Row over Wellington New College car park plans

A row has broken out over a Telford college's decision to use one of its sports pitches as a car park.

Cars have been using the redgra all-weather pitch at New College in Wellington for the last two years but bosses now want it officially given over to parking.

The college has applied to Telford & Wrekin Council for retrospective permission to change the use of the sports pitch temporarily but the move has prompted opposition from neighbours.

Sport England has objected to the plan, as have 11 residents in Regent Street who have signed a petition.

They cite a list of objections, such as claims the entrance to the pitch is inadequately signed or lit and the area throws up dust which affects nearby properties.

Members of the borough council's plans board, who meet on Wednesday, are, however, being recommended to approve the college's application to officially designate the pitch a car park.

A report says the use of the regra pitch for parking was intended to be a temporary measure while a long term solution was developed to the issues of access and parking for the college and community.

It adds: "According to the applicants, the site has not been used for sports activities for approximately 20 years. It is requested that the college is given permission to temporarily change the use of the redgra pitch.

"The applicants assert that since the site changed from a school to a college the area does not meet minimum requirements for any of the sports played."

Members will hear Sport England disagrees the area in question is no longer a playing field and developing it as a car park would go against its playing fields policy.

The report to go before the plans board says the loss of the sports pitch is not ideal and the area should be reinstated to its former use after permission expires.

It concludes: "The temporary use of the redgra pitch as car parking is acceptable as it meets demands for parking, removing on-street parking on adjoining residential streets, and provides improved access to disabled persons to the college buildings."

By Simon Hardy