Chipping Norton sports groups say new hub is needed for growing town
Sports clubs in Chipping Norton are calling for a new Community Sports Hub to ensure town growth is matched by sporting facilities.
Local organisations want a sports hub to be formally secured through the West Oxfordshire Local Plan which is in development at the district council.
They say clubs are stuggling to survive as players move out because of limited facilities available in the town.
The proposed hub would bring together a floodlit 3G pitch, grass pitches, tennis and padel courts, adventure play and a community clubhouse, creating opportunities for people of all ages.
Chipping Norton Cricket Club, Chipping Norton Rugby Football Club, Chipping Norton Swifts Football Club and Chipping Norton Skatepark Trust have all submitted representations supporting the proposed multi-sports hub in the east of the town.
They cite the folding of a youth football team as an illustration of the real need for improved facilities.
Chipping Norton Swifts FC's boys' under-13 team recently folded after losing players to clubs with better facilities, while the Rugby Club's under-15 team has merged with Shipston-on-Stour to form the Cotswold Lions following similar challenges.
Chipping Norton Regulated Pastures, administered by the Field Reeves, has confirmed that land at London Road could be made available for the project, with a memorandum of understanding signed with Chipping Norton Skatepark Trust.
A potential land swap with Oxfordshire County Council would allow the hub to be developed alongside the Cricket Club, providing room for expansion. Relocating the Swifts to the hub would also free up space at Greystones for the Rugby Club to expand.
Nick Jones, CEO of Chipping Norton Skatepark Trust, said: "The opportunity here is much bigger than one individual sports facility. Our clubs are already seeing the consequences of inadequate facilities, with teams folding or merging as young players move elsewhere.
"As Chipping Norton grows, we need to make sure investment in new homes also delivers the facilities our communities need. The clubs have come together behind this vision and the land is available. What we need now is a clear commitment through the Local Plan, with a route to funding and delivery."
In a joint statement, councillors Mark Walker, Geoff Saul and Sandra Coleman said: "As councillors we recognise the need for improved and increased sports facilities in Chipping Norton.
"As the town is set to grow further it's really important that we provide opportunities across the community to participate in sports. The sports hub can be a key part of that and we strongly support its inclusion in the local plan.
"As councillors we will work closely with the sports hub and other stakeholders to bring this vision forward and make Chipping Norton an even better place to live in."
The clubs are calling for the hub to be more clearly secured through Policy CN3 of the emerging Local Plan, supported by comprehensive masterplanning of the wider area and contributions from housing developers.
They are urging West Oxfordshire District Council to ensure housing growth and community infrastructure are planned together, with Section 106 contributions directed towards delivering the hub and securing lasting benefits for Chipping Norton.
Consultations on the Draft West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 ended on October 9. The most recent was the final stage of public consultation before the Plan is submitted for independent examination.