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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans for a new sports centre in a deprived area of Norwich have been approved, despite warnings that microplastics from an artificial pitch will contaminate the area.
The proposal, which forms part of a £7.6m redevelopment of Sloughbottom Park in Mile Cross, will see a new sports pavilion and 3G all-weather pitch built at the site.
However concerns had been raised by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust that pellets from the playing surface material could spread into the surrounding environment and contaminate the River Wensum and Sweet Briar Marshes.
The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs has previously called 3G pitches the biggest cause of "intentionally added microplastic pollution" in the environment.
An objector at Thursday’s meeting told the planning committee that agreeing to the risk felt like a “slap in the face".
“I think to risk contaminating these important spaces, it feels like a slap in the face from the council which is supposed to be making Norwich a city for nature at the moment”, she said.
Opponents also questioned how any contamination would be monitored once the pitch was operational, with a petition against the scheme attracting more than 500 signatures.
However councillors ultimately decided to approve the application, arguing it would provide a modern, year-round facility in one of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
As part of the wider multi-million pound development, the existing pavilion will be refurbished into a community space, while the park's car park, BMX track and play area will also be upgraded.
A new play park and cricket facilities are also planned.
An agent speaking on behalf of the application said: “Our ambition is to improve health, well-being and life chances for residents from Mile Cross.
“Today's application offers the opportunity to provide high quality facilities to a community experiencing some of the greatest deprivation and inequality in our region.”
Once operational, the pitch will be open until 10.15pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 8.15pm on Sundays.
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