A plan to deliver new community sports facilities has been scaled back after councillors dropped a controversial third site amid mounting local opposition.
Members of Torridge District Council voted to fund a £38,000 shortfall to deliver two new “playzones”, while abandoning proposals for a third in East-the-Water following concerns over the loss of public open space and pressure on parking.
The decision was made at a full council meeting on Monday, April 27, where members debated whether to proceed with two or three sites as project costs continued to rise.
The playzones — multi-use games areas designed to support football and other sports — are intended to improve access to outdoor activity, particularly for groups facing barriers to participation.
Sean Kearney, director of communities and place, said the council had originally approved funding for three sites but rising costs meant additional funding was required.
Sean said: “If we wanted to proceed with three sites, we are asking you to consider funding £98,000 more. If you proceed with two sites, it is up to £38,000.”
The three original locations were Stanhope Park in Holsworthy, former tennis courts in Great Torrington, and Pollyfield in East-the-Water, Bideford.
However, the Pollyfield proposal faced significant opposition from residents and the local community centre, with concerns raised about the loss of green space and increased strain on parking.
Councillor Huw Thomas said he had initially supported the project but had since received strong feedback against it.
Cllr Thomas said: “Recently, I have had no support from the local community for the project, but I have had lots of opposition to it because of the loss of public open space.
“That land is used by dog walkers, kids playing. It is regularly used.”
He added that alternative locations could be considered but were not part of the current funding arrangements.
Councillor David Brenton acknowledged the need for improved facilities in East-the-Water but urged the council not to abandon the area entirely.
Cllr Brenton said: “East-the-Water is the most deprived area you can think of.
“You just cannot drop that and walk away from it. The council has got to make a real effort to find somewhere.”
But Sean said there were no viable alternative sites within the required timeframe.
Sean said: “Analysis of other sites has been undertaken. There are none available, and we would not be able to do it within the timeframe of the funding.”
He added that withdrawing support for Pollyfield would mean the planning application for the site would be pulled immediately.
Councillors ultimately agreed to proceed with two sites — in Holsworthy and Great Torrington — with the reduced funding requirement.
A council report presented to members showed the overall project costs had risen significantly over the past 12 months, creating funding gaps across all sites.
It also highlighted that the Football Foundation was contributing around 75% of the total project costs, with the three sites originally expected to exceed £1 million in total.
Following the decision, Councillor Lyndon Piper, lead member for leisure, welcomed the outcome.
Cllr Piper said: “I am delighted that my fellow councillors decided to support the funding shortfall for these new playzones.
“These facilities will help facilitate training and outdoor activity for all age groups whatever the weather, whilst protecting grass pitches during times of heavy rain.
“This opportunity does not come along often and as a council I am excited that we have the chance to use this external funding.”
The planning application for the Pollyfield site will now be withdrawn, while proposals for the Holsworthy and Torrington playzones are due to be considered by the planning committee in June.
