Popular sports pitches in Belfast are set to receive a facelift despite complaints the plans are “unsightly” and will take away open space.
Elected members at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee this week approved new fencing, new spectator fencing, as well as a pathway surrounding the existing pitch, and associated site works at the park. The site is Cherryvale Playing Fields on the Ravenhill Road in East Belfast and the applicant is the physical programmes unit at Belfast City Council, who own the park.
There were no objections from statutory consultees, but the council received 17 objections from local residents, two comments of support and one neutral comment. Councillors unanimously agreed the plan without discussion at the Planning Committee meeting.
Read more: South Belfast Poundland store approved by Council
The objectors said old maps were used for the plan, demonstrating inaccuracy, and said the new fencing would remove access to open space for residents. They said the plans were “aesthetically unsightly,” and complained there was no public consultation.
The objections also raised issues of increased dog fouling, the impact on trees, the locking of the trim trail path and increased problems of parking and traffic movement.
The council report states: “An amended and updated site location plan has been submitted which now follows the fencing path surrounding the pitch. This ensures that room is left for the trim trail and no trees will be impacted by the development. It also now includes additional connections to the trim trail/paths surrounding the pitch.”
It adds: “The perimeter fencing has now been removed from the proposal meaning public and community access will be retained. The spectator fencing will remain with its purpose relating directly to the use of the sports pitch.”
The report stated that dog fouling was “not a material planning consideration” for the council, and added the application was “local scale” and therefore did not require a community consultation event by law. The plan was advertised in the local press and neighbours were notified.
The report added: “The proposal of ball stop fencing and spectator fencing is in keeping with the existing use of the site of a sports pitch. The spectator fencing is 1.1 metre in height therefore will not appear dominant or intrusive to the area. The ball stop fencing is also considered acceptable and will have limited views from outside of the site due to the existing trees and vegetation.
“The Belfast City Council Trees department was consulted on the application and have no objections to the proposal following the submission of additional information. There will be no felling of trees as set out in the above assessment.
“Following amendments, the trim trail path will remain in place with improved connectivity. The asphalt path is now on the eastern side of the pitch, extended to meet the trim trail at north and south. It is considered that the proposal will not create any additional traffic within Cherryvale Playing fields.”
READ NEXT:
New West Belfast social housing estate approved despite "being in middle of industrial site"
Belfast City sets aside £4 million in bid for UEFA Euro 2028
Belfast Council development plan criticised for 20 percent social housing target
Belfast Council to direct £220,000 underspend to antisocial behaviour in parks
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
