Concerns raised over plans for multi-use sports pitch in Netherlee

East Renfrewshire Council’s education department has bid to build a multi-use games areas on the current sports field at the school.

The proposals show how the pitch would be fenced off and floodlights would be erected.

There has been a mixed reaction to the planned development from neighbours to the Clarkston Road site.

Concerns raised include the glare of the floodlights on nearby houses, a possible increase in anti-social behaviour and the potential for parking problems to be exacerbated.

One neighbour said: “The multi-use games pitch shall be far too close to existing properties. If there are spectators, where shall they stand? In the lane right behind our property?

“We have ongoing problems with youths in this area, causing damage to our property, and regularly have our recycling bins stolen.

“The police are aware of this situation, as there have been numerous reports made to them regarding disturbances.”

She said the 10 metre floodlights would “greatly” affect the rear of properties on First Avenue, adding: “Many children’s bedrooms are at the rear of these properties.”

“The noise levels could be a huge nuisance to the area,” the neighbour added. “Residents enjoy making use of their rear gardens, but if there is too much noise I can see this being a real problem.”

The plan “would be detrimental to the area” as “having a heavily fenced area shall look like Fort Knox”, she said.

However, another neighbour is supportive of the plans, saying it could bring health benefits to young people.

“My house backs directly on to the proposed site and I welcome the development proposal,” she said.

“I believe that the potential exercise-related health benefits for the hundreds of school pupils who would use the facility, as well as for other users, are substantial.

“I appreciate concerns have been raised regarding glare from floodlighting, but I anticipate this would be noticeable most on dark evenings – when residents would tend to have blinds or curtains closed anyway.

“Further, I think this development would result in the space being used much more often.

“This may reduce the opportunities for antisocial behaviour that we as residents have often seen, as the space would afford less cover for loitering.”