Whitgift School's all weather sports pitch proposal thrown out
By Nikki Jarvis
nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk
-
VICTORY: Residents in Whitgift Avenue
Relieved residents are celebrating the decision to reject plans for a new all-weather sports pitch that they say would have been a "monstrous intrusion" on their lives.
The proposal for Whitgift School's hockey pitch were thrown out by Croydon Council's planning committee.
Eight 50-foot high floodlights were part of the design and the facility was going to be used between 8am and 9pm.
A group of more than 20 residents led by Lionel Phillips, 85, campaigned to get the plan thwarted saying it would have ruined the character of their neighbouring road.
Mr Phillips said: "Whitgift Avenue is an oasis in the middle of a fairly ordinary district. It's a special road in our view.
"There is an unspoken agreement that means all the houses are white and the gardens are nicely kept.
"This pitch would have been an ugly intrusion on this and almost certainly downgraded the character of Whitgift Avenue."
Waddon councillor Simon Hoar had supported the residents in their fight.
He said: "The whole plan would have been massively overbearing and a complete overdevelopment of the land.
"There is an elderly residential home opposite and you can hear hockey balls cracking from miles off – who wants that until 9pm?
"People there also did not want massive floodlights overlooking them and keeping them up at night when they are left on by mistake."
But the school in Haling Park, South Croydon, argued that the development would have been an "outstanding" sports provision.
The school has the right to appeal the decision or put in an amended application.
7 Comments
by ANNE, SELSDON
Saturday, February 13 2010, 6:57PM
“You misunderstand me. It is nice to have a neat and tidy place. Nobody in our street leaves rubbish or old furniture outside their homes. However, nobody has the right to demand that everyone mows their lawns regularly or paints their houses white. Each and every person should concentrate on their own homes and families and not start trying to tell others what to do. Our lawns get mowed about once a month. Luckily, our next door neighbours do likewise. Our cars are cleaned once every two months. We lead busy lives and I have a disability and am unable to use a lawn mower or clean my car.”
by r, Croydon
Friday, February 12 2010, 7:30PM
“Anne - what is so bigoted about having some pride and keeping your property neat and tidy? I for one hate the sight of unkempt front gardens with overgrown weeds and old sofas discarded. Would you like to live next door to one of these residences? Or is yours perhaps similar? Just because these people live in a nice road and maintain certain standards is no reason to label them as bigots. And as for Robin Hood - there are more choices in life than either participating in sports or taking the gang-member/yob route. Besides, those that are tempted to join gangs and behave in a feral manner will not be suddenly reformed by the option of participation in sports and become clean living citizens.”
by Fruitbat, South Norwood
Thursday, February 11 2010, 8:03PM
“Ha Ha Whitgift - money can't buy you everything!”
by ANNE, SELSDON
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 6:00PM
“What a bigoted bunch of residents. Nobody tells us that our houses have to be white or our gardens nicely kept. We have no time to do gardening and it isn't our hobby. These residents have obviously not got much of a life. Bed at 9 p.m.??? I would object to noise and light after 11 p.m., but 9 p.m.???”
by RobinHood, Sherwood
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 1:55PM
“Good to see that the spirit of 2012 and beyond is alive with the residents of Croydon South.
Heavens forbid the youth should take part in sporting activities,it goes against the grain.
No much better that they join gangs,take drugs and drink themselves silly eh?”
by Jess, New Addington
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 12:05PM
“I am assuming that the proposals did not involve digging up peoples nice gardens and allowing for urban grafiti on their white houses. Whitgift School is a resbonsibly run establishment, and I'm sure they could be trusted to ensure minimum disruption to local residents. Let's advocate sports and activities for the youth of today, keep them off the streets and out of trouble, just not if they are doing it near me. I'm sure Mr Phillips is a lovely gentleman who never annoyed a lady with a ball in his life.”
by lloyd, NA
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 7:10PM
“" Relieved residents are celebrating " Looks like they're having a ball . maybe they should get the booze from all the under age drinkers, that would cheer this lot up??”