Southend Manor Football Club have put forward plans to erect a 2m high boarded fence around the perimeter of their football pitch. They have also put forward plans to erect a new additional spectator stand on the Lifstan Way side of the pitch. The 2m fence will block views from existing properties into the park and will be definitely be unsightly. Overall the whole appearance of this area of the park will change dramatically. The proposer is changing the purpose of the park which is a recreational area for all to enjoy to a bespoke sports venue and in doing so is isolating the general public and local community with no regard to the neighbouring houses who enjoy the views and freedom of the park. 

The purpose of this 2m high fence is to meet an arbitrary requirement of the FA for clubs intending to try and progress through leagues and suggests that it is for public safety (regarding balls kicked into public areas) however if this were not happening in a much loved and used public park and were in a more suitable area this would not be necessary. I just know it is not necessary and will serve no purpose other than to alienate the public and destroy the overall beauty of the park.

Now to the additional stand.. this won’t impact on the viewing aspect of neighbouring houses as there are none in the direct eye line of sight but it does imply the expectation of increased crowds and larger crowds (where football is concerned) generally leads to greater incidence of anti social behaviour. If the club intends to increase its match potential then there will be parking problems too the club included in it’s initial submission that one of the benefits to the council would be increased parking revenue (I suspect via the disputed new pay car park on Southchurch Park East Wildlife Reserve) this is wholly unacceptable as is the likely incursion of on street parking which will eventually result in changes to the parking structure for resident parking.

The exploitation of public parks for what is clearly a privately owned limited company is neither a benefit to other park users and nor would it add anything to the park or the experience of regular (often daily) park users or most of the local residents.. I’m asking for signatures please to oppose these changes... Your support is so welcomed.  Thank You