Nairn Academy ‘ditch the pitch’ proposal raises fears for community sports
Concerns have been raised over efforts to abandon plans for a second grass pitch at the new Nairn Academy, amidst concerns a “golden opportunity” for local sports could be missed.
In March, Highland Council requested it be allowed to remove one of the conditions from the planning application for the new £61 million school building, which was approved last June.
The condition stated that full details of a new grass pitch to be constructed on the grounds of the existing school “shall be submitted to and approved by” the planning authority, before the existing school is demolished.
In a letter the council’s agents, Reiach and Hall Architects, stated: “Sportscotland's School Playing Fields Planning and Design Guidance recommends that a secondary school with a roll of 800 should have one full-size SGP (synthetic grass pitch) and two full-size grass pitches.”
Nairn Academy currently has a pupil roll of 679 according to information published on the council’s website.
The letter continued: “Our current proposals provide: one full-size SGP (existing and resurfaced as part of the project), one full-size grass pitch (existing pitch regraded and resurfaced as part of the project), one 61m x 43m including run off SGP (new), one polymeric multi use games area (MUGA) 35mx18m (new) and one 100m grass running track (new).
“We are also fully compliant with the required internal provision (games hall, gymnasium, fitness suite, dance studio and four changing rooms).
“We understand that our proposal meets the Sportscotland Playing Fields Design guidance having discussed with Sportscotland during the design development prior to planning submission. For this reason, we would like to remove the condition for an additional grass pitch"
However, commenting on this request, Sportscotland itself argued it would require further justification for the removal of the condition after community feedback about the “high unmet demand for grass pitches to accommodate local sports clubs”.
Nairn West and Suburban Community Council has also responded, as a statutory consultee, stating that the town has “for a long time been very short of community sports pitches” and that the condition of most is “poor”.
The letter, from chairman Kevin Reid, stated: “All sports clubs using local pitches are adamant that there is an acute shortage of pitches in Nairn, against a burgeoning number of participants in outdoor team sports, which is a priority government policy.
In addition, the existing community pitches are for the main part overused and in poor condition, with limited or no changing facilities.
“It would appear that no attempt has been made by Highland Council to audit the number or condition of school/community facilities as tasked by Sportscotland.
“A new school with properly built/upgraded sports facilities represents a golden opportunity to redress the chronic lack of facilities in Nairn with a new emphasis on affordable shared use and community involvement, as promoted in government and Sportscotland guidelines.
“We, therefore, request that you to refuse this application, which would sell the youngsters of Nairn short, and provide inadequate outdoor sports facilities for our new school and community.”
Public comments submitted as part of a consultation also raise concerns about the proposed condition removal.
Scott Mackintosh, who coaches the local primary school age rugby team, wrote: “We have already been informed that we are unable to use the existing pitches at Nairn Academy due to limitations on available time.
“Consequently, our young players are currently forced to train at Viewfield. While we are grateful to have any space, Viewfield presents numerous hazards, including rabbit holes, dog fouling, sticks, and other debris, making it an unsuitable and potentially unsafe environment for children engaging in sport.
“The provision of a second, dedicated grass pitch at Nairn Academy, with access to essential amenities such as toilets and changing facilities, would be invaluable. It would provide a safe, appropriate and much-needed venue for our team and likely other youth sports groups in the community.”
However, three local residents also objected on the basis that the new pitches would be built in close proximity to their homes.
The new Nairn Academy is expected to open in August next year.
