19/07/2023
Please see below. I've not had chance to excessively look over, however what strikes is the push for Stockport sports as opposed our local sports. There were some very good conversations, the meeting was long overdue.
Trafford College – Sports Pitch Meeting 18th July 2023, The Sports Barn, Trafford College
Authorship #
The key people present were the College Principle, College Group CEO, Planning Officer from Trafford.
Co-hosted by Cllr Duncan. (4 other Cllrs in audience of ~ 60 local residents).
The meeting was called because of the number of residents contacting Cllr Duncan / Cllr Chakaborty with concerns about the future of the outside sports facility at the College and a possible housing development.
The College Principle opened the meeting with an overview of the situation:
Some 5 years ago the College put in an outline planning permission for 40 houses, but later withdrew it when a similar scheme nearby was rejected by Trafford Council – with the rider that if re-submitted would be unlikely to succeed. No further applications have since been made. Currently there are no plans to make further submissions.
The merging with Stockport College and taking on a £30M debt was incorrect because of changes in the structure of college financing was changed and Central Government covered the debt.
Any sale of an asset would result in any gain being re-invested in the specific college itself – ie, if realised by Trafford it would have to be used to upgrade Trafford, not support Stockport (or other) college.
There are now 4 colleges in ‘Trafford’s’ Group. Trafford College, Stockport College and Cheadle and are running in profit however will always need further funding.
The Sports Pitch and associated car park have been ‘mothballed’ as not meeting standards, too costly to upgrade.
This led to a debate as to possible funding sources / grants etc, the problem being the need for ‘match funding’ which isn’t available?
It was also mentioned that Trafford Council had imposed various constraints about times when the pitch / car park could be used which further limited usage.
The lack of facilities across Trafford for sports clubs to play was also raised, but the condition of the pitch and Trafford’s constraints were referred to.
Stamford Brook Residents raised the issue of potential flooding if any building occurred – and that Stamford Brook’s residents all contributed to the SUDS scheme, so anything new would require a SUDS – and need funding.
The ‘wildlife corridor’, pollution, extra traffic etc were also mentioned.
Whilst the original proposal included ‘affordable housing’, with this particular area it is unlikely that this would be viable.
One resident of Broadheath and a football coach mentioned the current facilities at the college are in better condition than other local alternatives.
One resident confirmed there’s now better low level floodlight available.
One resident mentioned could the college please look for grants, work with Sport England and rent out for long term investment. This wasn’t within the college business plan.
The college maintained there is low level use for sports at Trafford and maintain Stockport College has the facilities.
One resident mentioned we should look at our own college and upgrade for local students as opposed to keep focusing on Stockport.
Cllr Duncan also said that about 800 local residents had signed a petition he raised to block any housing development – which showed the strength of feeling.
Cllr Duncan also said this land should remain, be upgraded and be used for long term excellence and investment and not short term financial gain that would be split across the group and not just Trafford College.
The meeting concluded with the statement that there are no current plans to submit a new planning application however were non committal in 3 months, 6 months etc.
