On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, our planning application was heard by the Selby and Ainsty Area Planning Committee. We were grateful for the opportunity to present our case and highlight the overwhelming support we have received from the 94 members of the local community and key sporting bodies.
The development of our track and field training facility at land off Friars Meadow is vital to sustain and grow Vale of York Athletic Community. It will allow us to expand our activities, welcome more members of all ages and abilities, and further our mission to improve the physical and mental health of Selby residents.
Excitingly, the planning committee has decided to defer our application with a view to approval.
While not an immediate approval, this decision is a positive step forward as it allows council officers to work on conditions for approval, specifically addressing those concerns raised during the meeting.
Why was the decision deferred?
The main reason for the deferral was to allow officers to investigate and propose conditions that could mitigate concerns raised by committee members, primarily relating to:
- Concerns about floodlighting and the times of operation.
- Perceived highway issues, such as traffic flow and parking on Friars Meadow.
- Minimising impact on residential amenity for neighbouring properties.
This deferral demonstrates that the committee is taking our application seriously and is looking for a way to support this much-needed community facility.
Reasons to be Optimistic!
There are several compelling reasons to be optimistic about the eventual approval of our track:
- Strong Councillor Support: Several councillors voiced their strong support for the project, recognising the desperate need for an athletics track in Selby. They acknowledged the significant community benefits it would bring, including improved health and wellbeing for residents of all ages.
- No Statutory Objections: Importantly, our application received no objections from any statutory consultees, including the highways authority and ecology. This indicates that the technical aspects of our proposal have been deemed acceptable.
- Recognised Need by Sporting Bodies: Both Sport England and England Athletics have identified Selby as underserved for athletics and consider it a priority area for development. This endorsement from national sporting bodies adds significant weight to our application.
- Alignment with Council Priorities: Our proposal aligns perfectly with North Yorkshire Council’s strategic priorities for improving physical activity and public health. The Council’s own Strategic Leisure Review highlights the increasing need for high-quality community sports facilities.
- Our Commitment to Addressing Concerns: We are committed to being good neighbours and have already taken steps to address potential concerns. This includes our proposed online booking system with potential electronic gate control, a dedicated liaison officer for residents, and signing the “Going for Green” pledge promoting sustainable travel. We also clarified that the facility is for training purposes only and will not be used for competitions due to its size.
What Happens Next?
Council officers will now work with us to develop potential conditions that address the concerns raised by the planning committee. This may involve further discussions with us and potentially revisiting aspects of the proposal to ensure it is acceptable in terms of access times and floodlighting.
We will continue to work closely with the council throughout this process and will keep everyone updated on any progress.
Thank You for Your Continued Support!
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who is supporting our vision for a dedicated athletics facility in Selby. Your support, along with the positive step taken by the planning committee to defer rather than refuse our application, gives us renewed hope that we will soon be able to realise this important project.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for further updates. We are confident that by working together, we can bring this fantastic asset to our community!
Watch the Planning Committee Make its Decision
You can watch the full proceedings below of the Selby and Ainsty Planning Committee meeting of 12 March 2025 as it determines Vale of York Athletic Community’s application for a track and field training facility in Selby.
