NAILSEA UNITED FC – PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE GROVE SPORTS CENTRE

To the Players and Members of Nailsea United FC

I thought it best to update you all on the latest progress regarding our plan to develop the surround of the first team pitch area. As you are all probably aware by now, there are two parts of the plan;

1. To install portacabin dressing rooms adjacent to the pitch.

2. To erect a 6 ft high fence around the two open sides of the pitch to enclose the ground.

Both facilities are required to comply with Screwfix League entry minimum standards.

For the dressing rooms, a formal planning application has been submitted by the Club to the North Somerset District Council and we now await the NSDC Planning Committee decision. We have not been formally advised of when this decision might be expected, but I would estimate perhaps another 4 – 6 weeks minimum.

Regarding the fence, we have been advised by NSDC that planning permission is not required, but under the terms of our lease with the Town Council, we are required to gain their consent before beginning any work. I wrote to the Town Council on 12 th June and in response was invited to attend their Leisure Services Committee Meeting on Wednesday, 21 st July, which I did. I was pleased to have the opportunity to put the Club's case, which I did as strongly as I could, providing in detail our reasons for wanting the fence and stressing how critical the development is to the future of our Club. I was advised that the proposal would then be discussed by the Leisure Services Committee later that evening and that a decision would follow.

Sadly, the decision was not taken that evening and the Town Council have now decided to take the following steps;

1. To arrange a site meeting with ourselves, themselves and the Nailsea Playing Fields Association to understand the development further.

2. To issue a press release, advising the public of our intentions.

3. To write to all local residents who can view the pitch area from their homes, advising them of our intentions.

Dates for these activities have yet to be advised. Therefore, we will all need to be patient over the next few weeks, although we, as a Club Committee, are extremely anxious to move forward.

I will of course keep you all informed via this notice board and the Club website (www.nailseaunited.co.uk) which will be launching in early August.

Spencer Lee

Club Chairman, Nailsea United FC