Plans to build a new football clubhouse and car park on the Recreation Ground in Peasedown St John have received the backing of the village’s Bath and North East Somerset Councillors.
Cllrs Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent) have written to the planning department outlining why additional parking is needed for the community, and how the plans are welcomed following a four-year campaign for additional amenities.
Karen said: “We started campaigning for additional parking facilities in Peasedown in 2013.
“Former B&NES Councillor Nathan Hartley held a public meeting to ask for residents’ views and solutions on what could be done to alleviate the number of cars parked inconsiderately on pavements and in housing estates near to the primary school at the start and end of the day.
“Following consultation with the school, police, council, youth service and Curo, Nathan and I then conducted a village-wide survey which showed that almost 500 households backed the creation of a new village car park.”
The recent proposals have been submitted by Peasedown St John Parish Council, with a decision expected by B&NES during the middle of July.
Cllr Sarah Bevan, who attended the public meeting in 2013, believes an additional car park on the Recreation Ground will alleviate the huge parking and traffic problems currently experienced during the week in Bath Road, Greenlands Road, Sunnyside View, Church Road and Hillcrest.
Sarah added: “Karen and I have supported the application, with a number of considerations. These are that the car park is open to the public from 8am – 6pm during the week, including all sporting fixture days and during any other community events held on the field.
We’d like to see the hard-standing for the 30-space car park designed and in keeping with the surrounding landscape. Or alternatively, ‘grasscrete’ to be actively considered.
The Recreation Ground is located adjacent to Peasedown St John Primary School which sees large numbers of children being dropped off and collected at the start and end of the school day.
Councillors believe a new car park will provide a safe place for parents to park near to the school.
