St John’s All Weather pitch proposal – welcomed and supported by Town Council

At last night’s (Monday 9 September) meeting of the Town Council Planning Committee members present gave their majority support to the proposed all weather ‘3G’ pitch, planned to be installed adjacent to the main St John’s building. Councillors were unanimous in their welcoming of a 3G pitch for the community, a real asset to the town, funded largely by grants from the Football Association and of real benefit to all involved in sport, particularly those in the younger age groups.

Plain sailing? No, there were real concerns voiced about how the pitch can be planned, created and managed, particularly the effect on those residents in the surrounding area to St John’s. Not negatives, just the recognition that this was a major development and it has to be delivered properly and with consideration.

Richard Beale, former grounds team manager for the Town Council articulated the need for planning and thought. In a question raised at the start of the meeting he identified four particular issues – light, noise, environment / wildlife, and parking / access.

The latter – access and parking were key concerns and recognised as fundamental by Councillors. The issue centred on parking and traffic along Cherry Orchard and Orchard Road, particularly in the evenings and Weekends (pitch in use on Saturdays) and how this would impact on the lives of residents in this area.

This, and foot access via the gate in Orchard Road will have to be managed so that residents are not inconvenienced, whilst players coming on foot or by bicycle could enter via this gate rather than have to walk in via the main Granham Hill entrance, which would be both impractical and potentially dangerous.

So an issue of planning and management, ensuring that interests of both residents and users are respected and served.

Regarding lighting, some concerns were raised as the pitch is on top of the hill, the highest point in Marlborough. Cllr Luson emphasised the location and position of the pitch and how the lights could affect the town, and particularly those living nearby, whilst also noting that Marlborough had invested significantly in becoming recognised as a ‘Dark Skies’ area. This was accepted by fellow Councillors and the need for consideration regarding light spillage, direction and timing was accepted. It was noted that current lighting technology, with LED panels that can be controlled in ways impossible only a few years ago, the design of the lighting system will need to address these concerns.

In principle, a resounding ‘yes’. A massive boost for the town’s sporting resource. But one that requires planning and consideration for all in the execution of its installation and subsequent management. Still many concerns to be addressed and resolved before finalisation of the project but a facility that is to be welcomed into Marlborough.