Plans for elite football centre in Bawtry rejected over loss of green space

Councillors in Doncaster have rejected plans for an elite-level football training centre, despite planning officers’ recommendations to approve it.

Members of the City of Doncaster Council Planning Committee voted to refuse the application following two-and-a-half hours of statements, questions and deliberations.

The panel rejected planning permission for the 37-acre facility – known as the Doncaster City Elite Training Centre – near to Bawtry, over concerns relating to “loss of amenity” linked to the development’s proposed site on Green Belt land; and “loss of good quality of life”.

Doncaster City Elite Training Centre (DCETC) would see two facilities built – an Elite Training Centre (ETC) exclusively for the use of top professionals; and a Professional Training Centre (PTC), which would be usable by local teams and for community use.

The centre would operate on a “year-round basis”, according to the planning reports, but with peak use during the football season, including “full-board five-star hotel accommodation for elite teams, supported by permanent hospitality, service, maintenance and security staff”.

It would feature five full size football pitches, three dedicated goalkeeper training areas, three warm-up and technical training areas, a covered “show pitch stand” with 499 seats, spectators’ toilets and elevated camera platform, a padel court building, car parking provision and more.

Councillors heard from Collette King, a resident of Martin Grange Cottage – one of neighbouring properties.

In a passionate address opposing the application, Ms King told the committee she had tried to engage the developers of the training centre, Urbana Town Planning and the former football agent Willie McKay, to buy Martin Grange Cottage and the neighbouring Ravenglade, which would be “completely enclosed” by the DCETC.

However, those negotiations failed to progress, the committee were told.

Ms King said at least six hotel rooms in the proposed PTC would allow guests to look right into their home, including their children’s bedrooms.

Ms King also told the panel of the distressing events during the planning process, which had been reported to the police.

She said: “Since 2022 we have known about this scheme. Since 2023, when we have raised objections, we have received threats and intimidation within 24 hours of raising objections.”

Mr King also said the development would infringe on residents “right to light”.

“Our lives have been on hold for four years. We are trying to move on with our lives, as opposed to being in limbo, waiting to see what happens with this application. I’m at a loss as to where we go from here,” she added.

Following Ms King’s contribution, members heard from Ross Jarvie, introduced only as the chair of the Bawtry Retail Association, Robbie Hume, a local resident and football coach, and the application agent, Charles Dunn – all speaking in support of the application.

Mr Jarvie stressed the commercial benefits for the rest of Bawtry the DCETC would bring, whilst Mr Hume spoke to the positive impact football has on men’s mental health.

Councillor Steven Plater was not sold on the external benefits of the centre. He told the supporters: “This looks to me to be a development for an elite group of people with little or no benefit to Doncaster.”

However, confusion did arise when Mr Dunn revealed to the panel that Mr Jarvie had been a surveyor for the applicants, when conversations regarding the purchase of Martin Grange Cottage and Ravenglade were reportedly taking place.

Councillors expressed their confusion as to which capacity Mr Jarvie was then speaking in – on behalf of the applicant or offering a representation of support – but were informed by the council’s experts in planning law that the revelation could not impact their decision making.

After two-and-a-half hours, Cllr Neil Wood, planning committee chair, asked the committee who would propose and second a vote to approve planning permission. None of his committee colleagues raised their hands.

Subsequently, a vote to reject planning permission was proposed by Cllr Chris Kidger and seconded by Cllr Steve Cox. Six members voted to reject planning permission, with two abstentions

The developers of Doncaster City Elite Training Centre will have the chance to appeal to the planning inspectorate.