Some of our actions have produced an interdict from the Statutory Consultee on all planning matters effecting sport: Sport England
Emma Hindley
London Transport Policy
5/26 Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
28 January 2015
Dear Emma Hindley,
Crossrail 2: safeguarding directions - Consultation
I write in connection with the above named consultation. Please find herein Sport England’s formal comments for your consideration.
Introduction
Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of national, regional and local policy as well as supporting local authorities in developing the evidence base for sport.
Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport, enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places, based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need for all levels of sport and all sectors of the community. To achieve this our planning objectives are to seek to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment; to ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management; and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose to meet demands for participation now and in the future.
We work with the planning system to achieve these aims and objectives, seeking to ensure that they are reflected in local planning policies, and applied in development management.
Please see our website for more advice:
http://www.sportengland.org/facilities- ... for-sport/
Specific Comments - Crossrail 2
In the context of the above and in considering the Crossrail 2 proposals, Sport England is keen to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to the potential impact or loss of any existing built sports facilities or playing field land. Sport England would welcome early discussions around any impacted facilities to ensure the needs of sport can be identified and appropriately safeguarded.
The current consultation relates to the “Safeguarding Direction” only, which is a process whereby local planning authorities will be required to consult TfL when they are considering planning applications within the area to be safeguarded. It is understood that the safeguarded area is not necessarily the identified land take for Crossrail 2. Notwithstanding that, the Sport England is aware and concerned that ‘Trinity Fields’ (also known as Sir Walter St John Sports Ground) is within the area of Safeguarding Limits and is also shown on the consultation plans as an Area of Surface Interest.
Trinity Fields is located as shown on the map extract below. Trinity Fields is a 3.2ha playing field and is a valued and much used playing field site.
Trinity Fields has two clubrooms two adult football pitches and two junior pitches which serve both football and rugby during autumn and winter seasons. There are two cricket squares used during the summer together with two cricket nets. Primary use of the facilities is by local schools in term time Monday to Friday and at weekends by a group of clubs collectively known as Trinity Sports Club which comprises, adult football, junior football and adult cricket. In terms of teams:
Sinjuns Grammarians AFC comprises six teams of varying ability
Balham Blazers Football Club comprising 12 teams for age group 9 to 18 playing
Sinjuns Grammarians Cricket Club comprising 5 teams of varying ability playing in the Surrey Championship
In addition, the site hosts an annual football tournament for local primary schools.
The site is an important focus for local sport and therefore it will be important to understand at an early stage, the role that this site is intended to play in the delivery of Crossrail 2.
Please be aware that Sport England would oppose any loss of sports provision would encourage alternative sites to be considered for ground level infrastructure associated with Crossrail 2. Any temporary loss of facilities or temporary impact associated with the construction phase of Crossrail 2 will also need to fully understand at the earlier stage. Continuity of sports provision will require considerable consideration. Any post construction remediation will also need to be agreed up front.
As such, Sport England would welcome dialogue with TfL at the appropriate stage to further understand the proposals, the potential impact on Trinity Fields, whether any alternatives exist and appropriate mitigation.
We would invite TfL to suggest with some suitable meeting dates at the appropriate stage.
If you would like any further information or advice please contact the undersigned at the address below.
Yours sincerely
Planning Manager, Sport England
