The Bishop’s Stortford Town Council has expressed opposition to the proposal from Bishop’s Stortford Football Club to install a 3G artificial pitch at their Woodside Park stadium. This plan also includes additional upgrades, such as new dugouts and improved lighting.
Community Response and Benefits
Bishop’s Stortford Football Club, a semi-professional team in the Southern League’s Premier Central division, seeks to enhance its facilities. The Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club, notable for having one of the largest youth setups in the country, supports this upgrade. The community club manages 85 teams across six locations in the area, which highlights the local demand for playing surfaces.
Environmental Concerns
The Town Council has raised significant objections to the artificial pitch, citing environmental concerns. Council members pointed out that:
- Artificial surfaces contribute to microplastic pollution.
- Natural grass supports biodiversity and absorbs carbon dioxide.
- Production and transportation of artificial turf generate a notable carbon footprint.
- High temperatures of artificial grass in summer can make it unsuitable for play.
Current Status of the Proposal
The application for the artificial pitch is among eight proposals submitted to East Herts Council. All were validated in the first half of October. Here are some details on notable applications:
| Address | Application Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 33 Corn Road | Single-storey rear extension | Awaiting decision |
| 131 Waytemore Road | Ground-floor rear extension | Awaiting decision |
| 3-5 North Street | Approval of reserved conditions | Awaiting decision |
| Bishop’s Stortford Football Club | Installation of 3G artificial pitch | Awaiting decision |
The debate over the new artificial pitch continues to highlight the tension between community needs and environmental responsibilities in Bishop’s Stortford.
