Rolle playing fields set to be camp site

MOVES to use part of the former Rolle College playing fields as a summer camp site for 200 young people has caused concern among Avenues residents.

Owner of the playing fields, Eagle One, who bought the site last autumn has passed the leasehold to the Gloucestershire Boys Brigade who aim to set up the camp complete with canvas tents and a 40-foot container for tent storage.

But fears about noise have prompted town planners, who backed the proposal on Monday, to call for an annual review if the plans are given the green light by the district council.

They also said that any container and toilets should be out of sight of nearby homes.

The camp would be confined to the spring and summer and the application is for permission to camp and would not preclude future sporting activities.

Pamela Steele of Douglas Avenue said: “The question of noise is a real worry…in the past we have had a group of young well-supervised campers for three weeks each summer.

“This was noisy but as children were involved and the period a mercifully short this was bearable.

“A whole season of drunken revellers would not.”

Jeffery Farmer of Douglas Avenue said: “…200 campers is excessive and should be restricted to 100 to prevent unacceptable noise pollution …”

Deputy Mayor Sandy Sutton said: “There should be no music or sound…and it goes without saying alcohol should not be allowed.”

But Cllr Ken Harper said: “A lot of churches could use that area.

“If you stop music completely that could cause problems…they need to be able to sit around a camp fire or tent and sing. It’s part of it.

“I would like to see singing but with no amplification.”

Cllr Trevor Cope said: “The problem is we have lost many sports fields over the years.

“I know they are a charity and could have a problem finding the money for a new application every year but we should see how it goes and come back to it next August.”

District planners will now decide on the application.