Gloucester rugby clubs were “threatened” that a playing field would be covered in housing if they did not support plans for a sports complex and 30 homes on the site, according to one of their chairmen.
City planners gave the go-ahead this week to build the new housing estate in the south-east corner of Blackbridge sports field in Podsmead.
The proposals, which will allow the construction of a new sports complex on the rest of the site, were opposed by more than 600 people who signed a petition last year against development of the site.
Among those opposing the scheme were rugby clubs Widden Old Boys and Old Cryptians who use the area due to be developed for junior matches and training.
Widden Old Boys RFC chairman Mark Elton spoke on behalf of both clubs at the meeting.
He told Gloucester City Council’s planning committee on July 4 that more than 200 children would be deprived of sporting activities each week due to the loss of playing fields.
Mr Elton also went on to say the clubs were threatened that if they did not support the scheme houses would be built on the whole site.
He explained that the playing field has been used since the 1990s for rugby and he has personally coached there since 2006.
“Neither club can afford the charge for the pay per use and the remaining space when there is any football or cricket usage would not be enough to accommodate them.
“This catchment area is often cited as one of the most economically deprived of the county and beyond.
“The removal of free to use playing space for local children and young adults cannot be in the best interests of the area or its populace.
“To clarify any confusion, the Blackbridge Community Land Trust, as applicants, have been slightly disingenuous of our previous communications.
“Both clubs were asked in meetings if we wanted use of the facilities. At that meeting we stated we could possibly make use of the 3G pitch for adult rugby training not games because it is not capable of taking the impact.
“Neither club objects to the 3G pitch at all but opposes the conversion of the remaining space to houses and the pay per use for the reduced land.
“We were then asked if we would theoretically make use of it were to go ahead and those numbers have been quoted and construed as us supporting the proposal. This is not the case.
“We were then unfortunately threatened in that meeting that if we did not support the development then the whole area would be converted to housing. This did not sit well with my other club.”
Mark Godson, speaking on behalf of applicant Gloucestershire County Council, said the housing scheme had been several years in the making.
The proposals were also subject to two consultations and would allow the delivery of the sports hub approved last month.
“The delivery of the sports hub is dependent on the delivery of this residential application being approved this evening. On granting permission for this residential application the applicant will transfer the rest of the existing playing field to the city council.
“The land transfer will include a covenant that the land be used for a not for profit community organisation for the benefit of the community to deliver sports and leisure facilities together with associated uses.”
He also said the proposals were compliant with the city plan and 20 per cent of the properties would affordable homes.
Five councillors voted in favour of granting permission, five against and there was one abstention with the chairman using his casting vote to break the deadlock and approve the scheme.
This result was met with jeers and protests from the packed public gallery.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter