Wokingham

Wokingham District Council’s decision-making executive is set to discuss the development of football facilities at Cantley Park in Wokingham. At its meeting this Thursday (November 30) the ten-strong executive will consider the arguments for and against the proposals to upgrade the football pitches, improvements to changing rooms, development of a social club and premier pitch and stand at the park located on Twyford Road.

In 2005, the council was approached by Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club to assist it in finding a suitable home ground for its senior team. The club has achieved Football Association accreditation, meaning that the club can apply for funding to help its development in partnership with the council. In order to take forward this potential partnership, the council and Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club began discussions with the Football Foundation about the possibility of grant funding on these initial proposals.

In recent months, there has been speculation about the proposed improvements for Cantley Park. At the meeting on November 30, members of the executive will consider the full range of views, expressed by all interested parties. There has been significant opposition to the proposals for a football stand from residents of Glebe Park and surrounding area and two petitions comprising over 1,200 signatures. However, the Wokingham council has also received a petition of some 820 residents in support of these proposals. These petitions will be considered by the executive before they make a decision on whether or not to proceed with these proposals.

If the proposals are approved by the executive, a stadium would not be built, but a stand, accommodating 150 spectators seating and a further 100 standing, would be erected to enable Wokingham and Emmbrook FC to play up to combined counties standard. Fencing and floodlighting would also be constructed around the premier pitch to comply with league standards. These floodlights would be much less obtrusive and located lower than current ones.

Planning permission would be required for the stand to be erected and full public consultation would take place as part of the planning process. Approximately 40 permanent car parking spaces could be provided with overflow parking on the events field if necessary. The council could also explore the possibility of a bus service from Wokingham station.

Also under these proposals, the council would maintain the same number of pitches whilst improving their quality through better drainage and the Ashridge Room would be converted to provide a social club facility for all sporting groups using Cantley Park. The Football Foundation requires a ten-year lease to be granted to the football club as part of these proposals. Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club will also offer opportunities for the local community to become involved in football through coaching and taster sessions.

Paul Turrell, Wokingham District Council’s deputy chief executive, said: “Back in June, the council approved the new leisure, sport and recreation strategy which it seeks to develop existing sporting hubs as centres of excellence. If the executive agrees these proposals, it will see significant improvements to the football facilities at Cantley Park. However, the executive will need to weigh this up against local concern.”

Cllr Dianne King, executive member for Wokingham community development, said: “The district council is committed to ensuring that Cantley Park is enjoyed by all local residents and sporting clubs. The executive will consider all the views expressed on the proposals to develop football facilities on the site.

“The pitches at Cantley Park need to be upgraded and this has been fed back to us by current clubs who use the site. This is an opportunity to improve facilities for current users and provide a more suitable home for Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club. The executive will consider all these factors, as well as the views of local residents, at its meeting this week.”

Wokingham District Council