Hundreds object to proposed sports pitch

2 days ago

Sarah Booker-LewisLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The plans are for an artificial grass pitch and multi-use games area on the sports field

Getty Images The image shows an empty leisure field in a residential district, with a view of the city in the distance. The sky is cloudless and light blue. The white lines of a football pitch can be seen in the foreground of the image. — The plans are for an artificial grass pitch and multi-use games area on the sports field

More than 900 people have objected to Brighton, Hove And Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC)'s proposed sports pitch over concerns it could affect nearby shows staged by an outdoor theatre.

Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) has also cited potential noise issues, so BHASVIC is commissioning an expanded noise impact analysis, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

BHASVIC principal William Baldwin said that the college needs to provide "first-class" facilities for students to compete with other providers, as well as create a community facility.

The college said: "The pitch will be dug down into the slope of the playing fields, creating a significant barrier between it and the theatre."

BHASVIC The image shows an aerial shot of BHASVIC, playing fields, BOAT And Dyke Road Park. — Concerns over potential noise levels have led to objections

It added: "Our noise management plan suggests there is enough acoustic attenuation as part of the pitch design to ensure that it will not lead to the disruption that BOAT claims."

A noise impact assessment zone image shows the effect on BOAT would be less than 50 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to the noise from a refrigerator, moderate rainfall or a quiet office.

BOAT general manager Will Mytum said: "BHASVIC's assertion that use of the pitches would have no impact on BOAT is clearly absurd and reveals an incredible lack of understanding.

"We have over 11 years of experience running an outdoor theatre so we know intimately how noise travels in the park and what an inherent danger to our future these pitches would be."

A potential solution suggested by BOAT is to restrict use of the pitches during the theatre's summer season which would not affect student use and allow community hire from October to April.

"BHASVIC speaks of creating a community asset but in doing so would destroy an already established and beloved community asset," Mytum said.

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