CAMPAIGNERS against ‘unsuitable’ plans for a new sports pavilion and revamp of run down playing fields are disappointed the development has been backed by the council.
Designs to install all-weather pitches and to rebuild the dilapidated pavilion at Whitchurch Playing Fields to include changing rooms, function hall, bar and gym have been met with mixed feelings by neighbours of the Wemborough Road site.
Though Whitchurch Consortium, the out of borough group behind the proposals, will still need to obtain planning permission and appropriate licences, its plans were backed at a busy cabinet meeting on Wednesday last week.
Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar (Labour), Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for property and major contracts, told the meeting the sports pitches ‘are not of the quality that sportsmen and women, and boys and girls, expect or require in the 21st Century’. He said it had become difficult for the council to fund the cost of maintaining the sports pitches.
Mr Idaikkadar said: “It is crucial we will not rush this next phase.”
Michelle Stern, co-chairperson of Abchurch Residents’ Association, which has been campaigning for a more thorough consultation, said: “We were disappointed with the result but we want to make it clear that our issue is not with development on the field. We want the site to be used and accessible for everyone locally but there shouldn’t be a bar or function room which we fear will become the main focus of the site, not children enjoying the space.”
Edward Morris, leader of the First Stanmore Scout Group in Honeypot Lane, is in favour of the move. He said: “It will be a massive benefit for all the community now and for next generations.”
