Decision due on football club’s plans for Bexhill Recreation Ground

On Thursday (July 16), Rother District Council’s planning committee is set to consider proposals for a number of improvements for Little Common Football Club’s grounds in Bexhill Recreation Ground. 

When taken together, the improvements would mean the grounds would meet FA standards, allowing the club to play league games at home in Bexhill for the first time in three seasons.

In a report recommending the scheme be approved, a Rother planning officer said: “These works are required by the Football Association for Little Common Football Club first team to play matches here. 

“There are no other available FA-grade facilities in Bexhill and the club has played at Eastbourne United AFC’s ground for the past three seasons.

“Improvements to sports facilities are supported by adopted [planning policy] and the deficiency of such facilities in Bexhill is highlighted in the adopted [local plan] as well as the Rother and Hastings Playing Pitch Strategy.

“In conclusion, the proposals are supported by adopted planning policy and will enable the local football club to play competitively on their home ground. 

“The material planning objections are not considered to outweigh the benefit of the proposal in this instance and the application should be granted.”

While backed by many in the community (as council planners have received 175 letters of support), neighbours have raised a number of concerns about the potential impact of the proposals on their amenity. 

Neighbours say they are particularly concerned about increased noise and an influx in car parking demand on match days. 

Concerns have also been raised about the loss of public space from Bexhill Recreation Ground as a result of the scheme, as well the loss of a footpath. 

Planners, however, say these concerns do not outweigh the benefits of the scheme, arguing that the existing use already creates a parking demand.

Noise, meanwhile, would be a matter for the applicant to manage and not be a ‘consequence’ of the proposals. 

The proposals would see fencing – just shy of two metres tall – erected around the pitch, as well as new roofed stands added at the sides of the pitch

The erection of the fencing requires an existing footpath to be diverted outside of the grounds. 

While Bexhill Recreation Ground is council-owned land, Little Common FC is in the process of agreeing a eight-year lease agreement with Rother District Council. 

Rother District Council anticipates it will see a loss of income as a result of the lease – approximately £3,000 each year in pitch fees. However, it also expects to make a saving of around £2,500 per annum as a result of no longer having to maintain the football pitch.

The club will also be charged £500 per year as part of the eight-year lease agreement.

For the last three seasons The Commoners have played home games at The Oval in Eastbourne as it is the only local venue with the capacity to host the team.

However this arrangement is no longer viable and was not due to continue after the 2019/20 season.

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