MM28

Formal Objection to Allocations Document modification - Ref: MM28
I object to the Inspector's proposed changes to the wording in that the definition would be even less binding than the original RDC outline statement, specifically:-

A. The 340 metre radius dimension to some extent pinned down where the New Clubhouse might be built - the Inspector's revised wording imposes no such limit.

B. Sport England appear to have been given carte blanche on the Design & Location of the new facilities, apparently based on a modified statement that does not set any real criteria other than 'may be'.

C. The general area (West side of the site) in question is known to flood on a regular basis (after rain) - the hard surfacing inherent in mass housing will add (run off) to that problem. I am surprised there is no mention of this issue - given ground conditions will heavily influence the location of any credible playing surfaces (Football/Cricket/Other).

D. Given the community importance of this long standing Sport Club/Facility I find the absence of an outline plan on location and content somewhat remiss (even at this conceptual stage) of RDC and made worse by the Inspector's proposed even less definitive wording.

MM28 removes the commitment to relocate the Sports and Social club with the new clubhouse within 340 metres of the existing location, in favour of an undisclosed location or anywhere else within the "green buffer to the west of the site". This also removes protection for the rest of the green buffer as it could allow for development to spread further from the proposed development site.

Negative aspects of this relocation for an established Sports and Social club are not adequately reflected in the Assessment of Effects (eg. under 1. Balanced Communities it is given a "+" where it is not obvious how committing to build a new club in an unknown location can generate the conclusion that "this will have positive consequences for the local community". It is also biased to say that it gives the "opportunity to provide the facility in a location that best serves the needs of the community". It already is in the place that best serves the needs of the community and it is very likely that they don't want it moved in the first place...

Under "8. Landscape and Townscape" it is not clear why it has been judged as "?" when there has been a clear view taken on other aspects such as "1. Balanced Communities". The fact that there is uncertainty as to where the new Sports and Social Club will be located is a clear negative for its users.

MM28 should be rejected so there is a clear commitment to keep it "within 340 metres of the existing location" to ensure it remains in the location where it has best served the needs of the community for many years.

The proposed modification relating to expecting the replacement playing field facilities provided to be of at least an equivalent standard is welcomed as this will provide more certainty that the replacement facilities will be equivalent to those lost in terms of both quantity and quality.

The proposed modification expecting the replacement playing field facilities to be built in a location which is accessible to the local community, whilst allowing for social events within the clubhouse is welcomed as this should help ensure an appropriate balance is achieved between ensuring good access to the replacement facilities for users while safeguarding the existing social uses of the clubhouse and protecting residential amenity.

I write on behalf of the committee of Rayleigh Town Sports and Social Club (RTSSC) to object to the deletion in section MM28, which begins with the words "It should be located within the green buffer zone to the west of the site". Until now all information about the proposed relocation of the club and discussions between the Council and club representatives have been on the basis that the club would be relocated within the green buffer zone to the west of its existing location north of London Road. The proposed relocation of the club has been explained by the committee to club members on this basis and it has helped the membership to accept the proposed move, albeit reluctantly. The new wording removes the certainty that the club will be relocated to the west of the current site. The club committee believes that this deletion would undermine the validity of previous public consultations and the discussions that took place between the council and the club, and the acceptance of the move by club members.
There appears to be no suitable alternative to a site to the west of the club's current location which would keep the club close to its existing membership and allow the extension of the replacement RTSSC site to meet additional outdoor playing pitch provision in accordance with representation 28475 by Sport England in the ASD pre submission document. Sport England envisages that the existing clubs on the RTSSC site are best placed to meet the additional demand for playing pitches that will arise from the new housing development. The RTSSC committee does not see any similarly large area south of London Road Rayleigh that is unaffected by the overhead lines from electricity pylons. To move the club away from the London Road area would be unacceptable to the club committee. The proposed new wording to be inserted would allow the council to introduce alternative areas on which to relocate the club, and it is the view of the club's committee that the reference to relocating the club within the green buffer zone to the west of its current site should be retained.

I consider this sports facility is subject to a 'Constructive Trust' having been purchased for the residents on that basis. I object strongly to the ADJUSTMENT to the wording of this part of the policy. It does not offer a unequivocal guarantee that this facility will remain in the IMMEDIATE vicinity. The wording is ambiguous and open to various interpretations. It should state that the RTSSC, currently accessed with ease from the built area, will remain in the immediate area and not be transferred to 'WEST OF THE A1245' where land is currently being sought for sports pitches.