Fir Tree School Site, Opposition to Planning Applic DC14/56717

Darryl Magher
The author of this petition

/ #1 Supporting notes

2014-01-29 12:58

Leisure facilities in Sandwell are inadequate.
The borough faces an obesity crisis.
There is a high proportion of inactive adults.
Yew Tree School has a current intake of 550 and forecasts of current area population shows an increase in birthrates.
No current out of school physical activity amenities.
Yew Tree has seen all of its teams disband or move off the area, no local team identity.
Coaches are available on the estate and are keen to develop teams, just need a pitch.
Executive Officer has been quoted as saying that there is a need to invest to save in the future.
Having facilities to improve health and activity will show cost savings to services as well as improving well being in the area.
The Fir Tree School site is a perfect opportunity to aid further integration of Yew Tree & Tame Bridge.
Similar projects have taken place namely housing site on Churchfields.
Saving the site keeps some of our heritage intact.
Development opportunities for the build of two bedroomed bungalows is an option which could be done without any further increase of the current population of school age children.
Where is the investment in the North of the Sandwell Borough.
Health Costs of Sporting Inactivity
Sandwell £ 2,035,034 per 100,000 of population compares to:
West Midlands £ 1,840,933
England £ 1,898,293
Child and Adult Obesity in Sandwell
Sandwell Adult 29.1% Children 12.9% compares to:
West Midlands 26.4% and 10.1%
England 24.2% and 9.6%

“Participating in sport can improve the quality of life of individuals and communities, promote social inclusion, improve health, counter anti-social behaviour, raise individual self esteem and confidence and widen horizons”
See
Sandwell Strategy for Physical Activity, Physical Education and Sport 2009 – 2014.
Sandwell Child and Family Obesity Strategy 2009 – 2014
Sandwell Sports & Physical Places Strategy 2010 – 2020
The Yew Tree and Tame Bridge.com have support from the Albion Foundation, Sandwell Sports Partnership to develop teams and activities.