SPORTING FACILITIES included in plans for a new £19.2 million Saddleworth School in Diggle are “not fit for purpose” says key national provider Sport England.
The services and funding provider has written to Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG) in response to their concerns about the pitches, including siting them on greenbelt land and in a flood zone.
Sport England wrote: “Sport England considers the proposed scheme is a missed opportunity for the school and community as it will not be fit for purpose and meet modern sporting requirements.”
They also cited two other national sporting bodies, the Football Association (FA) and the Rugby Football League (RFL).
The FA said: “Any new pitch would need to be full size in line with The FA recommendations” while the RFL commented: “Based on concerns around the quality of the sports facilities we need to see a full Pitch Feasibility Study”.
Sport England concluded: “In light of the above, Sport England objects to the proposal as it will deliver a facility that is not fit for purpose and does not accord with the FA design guidance.”
SDAG have been campaigning for the last three years for a new secondary school to be rebuilt on the current site in Uppermill rather than move to the former WH Shaw pallet works in Diggle.
Committee member Keith Lucas said: “Once again, the proposal for the new school is revealed as inadequate and the people of Saddleworth are being asked to settle for second best.
“As well as building on the green belt and flood plain, the proposed school will have to put up with second-rate, sub standard sports facilities to the detriment of children and the wider community.
“Last year over 3,000 people signed a petition to keep the school in Uppermill and more than 1,000 residents submitted objections to the proposal to site the school in Diggle.
“Despite the outcry from people of Saddleworth and objections from experts from national sports bodies, Oldham Council appears to be determined to push through this major development.
“Will they listen to reason or pass a planning application which local people and national advisory bodies say will have negative effects on the Saddleworth community?”
Oldham Council’s Planning Committee will meet in the Council Chambers on Thursday, February 25 at 6pm to consider four applications relating to the proposed new school.
Members of the public can attend to observe proceedings and there is no need to book or signal your intention to attend this meeting beforehand.
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