Sherburn football club opposes plans to replace junior pitches with housing
Community sport at risk as proposals for 300 homes spark objections
A grassroots football club in Sherburn-in-Elmet has raised concerns that the loss of two junior pitches to a proposed housing development could harm local community sport.
Sherburn White Rose FC has joined Sport England and Sherburn-in-Elmet Parish Council in opposing an outline planning application by Barratt David Wilson Yorkshire East to build up to 300 homes on land off Tadcaster Road.
The housing developer has described the proposal as a high-quality residential development with a mix of house sizes and types, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), landscaping, recreation space, and a trim trail.
Supporting documents submitted by the applicant state that the development would provide benefits to the area, saying:
“The proposal would create a high-quality new residential-led development in a sustainable and logical location where new residents would help support local services and areas of public open space would provide useful additional facilities for existing local people together with new residents of the scheme.”
Threat to junior pitches
Sherburn White Rose FC currently uses part of the land for football, leasing it through the Sherburn White Rose Sports and Social Club. While the plans propose retaining one existing full-sized pitch, they also indicate the removal of two junior pitches to accommodate a sustainable drainage system and landscaping features.
Mick Hawes, a representative for Sherburn White Rose FC, outlined the club’s objection, highlighting the need for additional playing space to meet growing demand.
He said:
“The introduction of a SUDS feature results in a substantial reduction in usable playing area, equating to the loss of at least two small-sided 5 v 5 pitches.
“This loss is incompatible with the club’s current size and ongoing growth, driven by increased local population from continuous housing developments.”
The club also expressed concerns about the absence of long-term assurances for access to the pitches and potential disruptions during the construction phase.
Sherburn White Rose FC suggested that alongside protecting the existing pitches, the developer could improve the facilities by constructing on-site toilets or a small cafe.
“Without these benefits and needs being met, the proposal will cause serious and lasting harm to community sport and fails to meet national and local planning policy requirements," Hawes added.
Sport England joins opposition
Sport England has formally objected to the housing application, citing its playing fields policy, under which the plans fail to meet any exceptions that would justify the removal of playing fields.
Christopher Carroll, Sport England’s planning manager, said of the proposals:
“It is advised that the applicant works with the council in ensuring that the sporting needs of the new residents are met with either the financial contribution towards existing sporting facilities and/or the provision of new sports facilities.”
Community concerns
The football club’s objection has gained the support of Sherburn-in-Elmet Parish Council, which has highlighted how the loss of pitches will exacerbate capacity issues for Sherburn White Rose FC. It said:
“These pitches have been in use by the community for over 25 years.
“There are already serious capacity issues for Sherburn White Rose FC, which will only be worsened if existing areas are not retained or expanded.”
The parish council also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of numerous housing developments in the local area, adding:
“This and other potential developments, without contribution towards local facilities, will cause further strain on local services and infrastructure.”
The council report notes alternative solutions could include retaining the junior pitches or offering financial support for local sports facilities to meet the growing demand for recreational spaces from new residents.
Discussions between the developer, council, and other interested parties are ongoing.