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Multi-use sports pitch at Netherlee Primary is approved by East Renfrewshire Council

A new all-weather sports pitch can be built at Netherlee Primary despite the concerns of neighbouring residents.

By Drew Sandelands
Thursday, 6th August 2020, 8:54 am

Planning chiefs at East Renfrewshire Council have approved an application for a multi-use games area (MUGA) on the school’s playing fields.

Almost 50 objections were sent to the council but planning officers believed the proposal should be given the go-ahead.

Residents are concerned the development will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance and traffic issues.

Some have also said there has been a lack of consultation on the plans.

But the council’s planning committee supported the application at a meeting on Wednesday (August 5).

There has been concerns raised over potential glare from new floodlights.

Councillor Stewart Miller said: “The thing is going to be shut down at 9pm anyway.

“Most folk are not going to be in their bed at that time. It is not going to affect too many people.

“Not only that but the light spill that they are talking about is very minimal.”

He added: “I think there has been a fantastic consultation, they have done everything legal they had to do.

“Plus, the school carried out a consultation as well. And okay, it might have been a loaded question but of course it is going to be a loaded question.

“I don’t think there is going to be any more noise there than is already there because that park has been there for years.”

He also said he thought the traffic impact would be “minimal”.

“I actually think this will enhance the area and enhance the school. I might be wrong, but I think there is only one school in East Renfrewshire that doesn’t have a MUGA other than Netherlee.

“Why should kids at Netherlee miss out? I think it’s a wonderful facility for the youngsters.”

Councillor Angela Convery added: “I think this MUGA will be an asset for the school and the local community.

“It will be a great success; it will be widely used by the community and the school kids.

“There will be a loss of open space, but it is only a small portion of it.”

A council officer said the current playing fields were often “waterlogged” during bad weather and the development would “extend the time the area can be used”.

She admitted there would be a loss of a “small” amount of open space, but officers did not believe it was “significant”.

East Renfrewshire’s education department submitted the plans on behalf of Netherlee Parent Council, as parent councils cannot submit planning applications.

A council report stated: “The applicant has confirmed that, when developed, the multi-use games pitch will become part of the school grounds, with management transferred to the education department.

“Access arrangements would be via the school, as is the case with other primary school multi-use games pitches owned by the council.

“The gates of the proposed multi-use games pitch would be unlocked outwith school hours and community access for clubs can be arranged through the school.”

Conditions attached to the planning permission mean the pitch can be used from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 6pm at the weekend.