A BARRY resident fears a community asset will be lost if a local rugby club get planning permission to build a three metre high fence around its pitches.

Barry RFC have put together a planning application which includes building a new fence around their pitches, located on Merthyr Dyfan Road, next to Pencoedtre High School.

David Thomas, 59, who lives right next to the club, fears that if the club get their way, hundreds of families who use the pitches will not be able to enjoy the open space freely anymore.

In a heartfelt plea, Mr Thomas said: “People bring their kids to those pitches, others fly kites here. It does not cost them anything. They can spend hours there with their kids running around. We could lose this important community facility.”

The plans involve 60,000 square metres of land, with the application for:

  • two storey and single storey extensions including material alterations to the club house, pitch enclosure and associated vehicular and pedestrian gates, with three-metre-high fencing, redirection of public footpath and associated woodland spaces to the outer perimeter of the site.
  • a new car parking facility located to the rear of the clubhouse.
  • floodlights to the first team pitch and associated training facility.

The club have insisted the plans will not prevent access to the pitches.

Many have mentioned the plans could help prevent dogwalkers leaving dog mess on the fields.

Barry And District News:

Barry Rugby Club have plans to build a fence round their pitches

Barry And District News:

The club also intend to make alterations to the club house

For Mr Thomas it matters, with all his boys having played for the club. He says 99 per cent of the time he is a keen supporter of Barry rugby.

“I have pretty good relations with the club,” said Mr Thomas, “so I do not disagree with what they want to do a lot of the time.”

In a statement, the club said they want to provide facilities that support the community.

“There is no application currently in planning which prevents access to the playing fields. This has been misinterpreted or misread,” said Barry RFC.

“We are however in detailed discussion with the Vale of Glamorgan Council regarding plans to safeguard the future and wellbeing of our young players.

“The proposal is being developed alongside the club’s aspirations to be a community-based sports and social facility at the heart of the community.

“The sustainable goal is to enhance the playing fields, safeguard the players and allow dog walkers and recreational users of the fields to exist together in a harmonious environment.”