We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the proposed new athletics facility in a recent survey held in May 2026.

From your feedback we identified five key themes:

1. Strong support for upgraded athletics and community sport

There is support for improving or replacing the current facility. Many respondents want the project delivered quickly. People see this as:

• a necessary upgrade to an ageing, “not fit for purpose” track
• a major benefit for young people, and local clubs
• a positive investment in health, fitness, and community wellbeing

2. Traffic, parking and access concerns

The impact on traffic, parking and access was the most consistent concerns across the responses we received. Key themes were:

• a perception that parking provision is too low
• that existing congestion issues will worsen
• concerns about road capacity and safe access
• questions about drop-off and peak times

3. Lack of detail and questions about design/functionality

Several respondents raised that they felt there was insufficient information. Key themes were:

• limited detail on track specifications, layout, and capacity
• concerns about spectator space and usability for events
• requests for clearer plans rather than high-level visuals

4. Community access and affordability

Many respondents want reassurance that the facility will be genuinely accessible. The responses highlighted:

• a desire for public access beyond clubs
• concerns about cost and exclusivity
• frustration with limited access at the current track

5. Location and impact on residents

Several respondents shared concerns around the location and impact on residents. Key concerns and suggestions included:

• concerns about noise, lighting, and intensity of use
• questions about suitability in a residential area
• objections to overdevelopment or preference for alternative locations
• a strong interest in expanding the offer (cycling track, gym, multi-sport, sustainability features)

Overall, there is strong support for the proposed athletics facility.

Many respondents see this as a much-needed upgrade to the current track and a valuable investment for the community. There is clear enthusiasm for creating a modern, accessible facility that can support a wide range of users.

The most common issue is traffic and parking. Many people feel the current proposals do not provide enough parking and they are concerned about congestion, particularly given existing pressures around local schools and residential roads.

Some residents expressed that they felt there was a lack of detail in the proposals. Respondents want clearer information about the design and functionality of the facility, including track specifications, layout, and spectator space.

There are also concerns about the location and impact on nearby residents. These include noise, lighting, and the intensity of use. Some residents commented they feel the current plans are too high-level to properly assess.

Access and affordability is also important. Many people want reassurance that the facility will be available to the wider community, not just sports clubs, with flexible and affordable options for casual use.

Respondents made several constructive suggestions, including adding multi-sport spaces, incorporating sustainable features such as solar panels, and improving walking and cycling access.

We will use this feedback to shape the next stage of the project.

We will:

• review transport and parking provision, including traffic management, safe access, and options to reduce impact on surrounding roads
• provide more detailed plans showing the track design, layout, and supporting facilities to give greater clarity on how the site will function
• develop Community Use Agreements, including how and when the facility can be used by the public and how that access will be managed
• incorporate design and operational measures to minimise impact on nearby residents, including lighting, noise, and site management

We will share further updates as the design develops and more detailed information becomes available.

You Said/We Will

Traffic, parking and access

You said: Parking is insufficient and local roads are already under pressure, particularly near schools.

We will: We will make sure that parking is carefully considered and is proportionate to the scale and expected use of the facility.  

We will ensure the scheme is accessible and designed to make the best use of active travel considerations. For example, encouraging walking and cycling provision,

Design and level of detail

You said: There is not enough detail to understand how the facility will work in practice.

We will: Plans for the athletic track and facilities are now available on the planning portal.

Facilities, community access and overall offer

You said: The proposal should include a wider range of facilities.

We will: We have worked with specialist consultants and designers to make the best use of the site and have incorporated an appropriate range of facilities within the proposed design. As a result, the proposal provides a balanced and flexible range of facilities appropriate to its role as a local athletics and community hub.

Alongside the track and field provision, the scheme includes a multi-purpose sports hall, community-use spaces, a function room, and accessible amenities designed to support a variety of community activities when not in use by athletics clubs and allowing for wider community use throughout the day and evening.

To ensure the facility is well cared for, affordable and sustainable we are seeking providers who will provide operational and facility management services that will aim to increase the breadth of community use and access.

Impact on residents

You said: There are concerns about noise, lighting, and frequent use affecting nearby homes.

We will: We have used relevant impact assessments to guide the site layout and ensure noise and lighting are properly considered and minimise the potential impact on nearby residents.

Lighting around the track, pavilion and car park will be provided for safety and security, whilst also ensuring minimal effects on nearby homes, particularly to the north of the facility. Clear operating hours and site management procedures will be agreed.