A heated debate has emerged over a proposed tennis court development near Ely, with a focus on the potential impact on our furry friends, the bats. The future of the tennis club hangs in the balance, but at what cost to our winged neighbors?
The plan, submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council, envisioned four new tennis courts and a clubhouse on land adjacent to Soham Road in Stuntney. However, concerns about the potential harm to bats, a protected species, have led to the rejection of this proposal.
A planning inspector highlighted the lack of sufficient information to ensure the scheme wouldn't harm these nocturnal creatures. 10is Academy, the recipient of funding for this project, warned councillors of the tennis club's uncertain future without these new courts. The application was made on behalf of the academy by One Love Tennis Community Interest Company.
The academy currently rents courts at King's Ely, close to Stuntney, but limited access and an impending end to their usage there prompted the need for new facilities. Despite councillors' support for the academy, they reluctantly refused the application, citing concerns over bat conservation.
One Love Tennis appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which issued its decision, acknowledging the uncertainty of bat presence in the area but emphasizing the suitability of the location due to the nearby hedgerow and reservoir. The planning inspector's report stated, "I attribute significant weight to this harm and consider it to be decisive." They further added, "The benefits do not outweigh the collective harm that would arise from the development as a whole."
While the inspector acknowledged the lack of alternative sites, the location at Stuntney was deemed suitable for the development. This decision has sparked controversy, leaving us with a question: Should we prioritize sports facilities over the protection of our natural habitats? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
