New Exwick sports pavilion and 3G sports pitch approved

By Ollie Heptinstall, local democracy reporter.

A new Exwick sports pavilion and 3G sports pitch will be built by Exeter College.

It involves demolishing changing rooms and erecting a new sports pavilion along with an ‘all-weather’ 3G pitch, at the site of an existing rugby pitch.

The city council’s planning committee unanimously approved the application on Monday [20 February]. It was initially submitted in November 2021 but received several objections, leading to a revised plan being submitted late last year.

A three-metre-high fence and floodlights have been declared “appropriate” following a question about whether they are compatible with a valley park location by the River Exe.

The two-storey replacement pavilion features changing rooms and a gym on the ground floor, with classrooms, a staff room, sports lab and balcony on the top floor.

Steve Strang, executive director of estates and IT at Exeter College, said: “These new proposals will benefit hundreds of members – young and … not so young – sports clubs and organisations.”

He added: “The existing Flowerpots changing rooms are at the end of their useful life and this is an opportunity to not just replace them, but also to improve them for the college, community and city with a new gym as well as changing rooms and other facilities.”

Mr Strang said the new 3G pitch will “enhance existing facilities on site” and, following concerns about pollution, ruled out using rubber-crumb .

“The system that we’re proposing is the best that’s available now in terms of sustainability,” he explained, adding the pitch should last around 20 to 25 years.

Backing the plans, Councillor Rob Hannaford (Labour, St Thomas) said: “We’re very lucky in Exwick to have the college there with the sports hub with all the activities, particularly for young people, that they’re providing, and this will enhance that.”

Council leader Phil Bialyk (Labour, Exwick) also praised the “massive improvements” that have been made by the college in the area, but conceded the 3G pitch floodlights would have “some impact.”

However, he said he does not believe this would have a detrimental impact and hopes it will diminish anti-social behaviour in the area.