Protest held against school's games area plan

A protest was held on Monday against the plans to change the field at Ecclesall Primary into a multi-use games area

Parents and local residents have held a protest against plans to change a school field into a multi-use games area (MUGA).

The proposed development at Ecclesall Primary School in Sheffield would replace existing playing fields, which developers said could not be used in wet weather.

But at the protest on Monday, those taking part said they were concerned about the impact it would have on the environment, flooding and traffic in the area.

The school said the MUGA's aim was to give children extra space on part of the field to use for free play as well as organised PE lesson activities and after-school activities.

Documents submitted by developers state that the school, situated in a housing area, struggled to use the playing fields in wet weather due to their "sloping nature".

It said the MUGA would provide a "vastly improved" all-year-round playing surface for pupils.

This would be in addition to a small MUGA already installed to the north-east of the school as part of expansion plans over the last 10 years.

The proposal has received 105 letters of representation, of which 89 were objections, 12 in support and four of neutral tone, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Terrible thing'

Ann Blanchflower, one local resident attending Monday's protest, said: "We consider the free play for children on the green grass there at present is as important as general physical exercise and sport - and they already have one MUGA they can use.

"It’s a massive build that will take away the green space forever. It can never be reversed then.

"It will change the character of the visual impact for residents, and we also have a huge draining concern."

Anita Cox, another local resident, told the BBC: “All four of my children went to this school. The idea of it being changed to a lump of MUGA is the most terrible thing.

"But it’s the children I’m concerned about, the fact they’re having their green space taken away."

The application originally sought permission for a MUGA and a 100m running track, however the latter was later removed from the scheme, which has since been recomended for approval by councillors.

Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee was due to consider the plans this week, but that has now been postponed until later in the year.

In a letter to parents, Ecclesall Primary school said once a decision had been made by the committee, the school's governors would consider the views of parents and carers.

Any decisions reached would then be communicated to the whole school community, the letter added.

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