In 2009 planning permission was granted for the development and installation of two pitches on Havenstoke Park. In August 2022 Drew Smith – the site’s developers, put in a request to Chichester District Council asking that this could be reduced to a single pitch based on consultation with residents and CCDT, however the response has now been received from the Council that two pitches should be delivered, as per the initial planning agreement. Drew Smith subsequently submitted the plans for how this would be designed and laid out in October 2022.
Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) took on ownership and management of the park in April 2022 (with the planning permission and conditions to deliver the pitches), and are keen to reassure all those concerned that whilst the pitches will be developed the use of them will be something discussed at length with residents in a series of consultation programmes closer to the time that work will be carried out.
Comments Clare de Bathe, Director of CCDT, “We are and always have been very mindful of respecting the wishes and interests of residents and we supported residents to review the plans for two pitches with Drew Smith and supported the application to reduce the number. Now that the condition to deliver both pitches has been upheld we will combine this work integrally with meeting the needs of the community to ensure provision is made that will enable and empower groups and individuals to reach their potential.
We already have a really inspiring girls football team that plays on the park each weekend, helping young girls to believe in themselves and their abilities. To see that the sport is not just for boys and enhance both their mental and physical health. Teams such as this will realise real benefit from the development of formalised pitches and as such, we must embrace the opportunity this development will bring us whilst ensuring the conservation of the park is maintained.”
In addition to the sports fields, Drew Smith are required to construct a temporary car park – this will support the pitches and ensure that during matches or training sessions the wider residential area will not suffer from a temporary influx of cars. This will ensure that the increased appeal of the space to the wider Chichester community does not negatively impact residents. Instead it brings a greater opportunity to feel proud and connected to the community, with an enhanced programme of activities and events to participate or support in some way.
Timings for the development of the pitches and car parks are still to be determined with plans being worked out by Drew Smith. CCDT will share information with residents and the wider community as plans are confirmed.
