The facts as we know them on 30 November
Wandsworth Council has confirmed that it intends to seek expressions of interest from developers to build 10 to 12 five-a-side all-weather, floodlit pitches in the Triangle area of Tooting Common. These would be built where the existing playground, youth club, one o’clock club and all weather football pitch currently sit. The development is likely to extend to over and above the current footprint - although by how much is not yet clear - and the Council proposes to incorporate Woodfield Recreation Ground, where the Waldorf School operates from, into the Common as compensation.
Martin Stretton, Assistant Director of Leisure and Amenity Services has responded on behalf of the Council to some of the specific questions that have been asked:
Q: Will there be any floodlighting?
Yes, it is proposed - which is why we have selected this corner of the Common by the railway and away from most fauna and residents.
Q: What is the precise layout/location of the pitches?
The exact location will not be known until a developer has been identified and detailed plans produced. The outline proposal for the hard surface is to be in the area of the current hard surface with some small overlap into the surrounding area.
Q: When and how will residents be consulted?
MAC (the Tooting Common Management Advisory Committee) meets monthly and will discuss the issue regularly. Residents will be consulted at public meetings and there will be notices on the Common.
Q: When is work likely to be started? Finished?
Not planned at this stage but probable build time of one year with 18 months planning / consultation etc.
Q: There are strong concerns that there’ll be problems with parking?
Users will be informed that parking is not available. School use will involve coach, club use will involve walking / cycling / coach / minibus.
Q: Will the existing playground and one o’clock club be moved? If so, where to?
Possible proposal which depends on the preferred layout of the new development. The one o’clock club will remain in the same general vicinity.
Q: Will the cricket pitch remain?
Yes
Q: Will the Council be charging for use and how will this work?
There will be a charge for use of the facility. Charges per hour will be published. Bookings will be made to the on-site office.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
I believe that the new 5 a side pitches shall be administered by a commercial group called Goals and shall be charging a considerable amount of money for their use and therefore are a money spinner for Wandsworth Council, making this development very commercially fixed.