Adderbury wins consent for new sports pavilion but a residents' association still objects

But the residents' association in the west of Adderbury is still fiercely against the development.

The new pavilion and outdoor sports areas for Adderbury was approved by Cherwell District Council last week.

An online meeting of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee approved Adderbury Parish Council's application for consent to develop the Milton Road field which was gifted to the parish council by developers of a new housing estate.

The facility is expected to have a badminton court, a multi-purpose sports hall, a dance studio, changing rooms and bar. Outdoors the plan is for a multi-use games area, two football pitches and a cricket pitch.

The plan had already been allocated for sport and community uses in the Adderbury Neighbourhood Plan which was approved in a referendum and ‘made’ by Cherwell District Council in 2018.

West Adderbury Residents' Association (WARA) criticised Adderbury Parish Council's 'lack of a business case' for the development and demanded to know the budget for the project and how much of that cost still needs to be raised.

"The community facilities and clubhouse will not be developed until enough funds have been committed to the project by grant awarding bodies. There is no money confirmed at this stage to complete the project so why start (it) now?" said a spokesman.

It estimates the cost of the project 'at least' £1.5m over and above donations made by developers of housing estates in Adderbury.

The association also questioned the charges that would be made for use of the facilities and whether community groups currently using other village buildings would be able to afford them.

WARA members are concerned about the traffic, noise and light pollution that may emanate from the pavilion especially if it hosts social events such as weddings and parties.

Cllr Colin Clarke, Cherwell’s lead member for planning, said: “It is essential that people have the right facilities available to help them lead active lives. As the district grows, facilities such as this will help us make sure there is enough choice and availability to go around for everyone.

“This land has been designated for sports for some time, including in the Adderbury Neighbourhood Plan. This decision approves the design and layout of the building, parking and pitches, and helps ensure a high quality end product.”

The proposal is supported by developer contributions, including a legal agreement relating to the completed development at Aynho Road which saw the land where the pavilion will be built transferred to the parish council.

A Community Governance Review for Adderbury is underway which could lead to the creation of two separate parish councils for the village. Planning committee noted this but agreed with officers that it could not delay a decision being taken on the application and was not something that should affect the decision to grant planning permission.