Debate over park pitch plans

Eric Baxter • Published 10 Jul 2010 12:00

VILLAGERS are objecting to plans for a new leisure facility at an Inverclyde beauty spot.

Inverclyde Council wants to build a £182,000 multi-use area in Kilmacolm's Birkmyre Park for football, basketball, tennis and other sports on a floodlit synthetic surface.

But it is claimed it could lead to traffic problems and noise. The area earmarked for development is disused blaes and a former tennis court next to the putting green.

Objector Evelyn Campbell said residents shared an understanding of the importance of sport in young people's lives and that recreational facilities can be appropriate within park locations.

But, speaking on behalf of objectors in Pacemuir Road, Park Road and Broomknowe Road, she said: "We feel a floodlit multi-use games area is not an appropriate facility for this location.

"These can be quite urban in design and not necessarily complementary to the nature and setting of this village park, which also has historic character.

"Floodlighting is a bad neighbour development. Such lighting is not appropriate in this location, which already has recently installed floodlighting covering the park's rugby pitches."

Kilmacolm Community Council say they fully recognise the proposal may have some disadvantages for those who live closest to it, but they accept there are likely to be benefits for the wider village community.

They said they would actively pursue Ms Campbell's suggestions about minimising disadvantages by looking at opening hours and car parking.

Council leader and ward councillor Stephen McCabe, pictured, supports the proposals and said it would be an excellent addition to the park.

He said: "This would address some of the needs of slightly older children for somewhere to play sports."

He added he could understand concerns about anti-social behaviour, but hoped this would not be an issue with the help of community wardens and police.

The application is currently going through the planning process.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 10 Jul 10

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