Concerns over ‘concrete jungle’ plans for popular city playing fields

Controversial plans to turn a popular Gloucester playing field into a “concrete jungle” with a floodlit sports pitch and car park have been submitted.

More than 600 people signed a petition last year against plans to develop the Blackbridge playing fields in Podsmead and build 30 homes and a sports complex on the site.

But now the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society has submitted proposals to Gloucester City Council.

They want to build the sports hub which would include changing rooms, fitness studio and viewing areas, an all-weather pitch with flood lights, car parking, new vehicular access, play area, and landscaping.

Separate proposals are expected to be submitted by Gloucestershire County Council for 30 houses on another part of the site.

However, hundreds of residents fear the scheme will create more traffic, encourage antisocial behaviour and lead to a loss of green space.

Bev Sayers, one of the residents who has serious concerns about the plans, fears the proposals will turn the site into a “concrete jungle”.

She said: “The Blackbridge field has for many years been used for sports. In principle I agree with that.

“My concern and the concern of many others is with the detrimental effect that the new hub with the artificial pitch and the housing proposal is going to have on residents.”

She also said the plans would lead to the destruction of nature and the environment, air and light pollution as well as access, safety and parking issues.

Consultants working on the scheme say the proposals will complement the existing surrounding area in which a number of different outdoor spaces, sporting facilities and groups are located.

“The proposal aims to secure the site’s continued long-term viable and sustainable use as a mixed-use sports, leisure and social asset which will be of benefit to the Podsmead area and the wider community in Gloucester,” the design and access statement reads.

“The area will benefit through access to a wider range of sport, health/leisure and flexibleuse social/events spaces available at the site. The proposal also aims to promote uptake in sport and increase provision/access to high-quality recreational and social facilities and outdoor spaces.”

People can comment on the proposals by emailing the city council at and quoting reference number 23/00103/FUL

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk