in current use or requiring substantial work do not count as playing fields. Sport England refutes this, stating that the entire outdoor sports facility should be considered a playing field, regardless of current use.
      
   • The applicant claims the redevelopment will result in a technical increase in playing field area (7,750 sqm), but Sport England argues that the proposal will actually reduce the functional playing field area by 38,000 sqm. This, they state, misrepresents the true impact of the development.
      

4. Cricket Capacity Concerns:

   • The redevelopment proposes a five-wicket square (with one hybrid wicket and a non-turf pitch), which Sport England argues will not provide enough capacity to meet the demand of the Sheffield Transport Cricket Club. With the club currently playing 50 games per season, the new facility would only accommodate 30 games, according to the calculations provided by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
      
   • There are also concerns that additional use by external groups, such as private academies, would further reduce the capacity for the cricket club’s own teams.

5. Lack of Collaboration with ECB:

   • Sport England notes that the applicant has failed to work collaboratively with the ECB to resolve the issues related to cricket provision. The ECB was not consulted regarding potential solutions, such as off-site cricket facilities or changes to the proposal. Sport England urges the applicant to engage with the ECB to develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
      

6. Floodlit 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP):

   • While football and rugby facilities are part of the redevelopment, Sport England highlights that the location of the proposed floodlit 3G pitch will occupy the space currently used for a second cricket pitch. This further reduces cricket capacity, which is problematic given the citywide shortage of cricket grounds.
      
   • Sport England acknowledges that while there is a growing need for 3G pitches for community football, the loss of cricket facilities remains a critical issue. The detriment to cricket is not outweighed by the benefits to football, meaning the proposal does not meet Playing Field Policy Exception 5.

7. Concerns Regarding Indoor Sports Hall:

   • The proposed multi-purpose indoor sports hall lacks sufficient justification, according to Sport England. The applicant did not provide an up-to-date needs assessment or reference the Built Facilities Strategy. Sport England believes that existing sports halls in the city may already meet the sporting demand, and more detailed justification is needed for the proposed facility.
      
   • Questions are also raised about whether the facility would truly serve grassroots community clubs, as much of the proposed usage is allocated to “Sheffield Elite Basketball,” which Sport England questions as a community-oriented user.
      

8. Technical Standards:

   • The applicant has not fully complied with technical standards for the sports facilities, particularly in terms of cricket facilities. Sport England outlines several areas needing further details, including indoor cricket net specifications, the build of the cricket square, and ball strike risk assessments. Without meeting these standards, the facilities might not function properly for the sports they are intended to support.

Conclusion:

Sport England concludes that the proposed redevelopment does not comply with their Playing Fields Policy or the NPPF. The organization maintains its objection, emphasizing that further work is required to mitigate the negative impact on cricket provision. They urge the applicant to collaborate with the ECB to explore reconfiguration or off-site solutions. Additionally, Sport England recommends that any decision on this proposal should carefully consider the loss of playing fields and the lack of equivalent replacement provision, as these are crucial for supporting both current and future sports needs in Sheffield.

[Thirsty Relic]

I feel I must congratulate SF users for the way that this thread has developed, and thank those who are putting the time and effort researching and putting into ordinary, everyday language when possible the situation as it develops.  Thanks to you all!

[SheffieldForum]

Here's a fuller summary of the (later) mitigation report:

The Cricket Mitigation Report (07/08/2024) prepared by DLP Planning Ltd and JKB Sports Consultancy outlines measures to mitigate the loss of cricket facilities at the Sheffield Transport Sports Club, particularly in light of Sport England’s objections.

Key Elements of the Report:

1. Current Cricket Provision:
    

   • The Sheffield Transport Cricket Club currently hosts approximately 50 matches per season, played by several teams including Men’s 1st XI, 2nd XI, and a Ladies’ XI, mainly on weekends and midweek.
      
   • The club also lacks junior teams, but this report notes the potential for development in this area.
      

2. Cricket Ground Reconfiguration:
    

   • The proposed redevelopment includes the construction of a new cricket square with six wickets: four grass wickets, one hybrid grass pitch, and one non-turf pitch.
      
   • The reconfiguration could be expanded to include an additional cricket wicket, bringing the total to seven. This would consist of five hybrid grass wickets, one additional grass wicket, and a non-turf pitch, thereby increasing the ground’s capacity to meet the club’s demand.
      

3. Off-Site Cricket Provision:
    

   • Greenhill Park is identified as a potential location for off-site cricket provision. This site, adjacent to the Sheffield Transport Ground, previously hosted cricket until 1999 but has since fallen out of use.
      
   • The proposal suggests refurbishing the old cricket square at Greenhill Park to accommodate matches during the 2025 and 2026 cricket seasons while the main ground undergoes redevelopment. This ground could also become a permanent second venue for the club’s 3rd team.
      
   • The plan includes revamping the cricket pitch, adding necessary infrastructure like a portable changing pavilion, and ensuring long-term maintenance.
      

4. Greenhill Park Development:
    

   • The cricket pitch at Greenhill Park could be refurbished to include a square with six wickets and a non-turf pitch. This renovation project would restore the ground for use in 2025.
      
   • The site would also allow for junior development programs, focusing on recreational cricket for boys and girls, addressing Sheffield’s deficit of junior cricket facilities.
      

5. Additional Provisions and Infrastructure:
    

   • The proposal includes a portable pavilion on the original pavilion site at Greenhill Park, which would provide basic changing rooms, accessible toilets, and wash facilities. The area is well-suited for these facilities, given the existing water, drainage, and electricity connections.
      
   • Grounds Maintenance: The club would enter a self-management agreement to allow for direct responsibility for pitch maintenance, ensuring the ground meets playing standards. Storage facilities for maintenance equipment would also be provided.
      
   • Security: Adequate measures would be implemented to protect equipment like covers and sightscreens.
      

6. Football Development at Greenhill Park:
    

   • The site also has potential for football development. It could accommodate a combination of youth 11v11, 9v9, and smaller 5v5 pitches, expanding its multi-sport use beyond just cricket.
      

Conclusion:

The report aims to address Sport England's objections by ensuring that the cricket facilities at Sheffield Transport Sports Club are not diminished. By upgrading the main cricket square and providing additional off-site facilities at Greenhill Park, the proposal seeks to meet the current and future needs of Sheffield Transport Cricket Club while supporting recreational cricket development in Sheffield. The report also highlights the potential funding sources, such as the ECB Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, to support these initiatives.

[bassett one]

that makes intresting reading , but the park as anyone will tell you is very soft and water logs , to a fact the local funfair wont use it as its so bad, the cricket area was left fallow for 2 years as well, also the park has been used by yobs to joy ride in recent times as theres no way to secure it as it has 11 entrys and since our friends of greenhill park closed and the festival moved  and the bowling closed has been left to decay, plus theres no parking on site, often abused by yobs and anti social behaviour, so in my opinion there would be a huge cost, if they did that would be great as the main area is perfect with a nice tree boundery and a multi use games area that we as a group obtained a few years ago, the childrens area is a mess as well , so hope they have plenty of cash , but it would be superb if done.

1 hour ago, SheffieldForum said:

Here's a fuller summary of the (later) mitigation report:

The Cricket Mitigation Report (07/08/2024) prepared by DLP Planning Ltd and JKB Sports Consultancy outlines measures to mitigate the loss of cricket facilities at the Sheffield Transport Sports Club, particularly in light of Sport England’s objections.

Key Elements of the Report:

1. Current Cricket Provision:
    

   • The Sheffield Transport Cricket Club currently hosts approximately 50 matches per season, played by several teams including Men’s 1st XI, 2nd XI, and a Ladies’ XI, mainly on weekends and midweek.
      
   • The club also lacks junior teams, but this report notes the potential for development in this area.
      

2. Cricket Ground Reconfiguration:
    

   • The proposed redevelopment includes the construction of a new cricket square with six wickets: four grass wickets, one hybrid grass pitch, and one non-turf pitch.
      
   • The reconfiguration could be expanded to include an additional cricket wicket, bringing the total to seven. This would consist of five hybrid grass wickets, one additional grass wicket, and a non-turf pitch, thereby increasing the ground’s capacity to meet the club’s demand.
      

3. Off-Site Cricket Provision:
    

   • Greenhill Park is identified as a potential location for off-site cricket provision. This site, adjacent to the Sheffield Transport Ground, previously hosted cricket until 1999 but has since fallen out of use.
      
   • The proposal suggests refurbishing the old cricket square at Greenhill Park to accommodate matches during the 2025 and 2026 cricket seasons while the main ground undergoes redevelopment. This ground could also become a permanent second venue for the club’s 3rd team.
      
   • The plan includes revamping the cricket pitch, adding necessary infrastructure like a portable changing pavilion, and ensuring long-term maintenance.
      

4. Greenhill Park Development:
    

   • The cricket pitch at Greenhill Park could be refurbished to include a square with six wickets and a non-turf pitch. This renovation project would restore the ground for use in 2025.
      
   • The site would also allow for junior development programs, focusing on recreational cricket for boys and girls, addressing Sheffield’s deficit of junior cricket facilities.
      

5. Additional Provisions and Infrastructure:
    

   • The proposal includes a portable pavilion on the original pavilion site at Greenhill Park, which would provide basic changing rooms, accessible toilets, and wash facilities. The area is well-suited for these facilities, given the existing water, drainage, and electricity connections.
      
   • Grounds Maintenance: The club would enter a self-management agreement to allow for direct responsibility for pitch maintenance, ensuring the ground meets playing standards. Storage facilities for maintenance equipment would also be provided.
      
   • Security: Adequate measures would be implemented to protect equipment like covers and sightscreens.
      

6. Football Development at Greenhill Park:
    

   • The site also has potential for football development. It could accommodate a combination of youth 11v11, 9v9, and smaller 5v5 pitches, expanding its multi-sport use beyond just cricket.
      

Conclusion:

The report aims to address Sport England's objections by ensuring that the cricket facilities at Sheffield Transport Sports Club are not diminished. By upgrading the main cricket square and providing additional off-site facilities at Greenhill Park, the proposal seeks to meet the current and future needs of Sheffield Transport Cricket Club while supporting recreational cricket development in Sheffield. The report also highlights the potential funding sources, such as the ECB Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, to support these initiatives.

 

[WarPig]

One of the likely winners if this goes ahead will be that awful pub The Norton 

[bassett one]

what the people have forgot is the drainage in greenhill park for the cricket idea would have to be renewed as it was put in the 1950s and the trees roots has damaged them and the extra tarmaced areas mean this land is now very boggy even in a good summer in certain areas, plus do locals want to give up there park area to a private company?

[jemson]

Yeah, club is an eyesore and the grounds are a bog. Really hope this development goes through. It will be fantastic for the community, particularly the young people.

[bassett one]

1 hour ago, jemson said:

Yeah, club is an eyesore and the grounds are a bog. Really hope this development goes through. It will be fantastic for the community, particularly the young people.

i agree with that ,just hope the membership to use the facilities ect is not to exspensive  and hope if they use the stadium for a music venue and they get some decent bands as theres very little space for bands to play these days unless its a very small or large venue, its a pity scc is giving away a big open space in greenhill park to private ownership to ensure it goes ahead, i hope they gift the park something in return for the loss of space,i also hope the druggies,vandals and bad dog owners dont destroy the cricket area ,which unless highly fenced they will do, it used to take a 3 people with gloves ect at least 3 hours to remove all the dog mess before we could invite lorrys ect on the site for the festival each year and even then a further hour on the day before we started,despite the park workers trying to remove it by cutting the grass a few days before that.also they stop motor bikes and joy riders getting in as theres 11 entrances.

[SheffieldForum]

1 hour ago, bassett one said:

i agree with that ,just hope the membership to use the facilities ect is not to exspensive  and hope if they use the stadium for a music venue and they get some decent bands as theres very little space for bands to play these days unless its a very small or large venue, its a pity scc is giving away a big open space in greenhill park to private ownership to ensure it goes ahead, i hope they gift the park something in return for the loss of space,i also hope the druggies,vandals and bad dog owners dont destroy the cricket area ,which unless highly fenced they will do, it used to take a 3 people with gloves ect at least 3 hours to remove all the dog mess before we could invite lorrys ect on the site for the festival each year and even then a further hour on the day before we started,despite the park workers trying to remove it by cutting the grass a few days before that.also they stop motor bikes and joy riders getting in as theres 11 entrances.

 

I don't think anyone is suggesting 'giving away' the space to private ownership. The proposal is for the Council to still own it but enter into a community agreement for the club to utilise the space alongside the community. It is the same way most park sports facilities are managed in the city now (and the council will receive a fee for the club's use of the space, although if the club are looking to renovate the site to enhance the sports facilities the Council may reduce or waive such fees for a period). The community will still be able to use the facilities, albeit when it isn't in use by the club.

 

Security and other aspects should be a consideration, but shouldn't be a reason to stop exploring the opportunity. It is secondary to the main deal - and often once somewhere is renovated/looked after vandalism and anti-social behaviour is managed better/reduces/stops.

 

 

[MJ01]

6 minutes ago, SheffieldForum said:

and often once somewhere is renovated/looked after vandalism and anti-social behaviour is managed better/reduces/stops.

Not always sadly - sometimes the 'shiny new thing' attracts the jackdaw vandals