Save Ewell Playing Fields

I wish to object to this Application because -

1. All of the site is required for extensive daily School and Local Community sports usage.
2. There is no credible reason given in the Application for choosing this site as opposed to the 20 sites specifically designated by Council for building.
3. The ‘building mass’ – three stories, will be overwhelming for the environment.
4. It proposes the wasteful destruction of perfectly serviceable existing Sports Pavilion/changing facilities, garage, and separate Social Club building.
5. The Playing Fields are registered as a Strategic Open Space and a 'Community Asset', and should be protected within a Conservation Area.
[Quote from Ewell Village Conservation Area Review 2009 by Councillor Michael Arthur - Chairman Planning Policy Sub-Committee and Mark Berry - Head of Planning:
“The existing open green spaces, mostly in private ownership, such as the playing fields, will be protected from future development by the strict imposition of existing policies.” ]
6. Part of the sports field is a designated flood plain and an area of natural springs.
7. The Old Schools Lane access to the sports fields with a narrow blind bend and single narrow pavement is unsuitable for any increase in vehicle traffic.
8. The quantity and quality of sporting provision will be reduced, not enhanced.
The proposal reduces playing area by 30-40%. There is a shortage of football pitches in the area. Five grass pitches (soccer & rugby) would be reduced to one smaller pitch.
The proposed Hockey pitch would cater for a minority sport (only 5% of player numbers compared to football). The cricket area is also much reduced in size.
9. The proposal conflicts with Council's Core Planning Strategy CS4 and fails the requirements of NPPF paragraph 74.

I urge the Planning Committee to reject this Application.