RESIDENTS have blasted newly resubmitted plans for a £500,000 all-weather pitch at a Chester school.
Those behind the scheme at Queen’s Park High School in Handbridge are hoping the new state-of-the-art multi-sport facility will be used by pupils and the community.
The original plans were withdrawn after a number of concerns were raised about disturbance from floodlighting and noise in the evening.
School officials have now resubmitted the plans, which they say addresses those concerns, including scrapping the floodlighting aspect and restricting use of the pitch to the early evening.
They include an all-weather multi-use sports pitch on the existing playing field to the south of the main school buildings, as well as a new garage and toilet block and car parking.
However, householders have said the scheme appears to have been only slightly modified, and would still bring problems with increased traffic, as well as create a detrimental visual impact on the area.
Resident John Crawford, of Meadows Lane, said: “There will inevitably be disruptions and inconvenience caused for local residents due to evening matches being played.
“Cars travelling to and from matches will increase pollution, noise and will be dangerous to pedestrians walking to the local shops.
“I am at an age where I want some peace and quiet. I know I speak for many more elderly residents.”
Dr Alec Jones, who also lives in the area, said: “This application does not appear to have changed in any way from the previous application that was rejected last month.
“There will be an impact on wildlife and local residents through replacing a natural grassy open space with artificial astro turf and metal fencing.
“There is inadequate parking provision for public use of the facility, and the increase in traffic will clog our local streets with cars, and create a poorer environment in which to live.”
Reg Barritt, general secretary of the Handbridge Residents’ Council, said: “This proposed development; being a commercial enterprise, threatens to extend hours of use of this facility seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. If permitted it will have a massive adverse impact on tranquillity in this area.
“It is hostile to and contemptuous of the interests and quality of life of a very large number of local residents who live in such close proximity to this site.
“We are very disappointed despite pointing out to the current management of the school previous attempts to locate such a facility at the selected site has previously generated huge local opposition against the proposed development of this facility at this location, the school is nevertheless pursuing this application.”
Residents are being invited to inspect the plans at www.cheshire westandchester.gov.uk/planning applications, or at the Cheshire West and Chester Council customer service centres, both at The Forum in Chester and Civic Way in Ellesmere Port. Comments will be accepted until Tuesday, August 14.