3G sports pitch proposed at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley

Consultation findings:

A full public consultation on the proposal for a 3G pitch at Maiden Erlegh took place in September 2022 and included two drop-in sessions. Nearly 1,000 people submitted their views on the proposed 3G sports pitch on our Engage site.

Among those who participated, the result findings showed:

 · 72 per cent of respondents supported the pitch whilst 28 per cent of respondents opposed the pitch

· 66 per cent of all the respondents lived in Earley

· The top three reasons why respondents supported the pitch included good location, availability for local sports team to use and good leisure facility investment

· The top three reasons why respondents opposed the pitch included issues related to location, noise and car parking

Update:

Our decision-making executive agreed plans to cease further work at this stage on a proposed 3G sports pitch at Maiden Erlegh School when it met on 26 January 2023.

Since last summer, when it was first agreed to consult on these proposals, our financial position has worsened and costs for this project have escalated.

Work on the proposed 3G sports pitch at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley will stop while we develop a borough-wide Playing Pitch Strategy. Part of this strategy will see us reassess the needs of Earley and Lower Earley and identify key sites suitable for future 3G sports pitch provisions in the borough.

The new strategy is set to be completed in the summer of 2023, which will replace the outdated strategy agreed in 2019.

Once this has been completed, a full evaluation of 3G pitch provision will take place looking at demand and costs associated with each proposed pitch. The strategy will create a clear plan for the future, providing evidence of where there is demand for 3G pitches.

We will keep you informed on the Playing Pitch Strategy progress in due course.

Background

A Local Football Facility plan conducted by the Football Foundation revealed that Wokingham Borough has more than 524 football teams and there is a need for additional 3G sports pitches to be built, particularly as this number is growing year on year.

Following a technical appraisal, we have identified the site at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley as the most suitable location for the new 3G sports pitch.

Tell us your views

We would like to hear residents' views, particularly those living in the Maiden Erlegh ward, on the proposed 3G sports pitch by completing our online survey (click 'Take the survey' on the right hand side or scroll down the page).

The survey runs from Monday 5 September and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 3 October 2022.

If you need help accessing or completing the survey, please call the council’s customer services team on (0118) 974 6000. This service is available to all residents including those who do not have access to digital devices. 

Please note that we can only accept feedback from the online consultation survey hosted on Engage Wokingham Borough. Feedback submitted via other channels will not be accepted, for example on social media, at the consultation sessions, via email or other online platforms.

Attend an open evening

We are holding two consultation sessions for residents to drop-in and view plans and visuals. It is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and voice any concerns. 

The drop-in sessions will take place on the below dates at Maiden Erlegh School, Silverdale Road, Earley, RG6 7HS:

• Tuesday 20 September, 6pm to 7.30pm
• Wednesday 21 September, 6pm to 7.30pm

Supporting documents

Please see attached documents including:

• A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about the proposed 3G sports pitch which includes full details and visuals of the proposed works
• A FAQ document from the Football Foundation on artificial grass pitches
• A flyer on the consultation