Thank you to everyone who joined the MPWRA Zoom meeting on 3rd November and contributed to the discussion concerning the proposed prefabricated two-lane cricket training facility.
It was clear from the number and range of comments that there are significant concerns and objections among residents to the proposal.
These included concerns about the potential impact on the local environment, noise, visual appearance, siting, overlooking, amenity, safety, and the wider implications for the residential area. There were also other concerns (eg compliance with charity governance; commercial lease arrangements etc) which fall outside planning consideration.
At the meeting the applicants and their advisers alluded to modifications that could be implemented that might address some of the concerns. Subsequent to the meeting, Councillor Mercer was in communication with "Planning" at Merton and it would appear that the applicants now have a number of options:
A) choose to submit additional information to seek to overcome the concerns;
B) withdraw the application and then re-submit a new one addressing the key issues;
C) press ahead as submitted and receive an approval or refusal.
If amendments are submitted, then we are assured that neighbours would be re-notified and given opportunity to comment.
This is therefore an interim update only. No conclusions should be drawn at this stage, and we will provide a further update once the direction of travel is known and there is greater clarity on the proposed next steps.
Thank you again for your participation and constructive contributions. The planning reference number is in the heading above, so please use this for perusal of the proposals, and to lodge individual observations/objections.
David Merriman
Chair
Merton Park Ward Residents' Association
A recording of the Zoom Meeting can now be watched below: