Well over one hundred local residents turned out last night for a Save Our Duncan Matheson Playing Field Group public meeting, called in response to Salford City Council's proposals in its Draft Local Plan to build up to fifty houses on the recreation ground.
The Council owns one third of the playing fields, while the rest is owned by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, part of the Greater Manchester Trust for Recreation. The Trust didn't attend the meeting as it felt "there was nothing to be gained" from it.
In the Draft Local Plan, the Council states that Duncan Matheson "has the potential to contribute to the range of recreation facilities within the area and across the city more generally, but the investment necessary is only likely to be forthcoming if there is some enabling development on part of the site in the form of houses... not exceeding 50 dwellings..."*
At the meeting it was made clear by Peter Openshaw, from the Council, that £4million was needed to upgrade the site - £2million could be obtained from various recreation funds but the other £2million would have to come from building houses on the site.
However, Dave, from the campaign, quoted figures produced by the Trust itself showing that the field could be brought up to standard with costs ranging between £372,000 and £514,000. This would be for grass pitches, and Shaun from Beechfield United FC which has over twenty five teams, said the club would love to move there and that his teams and others would help to fund it.
"The Council said the grass doesn't grow properly" Shaun said, to much amusement, while Openshaw responded that grass pitches were "not sustainable". The £4million was for all weather pitches, changing facilities and allotments...
"We all want to see it brought back into use as a recreation site" Openshaw explained, declaring himself 'staggered' that the Council was seen as the enemy "The Council is not the enemy, we're trying to find a way forward."
Later on in the meeting he added that the Trust was "looking to maximise its asset" and could apply for planning permission for hundreds of houses "if we do nothing". While the Council and residents would oppose this, he believed that the Trust might appeal and the Secretary of State could overrule the Council. In other words, accept the Council's proposals or it could be worse.
This 'blackmail' was debunked by Steven Healey of the campaign, who argued that this couldn't happen as the fields were already used for recreational purposes. The Trust was already in breach of its own charity rules to maintain the site.
A resident suggested that, if the Trust had not fulfilled its duty of upkeeping the site, the land could be taken off it. The response from Peter Openshaw was that the Charities Commission could force the issue but "it's not for us [ie the Council] to do it", which left many residents shaking their heads... 'Well who else?' shouted a resident.
A Compulsory Purchase Order for the site by the Council was also ruled out as it "would cost money"...Another resident responded by arguing that plenty of money had been "squandered on the AJ Bell Stadium, yet you can't keep a pitch going here...it's atrocious..."
Two local councillors, who are opposing the Council's draft proposals, spoke; Mike Pevitt arguing that some sort of land trust could be formed, and that premiership clubs, Man United and City, could be approached for finance. Councillor Barbara Bentham, meanwhile, brought news that a new pot of money had been found for multi-use sports pitches.
The whole situation appeared incredibly confused, with residents asking whether, even if fifty houses were built, the Trust would be happy to hand over or lease its land for pitches. Openshaw didn't have an answer... "We've not got into that level of agreement". Earlier, he stated that the Trust saw the site as a liability and the Council had no commitment from them on anything.
The campaign was resolute that it would oppose building houses on the fields, citing traffic problems, pollution, the lack of infrastructure and already full-to-capacity sewers.
Roy, from Saving Our Neighbourhood campaign, currently fighting Bellway Homes at Campbell Road in Swinton, gave a presentation showing the results of development on a quiet suburban area after the Council had 'railroaded' through the planning permission, warning residents to fight any proposals.**
The meeting ended with residents imploring pressure to be put on the Trust to play ball and embarrass it to fulfil its purpose. Bobby Charlton is the Vice President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester.
Many residents pointed out the 'craziness' of sports pitches lying idle, while the Trust has a remit of providing recreational facilities for young people, and dozens of teams wanting to use them.
"Engagement with the Trust is going nowhere" stated one resident "We need to remove the Trust from owning the land..."
Whether there is the will from Salford Council to do this is open to question, with its only answer at the moment being to develop houses on the site.
*The consultation on Salford City Council's Draft Local Plan ends today, although submissions will be taken after this date. To object to the proposals email plans.consultation@salford.gov.uk or using the online form. For full details click here.
**The Saving Our Neighbourhood group is protesting against Bellway Homes at the launch of its sales office on Green Lane, Monton this Saturday 11am
For a full background see previous Salford Star article - click here
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
