The above was published today (28 jan)
This one below published 21jan. Wakefield Council can’t help themselves, just a load of.
Dear Michael,
Health Improvement
Consultation Response
18th January 2021
Belle Vue Stadium, Doncaster Road, Wakefield
East: 434593 North: 419462 20/02587/FUL
PROPOSAL:
Redevelopment of existing stadium comprising: Phase 1: demolition of existing east stand and replacement with 2-storey stand with 2,507 seated capacity and associated facilities, surfacing of car park, provision of fan zone, resurfacing of the pitch, upgrade to the existing floodlights, permanent electronic display screen and re-surfacing of existing north stand; Phase 2: provision of a gym within the refurbished “Rollin Shack”
We have reviewed the above application (20/02587/FUL), with a particular focus on the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and would like make the following comments, observations and recommendations on behalf of the Wakefield Council Sport & Health Improvement Service and Public Health Department.
The council requires HIAs to be carried out and submitted for specific development schemes to ensure an appropriate and proportionate assessment is made of:
the potential impacts on human health and wellbeing those schemes could have;
the measures that could be put in place in order to minimise any negative impacts and maximise any positive impacts of those schemes.
We consider the submitted HIA (Appendix 6.1 of the Environmental Statement) demonstrates an appropriate and proportionate assessment of the potential impacts of this development has been made. We also consider that, for the majority of the HIA themes, the measures that could be put in place to minimise any negative and maximise any positive impacts of the development have been identified and assessed. There are a however themes where we consider some of the measures proposed in the HIA should go further. In light of this we would like to make the following recommendations.
Transport, Physical Activity, Air Quality and Noise.
Recommendation
We recommend Transport Plans covering the construction and operational phases of the proposed scheme be developed and adopted prior to the start of work on the site. These plan should outline how people, including staff and visitors to the site, will be encouraged to travel to the development using sustainable modes of travel including cycling, walking and public transport, rather than travelling by private car.
Rationale
The development is forecast to increase vehicle trips and associated parking on match days by 498. We acknowledge the submitted Transport Statement concludes car journeys generated from the proposed development “will not have an adverse impact on the local highway network.” However we consider than any increase in car journeys, even a small increase, has potential for negative health impacts and so should have robust mitigation measure in place.
We acknowledge and welcome the HIAs various recommendations intended to reduce car journeys and support people to travel to the site by more sustainable means, but feel these could and should go much further.
The Wakefield Local Development Framework Core Strategy Policy CS11 (Leisure,
Recreation and Open Space) states: “The provision of leisure and recreation facilities and open space will be of a scale appropriate to the type and size of settlement. Wherever possible those that attract large numbers of people will be located in the larger urban areas and be accessible by walking, cycling and public transport.”
NICE public health guidance 41 (p.9) states “Increasing how much someone walks or cycles may increase their overall level of physical activity, leading to associated health benefits.”
Recommendation
We recommend significant additional cycle parking capacity than that already present at the site is created as part of the development. With the option to explore a reduction of this provision if reviews during the 5-year monitoring period identify a significant surplus of capacity.
Rationale
We acknowledge the HIA states that this new development will retain existing cycling provision “so that those who wish to travel to the stadium by these modes are not discouraged by the lack of facilities to accommodate them.” The number of cycle spaces being reviewed during a 5-year monitoring period with further provision of spaces to be investigated should demand arise. However we find this approach somewhat disappointing and consider the scheme should instead seek to proactively encourage people to travel to the site by sustainable modes of transport such as cycling rather than simply aiming not to discourage those who already cycle.
Construction Impacts
Recommendation
We recommend a robust Construction Management plan is developed and adopted prior to the start of work on site in order to mitigate any negative construction impacts.
Rationale
The HIA acknowledges potential for a number of negative health impacts resulting from the construction phase of the development if effective mitigation measures are not put in place
Physical Activity / Sport
Recommendation
Wakefield’s current Playing Pitch Strategy highlights demand for more artificial pitches in the Wakefield Central area, therefore, we would support the proposed new artificial playing surface.
Rational
The Wakefield Local Development Framework Core Strategy Policy CS11 (Leisure, Recreation and Open Space) states that good quality, well maintained leisure, recreation and open space facilities will be secured to address identified deficiencies and meet the needs of local communities, particularly deprived groups. Key measures will be:
Increased and improved facilities for health and fitness in central Wakefield
Provision to address the needs of older people through increased indoor
facilities
New stadia development particularly in Wakefield and Castleford
Section 3.3.30 of the Application Site and Proposed Development statement indicates that the playing area will be upgraded and a new 4G artificial pitch will be installed
Recommendation
We recommend the applicant adheres to the relevant pitch manufacturer’s usage recommendations. They should also refer to Sport England design guidance for sports pitches in addition to the Rugby Football League Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic Turf Pitches.
Rationale
This will ensure that the correct surface and maintenance regime is delivered to accommodate the proposed level of use.
Conclusions
If the above recommendations are implemented together with those outlined in the HIA we consider the proposed development has the potential to have an overall positive impact on health and wellbeing, both locally and for the wider district.
Regards
Jack Birkby
Specialist Health Improvement Officer (Sports Development) Sport & Health Improvement
Wakefield Council
John Wilcox
Health Improvement Team Leader Sport & Health Improvement Wakefield Council
And we used to think Box was a bad guy.
