Why we are consulting
As your local council, we aim to inspire communities to lead healthier and more active lives. We're planning to extend and refurbish facilities at Odd Down Sports ground, to support participation in sports and physical activities, to improve people’s physical and mental well-being.
We welcome your comments on our proposals, and will use these to inform a future planning application to extend and improve facilities at this site.
Who we are consulting
Anyone can respond to this consultation, but we would especially like to hear from the local community and users of the existing facilities at Odd Down Sports Ground.
Project background
Original proposals
We first presented development proposals for this site in 2022, but these did not ultimately go ahead. We have since reflected upon feedback from the public and our own Planning Committee. We now have a new design team, working up a new set of proposals for the site that aim to address previous concerns. As part of this process, we are holding this consultation.
View dateline, details and documentation for the original proposals
- Original proposal and public consultation: May to July 2022
- Original planning application submission: September 2023
- Planning Committee and decision: June 2024
The planning application was refused, on the grounds that the design of the proposed padel courts was not in keeping with the character of other buildings within a conservation area, and that the Noise Impact Assessment submitted with the planning application did not give sufficient assurance that use of the courts wouldn't have a negative noise impact on nearby homes. View the decision in full.
Current proposals
We made a comprehensive review of the proposals in the Autumn of 2024, and appointed a new design team at the end of that year.
View dateline, details and documentation for the revision of proposals
- Review of previous proposals, in response to the original refused planning application: Autumn 2024
- Appointment of new design team: December 2024
- Initial stakeholder engagement on new proposals: January 2025
- Current public consultation: May to June 2025
What we are consulting on
Select any topic below to view in detail our current proposals for the site.
The image below shows the main features of the current development proposal.
We've amended some parts of the original designs, and added some new elements, in response to previous feedback
| Item | Old proposal | New proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Pavilion extension, including new reception area | New design proposed | |
| Enclosed, sheltered outdoor gym area | Now laid out with the padel courts providing an outdoor courtyard | |
| Lighting improvements | More energy efficient lighting for the sports pitch | Unchanged |
| Padel tennis courts | Four courts | Three courts, positioned behind the pavilion to be much further from homes, and to create an outdoor courtyard New enclosure/canopy shape and smaller size, to reduce noise and visual impact New layout to make the courts less visually imposing from the car park Ongoing expert research to investigate and inform Noise Impact Assessment, including any recommendations for mitigation measures to reduce impact on nearby homes |
| Cycle track | Added to provide cycling practice and introduce children to the rules of the road | |
| Landscape strategy | New sitewide plan in development. This will provide a framework for landscaping to be implemented across the whole site, when funds are available. It includes:
|
We have developed a new sitewide plan for the landscape. This will provide a framework for landscaping to be implemented across the whole site, when funds are available. We are considering two options for the future development of the landcape, and would like to know your response to them.
Option A: The Green Arena – An active landscape for community and sport
This option focuses more on social spaces, sport, and play. It includes a greater number of picnic and seating areas and an uninterrupted circular track looping around the main playing field, offering more sprinting (longer running) zones.
1 Gym extension
2 Padel courts (new layout and position)
3 Improved car park
4 New tree planting to replace lost ash trees and improve biodiversity
5 Mini cycle track
6 Picnic lawn
7 Natural play area
8 A variety of leisure trails for walking/running
9 Community orchard
10 Meadow planting
11 Hedgerow
12 Woody scrubland
13 Wayfinding signage and improved connections to surrounding areas such as The Tumps
We have developed a new sitewide plan for the landscape. This will provide a framework for landscaping to be implemented across the whole site, when funds are available. We are considering two options for the future development of the landcape, and would like to know your response to them.
Option B: The Living Field – A biodiverse landscape for community and nature
This option maximises habitat creation and biodiversity value. It features expanded wildflower and wetland meadows, ponds, and a circular trail that loops around the sports centre, integrating with ecological zones.
1 Gym extension
2 Padel courts (new layout and position)
3 Improved car park
4 New tree planting to replace lost ash trees and improve biodiversity
5 Mini cycle track
6 Picnic lawn
7 Natural play area
8 A variety of leisure trails for walking/running
9 Community orchard
10 Meadow planting
11 Hedgerow
12 Woody scrubland
13 Wayfinding signage and improved connections to surrounding areas such as The Tumps
14 Wildlife ponds
Have your say
Read the consultation feedback report.
Next steps
In addition to this online consultation, we're holding a public exhibition event, and will create a dedicated website for the ongoing project. We plan to provide updates on the project as it progresses, through a new planning application and, if approved, to the implementation of the scheme, through to completion. Moving forward, our planned dateline is below:
- Launch of new project website: 30 May 2025
- Letter drop (residents, stakeholders, building users): 30 May 2025
- Online consultation on revised proposals: 30 May to 26 June 2025
- Public Exhibition: 20 June 2025
- We'll publish a feedback report before submitting a new planning application: Summer 2025
- Refinement of planning proposals and target date for new planning submission: Summer 2025
Need to get in touch?
If you have any queries about the proposals, or would like this consultation material in an alternative format, please email the project team at ODSC@bathnes.gov.uk