Save Ewell Playing Fields

#137: - Re: Re: Re:

The proposed cricket pitch has a boundary diameter of c. 90-100m ie. sufficient for junior cricket, but far too small for 'Surrey Championship' cricket which is current accommodated.  ECB recommendation is 137m

#133: - Re:

The main issue for St Clement's is the extra traffic in OSL generated by the care facility and an artificial pitch - which can/will be used all hours.

Only c. 60-65% of the current playing area will remain.  The application quoted 75% remaining but did not take account of the roadways/parking area/pavilion to be built on current playing area!

What of the other current users?  Old Salesians FC (80+ years), Worcester Park CC and Ewell Castle.  One grass pitch to be used for both rugby and soccer, and a junior size cricket area is insulting.

Villages survive on their character. Building old people's accommodation on this land for the sake of short term profit is selling the future for the sake of those who will not be around much longer

We have a government that promised to halt the tragic loss of playing fields which was reiterated to support the olympic legacy.
It is widely accepted that the loss of playing fields has played no small part in the epidemic of school age obesity which is now endemic in the UK.

Leave open spaces for the use of the public and their offspring till the end of time...

#134: - Re: Old Salesians FC & Ewell Playing Fields

Re: It is the Salesian Trust that is selling the land.

 

1 - Does anyone know if the land is privately owned or is it held in a trust? - If held in a trust, do the owners/directors have the legal right to sell the land? - Has anyone asked this?

 

2 - Why are the Salesian Trust selling the land? - So the owners/directors can make a profit or to make it commercially viable for the future? - Perhaps if the residents were given some clear answers, the residents could understand both sides.

 

Most land/sport clubs trusts have conditions attached, such as land can't be sold.

 

ARE EVRA OR THE COUNCILLORS LOOKING AT THIS.

I've played football on these pitches many times and it would be a great shame for current and future sporty people to lose them.

It is a disgrace that Councils should scrap a well-used and loved amenity.

We need to protect our fields for our children and future generations.

This will be a disaster for the local community, schools and sports clubs involved.

Lets all join together and protest against this proposed development.

#156: Another concerned resident! - Re: Re: Old Salesians FC & Ewell Playing Fields

The Salesians of Don Bosco own the land.  They deem that the fields are surplus to their requirements as the Salesians School (now St John Bosco College) are to use fields closer to the school (Battersea).  SDB seek to use funds from the sale for other mission works.  The critical factor s whether they are permitted to sell this registered and protected Strategic Open Space for building.  Housing is not permitted but the authorities  could possibly permit a care facility accommodation as a aresult of subtle eroding of protection of such space in recent years.  The value of the land is obviously considerably higher if building development is permitted.

#1: -

 

Old Salesians is a great club run by a group of very special people. It is outrageous that they are being treated in a summary manner in the pursuit of money. This when the landowners will never get a better yield on investment than by simply doing nothing so allowing the property to accrue value over the years. To the best of my knowledge they are not faced with financial hardship so why seek to realise an appreciating asset?

Furthermore this is the time for those in a position to able to do so to stand up for their vested interest rather than plead that conflict (of interest) debars them from acting.

Dave Glynn

The open spaces, sports facilities, look and feel of Ewell is why it has ranked so well in best places to live in the UK. Building on one of the funder mental attributes would contribute to the destruction of the identity of the area and in effect start chipping away at the heart and soul of what makes it a nice place to live! A big fat no from me and my partner! Once it's gone you can't get nature back!

Here is the link to protest against the plans!!

http://eplanning.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=consulteeComments&keyVal=N3CBK9GY8H000

SAVE THE FIELDS

To build on this site will be an act of vandalism!

I wish to object to this Application because -

1. All of the site is required for extensive daily School and Local Community sports usage.
2. There is no credible reason given in the Application for choosing this site as opposed to the 20 sites specifically designated by Council for building.
3. The ‘building mass’ – three stories, will be overwhelming for the environment.
4. It proposes the wasteful destruction of perfectly serviceable existing Sports Pavilion/changing facilities, garage, and separate Social Club building.
5. The Playing Fields are registered as a Strategic Open Space and a 'Community Asset', and should be protected within a Conservation Area.
[Quote from Ewell Village Conservation Area Review 2009 by Councillor Michael Arthur - Chairman Planning Policy Sub-Committee and Mark Berry - Head of Planning:
“The existing open green spaces, mostly in private ownership, such as the playing fields, will be protected from future development by the strict imposition of existing policies.” ]
6. Part of the sports field is a designated flood plain and an area of natural springs.
7. The Old Schools Lane access to the sports fields with a narrow blind bend and single narrow pavement is unsuitable for any increase in vehicle traffic.
8. The quantity and quality of sporting provision will be reduced, not enhanced.
The proposal reduces playing area by 30-40%. There is a shortage of football pitches in the area. Five grass pitches (soccer & rugby) would be reduced to one smaller pitch.
The proposed Hockey pitch would cater for a minority sport (only 5% of player numbers compared to football). The cricket area is also much reduced in size.
9. The proposal conflicts with Council's Core Planning Strategy CS4 and fails the requirements of NPPF paragraph 74.

I urge the Planning Committee to reject this Application.

We need more houses, BUT do not interfere with our living spaces. They are very precious.

I am an Old Salesian.I have played at the grounds since 1983. I have a great idea lets agree to knock down the school founded in 1895. Check. Lets knock down the sport ground and reduce it for accomodation now, then do the rest later,because the League can no longer run games on them. Check.
IT IS A DISGRACE.

#167: -

Please log concern to the Council on their website - this is what they will read.  See link above #164 or on website www.save-ewell-playing-fields.org

This monstrous decision needs to be overturned. Its no good politicans and local government officials talking about the need for more grass roots sporting activity and then allowing this to happen.

Sport grounds will never be replaced they are needed for the youth of today and their future heirs

I have played in many games of football at Old Salesians ground in the Southern Amateur League etc. and think it would be a terrible shame if they were to lose their ground.
As a Chartered Surveyor specialising in residential property, I believe there are other sites and opportunities for developments or conversions. I would hope that permission is not granted in this case and Salesians retain the ground for the healthy benefit of young, middle aged and older sporting local residents.
Roger Armstrong FRICS (Chartered Surveyor)

I played football on these pitches as a youth and many years as a vet footballer.
Once these fields go they never come back, please eave space for the kids.
David Boulton