Correction to inaccuracies published about athletics track
20 January 2010
We have received a leaflet from a resident living near Sir William Ramsay School, which contains factual inaccuracies and I am writing to you so that people have accurate information to take an informed view.
We are seeking to relocate the existing community athletics facility from Handy Cross to the School campus, which has to comply with current guidance and therefore requires some modernisation. The School, recognising the benefits of having better sporting facilities, is very supportive of the scheme. While we would not speculate about local property prices, generally speaking proximity to a good school with excellent facilities often has a positive impact on local house prices.
Some of the recent misinformation we have seen is corrected below.
A community track
Literature calls this a stadium, and the project has been likened to Crystal Palace, the national athletics stadium. The plans are for a community athletics track with changing rooms to replace the current one. Unlike a stadium, there will be no large tiered stands, no competition level lighting nor will it host national competitions.
Lighting
Literature has referred to 18 metre floodlights without understanding that this height enables accurate targeting of light and minimal light spill. Light levels will be limited to 75 lux, a very low lighting level suitable only for training use.
Numbers using the track
Literature states that 17,000 people will travel by car to use the track between April to September, when this is the approximate number of users over the whole year. Most people using the track car share or arrive using organised transport
Spectators
Literature states that athletics events will mostly take place at the weekend with crowds of up to 800 people, public address system and traffic noise. There has been no event hosting 800 people in the past - the maximum number has been 500. Most events are significantly smaller and take place during school time on weekdays. Teams arrive by coach and minibus transport, which reduces traffic impact. There will be no public address system.
Usage of the track
Literature states that the track will be used daily until 9pm. This is not true as can be seen in the Track Usage Statement. Training will not take place every evening, and lights will be off when there is no training and in summer when daylight is sufficient.
Read the planning application
We urge everyone interested in this scheme to read the planning application and examine the facts before making up their minds. The deadline for comments is 22 January. The application can be viewed online using PublicAccess planning reference 09/07338/R9FUL. Use PublicAccess
Elaine Jewell
Head of Community