A planning application seeking permission for a BMX track, skate park, and multi-use games area (MUGA) has been submitted to East Riding Council. The site of the application is in the north east of Market Weighton, off Goodmanham Road.
The proposals would be placed at the north of the an existing playing field, near the Goodmanham Road entrance where there is space for off-street parking. Plans explain that effort went into to ensuring the plans would not encroach on the two existing football pitches on the field.
The planning application can be broken down into four distinct parts. Firstly, the construction of the MUGA which would provide provision for a number of activities including football and basketball. It will also, according to submitted documents: “Improve the ability to play sports in the winter months when the grass gets waterlogged and muddy.” The area would be surrounded by a metal fence for security and safety.
Secondly, the BMX/dirt bike track which plans say would be an oval shaped track with jumps. The third and final sporting element of the application is the skate park. Plans suggest it would include an angled ramp, quarter pipe, and a fun box.
Plans state: “The skate park and bike track will add to the choice and variety of outdoor sports and leisure activities for children and teenagers, helping to improve their health and physical and mental wellbeing.” It is also said that all three facilities would be considered as new within the East Yorkshire town.
The fourth element of the application pertains to the construction of Surface Water Drainage Infrastructure. The whole of the playing field is on a designated Flood Zone 3 Flood Storage Area. With this in mind, the application includes the construction of a swale, which is a channel designed to manage water runoff.
Despite the site being potentially at risk of flooding, the Environment Agency have stated they have no objections to the proposals. However, they do say that mitigation measures such as the MUGA fence being open mesh to facilitate the movement of water, should be implemented.
Despite there being some space for off-street parking nearby, plans state: “The majority of of those using the facilities would be children/teenagers who would not be driving.” It is also expected that the site would likely be prominently used by those who live within walking distance to the site.
The plans have received a number of public objections online. One individual suggested the proposals could lead to anti-social behaviour. They said: “It will most likely make the site an area that many will find extremely intimidating and hostile.”
Despite such concerns, Humberside Police have no objections to be plans. A comment provided by the force does however suggest a covered bicycle facility with individual stands should be included in the proposals. The comment, which comes from the force’s Designing Out Crime Officer reads: “After consultation with Humberside Police Neighbourhood Policing Team I can confirm that we have no objections to the proposal however, I would like to request consideration is given to providing a covered bicycle facility with individual stands, located adjacent to Multi-Use Games Area. It is important to consider securing of bicycles left unattended.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
