brentwood.gov.uk

I am writing In response to the call for input into the local development plan and in particular with the proposals regarding open space for leisure activities. My main area of concern relates to football pitch facilities within Hutton and Shenfield.
For the local community football club there is a huge dependency on schools which places the clubs in a precarious position as there is no security of tenure, costs may rise and obviously the school will take priority over use of its facilities.
Hutton FC is a prominent club within the area with over 50 teams who are currently playing on a mixture of several council facilities as well as local schools, St Martins and Shenfield High School. The result of this is that club members are spread far and wide and as a consequence the Club lose cohesion due to having no central base where all teams can play and socialise which would improve community feeling, help increase revenue and provide a useful facility. In addition this issue places huge stress on the volunteers that run the Club plus it raises health and safety issues and welfare concerns.
The club has been working with the Council, the Football Association and local land owners to try to identify a suitable location. The first choice solution would be to locate facilities at Officers Meadows in Shenfield.
Assistance is sought through this document in trying to establish facilities for the Club in this location and achieve funding through the impact of Cross-Rail. If this site is not available then an appropriate space for the Club is desperately needed and should be identified. Obviously we are aware that land is at a premium but believe that if it is the intention to develop more housing in the area then this will create even more demand for facilities which at present are lacking in the area.
A local football club which provides sport participation and development for ages 5 - veterans (and family members) should have a proper base where the teams can play together and I would therefore ask for consideration of this to be included within the document. This club is particularly good in relation to the provision of teams for girls football which is rather lacking within many clubs and provide an environment where many teenage girls - a category that are renowned for dropping out of sporting activities - feel comfortable both training and playing competitive football.
Please note that whilst I am using my work email, this comment is sent entirely in a personal capacity.