Housing Plan Threatens Local Youth Football Pitches

A proposed housing development in Sherburn in Elmet faces strong opposition from a local football club and environmental bodies. Sherburn White Rose FC has voiced grave concerns that the plan to build 300 homes off Tadcaster Road will result in the loss of two vital junior football pitches, which are integral to the club's operations and community engagement.

The club, which has utilized the land for a quarter-century, argues that losing these pitches will severely impact its current size and future growth, which is already strained by local population increases. Sport England and Sherburn in Elmet parish council have also raised objections, citing the potential for lasting harm to community sport and the failure of the proposal to meet planning policy exceptions.

While the developer, Barratt David Wilson Yorkshire East, asserts the scheme will provide high-quality housing and enhance local amenities with new open spaces, the club is advocating for the preservation of the pitches. They propose the developer could contribute by constructing on-site toilets or a cafe to mitigate the negative impacts.