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Search the Public Notice PortalMore juniors will be able to play rugby after plans for two football pitches in a village near Taunton were scrapped, writes Phil Hill.
Conditional planning permission has been granted for rugby and cricket pitches on land off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield.
Developers originally put up cash for the football pitches, changing facilities and parking as part of a Section 106 ‘planning gain’ agreement.
But nine years later, the pitches have not been created and West Monkton Parish Council has taken on the land.
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A subsequent investigation concluded there is a surplus of pitches for senior football locally, but insufficient sites for cricket wickets and junior rugby fields.
A report to planners at Somerset Council said most rugby pitches are “heavily used and some significantly over-used”, leading to difficulties in the growth of clubs.
It added: “Taunton Rugby Club has confirmed that it currently has the largest youth and junior section in the region, along with the colts and three senior teams.
“The youth and junior section supports regular numbers of approximately 350 boys and girls across the ages six to sixteen.
“Taunton Rugby Club, in Hyde Lane, Bathpool, only has three full size pitches to accommodate almost 500 players of all ages.
“This has led to the playing surface becoming badly damaged by the midpoint of the season.
“Youth players, due to the very limited playing area, have to be rotated on and off the pitch in order to accommodate the numbers.
“This causes delay and disappointment.
“Waiting lists of potential players also exist.
“A possible additional pitch would transform the youth rugby in Taunton and the surrounding area.”
Extra rugby pitches would better help develop future women’s and girls’ teams.
Referring to cricket, the report said there is insufficient provision of wickets in the area at peak times.
It added: “To avoid the projected shortfall in provision, additional cricket facilities will need to be developed in line with population growth, particularly in urban extension areas.”
A second or satellite ground would help growing clubs, including West Monkton Cricket Club, which has three teams.
The report said: “(West Monkton) Parish Council has, in collaboration with cricket and rugby representatives, developed a proposal for pitches to be available at the location, changing them from senior football, which there isn’t a need for, to cricket and rugby that there is an evidenced need for.”
The approved plans also include a skate/pump track to provide additional facilities for local young people.
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