13/05/2026
Public Consultation - Moor Park
As part of the public consultation regarding our CAT application for Moor Park, we submitted the following statement to SLC and hope these measures will show our commitment to see this project through. A decision is not expected until September 2026.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Following the recent public consultation regarding Milton Rovers YFC’s proposed Community Asset Transfer of Moor Park, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate in the consultation process.
The feedback provided is extremely valuable and will assist both the club and South Lanarkshire Council in identifying potential issues relating to our application and the possible future use of Moor Park.
Having carefully reviewed all feedback, we recognise the concerns expressed by members of the local community. The key areas highlighted relate to the proposed 4G synthetic pitch, increased car parking demand, the limitations of a single access road and the perceived loss of green space.
We take these concerns seriously and are committed to working collaboratively with South Lanarkshire Council and local residents to address them wherever possible.
Firstly, we would like to clarify that our current application relates only to the football pitches. All other green space within Moor Park would remain fully accessible for community use, ensuring that the wider park continues to serve local residents as an open and inclusive environment. The grass pitches would still be accessible when not being utilised by the club, should our application be successful.
It is also important to recognise that this area has long been established as football pitches, with numerous games and events historically taking place at the same time. Many of the surrounding residential properties were built and purchased well after the pitches were already in regular and consistent use as a sporting facility.
We also understand that South Lanarkshire Council would engage with Fields in Trust to ensure that the land use remains consistent with existing agreements. We recognise that the title of use does not fall under Milton Rovers YFC’s authority as the proposed leaseholder, however we will fully respect all conditions set out within these arrangements.
In addition, it has been suggested that there are a number of existing football pitches that we could use which are operated by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to accommodate our requirements. To date the grass pitches at Crawforddyke, Stonedyke and the Moor pitches are currently unavailable to book meaning only the John Cu***ng Stadium and the Carluke High School Astro pitches are available for use. While we welcome further clarification from the Leisure Trust on this matter, our experience highlights significant limitations.
We currently have 8 teams playing 11 a side and we have to complete with a high number of teams across the area for access to suitable training facilities for 11 a side. These are currently restricted to a third of a pitch and teams are unable to carry out game related practices due to the restricted size of pitch. Weekend match slots are also very constrained, resulting in many teams being required to book facilities in Lanark, Law, Newmains and Wishaw to fulfil fixtures and training needs.
This places a substantial and ongoing financial burden on the club and its members, while also creating logistical challenges for players and families. As such, we believe the development and local management of Moor Park is essential to meeting current and future demand within the community.
In relation to traffic and access concerns, we acknowledge that the shared access road and parking capacity are key considerations. We would work closely with South Lanarkshire Council to develop appropriate traffic management plans, including designated parking bays and traffic surveys.
We are sympathetic to the potential for increased traffic within surrounding streets and recognise this as an ongoing issue. As such, we are committed to engaging directly with local residents, gathering feedback, and taking reasonable steps to help mitigate and resolve any identified concerns.
As part of our commitment to a responsible and phased approach, the club would be content to amend our current application to reflect a more restricted initial use of the site, pending any future planning permission and funding for a 4G synthetic pitch. As detailed below:
Phase 1 of our proposal would involve use of the changing pavilion and rear grass pitch only. This would be limited to some evenings and weekend use to allow the pitch to recover and be properly maintained. It is estimated that approximately 30 vehicles would be present during matches. Sufficient time between matches would be incorporated to allow for safe vehicle movement and parking turnover.
We feel this approach would be more sympathetic to current users whilst providing sufficient time to address some of the key concerns raised from the consultation.
Phase 2 would remain as outlined in our original proposal. All works would be undertaken to the highest standards and in line with strict guidelines, including the installation of modern anti-glare floodlighting with directional beam angles to ensure light is focused only where required. However, should planning permission for a 4G pitch not be granted, the club is fully committed to continue maintaining and improving the existing grass pitches. We would also seek to raise funds to contribute towards widening the access road and increasing parking provision, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and other users if required.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who provided positive feedback, which clearly demonstrates a shared desire within the community to improve and protect the facilities, while promoting health and wellbeing for all.
Milton Rovers YFC remains committed to protecting and maintaining this currently underutilised asset for the benefit of the entire community.
Yours faithfully,
Milton Rovers Youth Football Club
