A strong wave of opposition has arisen against developer Ashville’s proposal to redevelop the Dowty Sports & Social site in Staverton. The plan would replace a cherished clubhouse, five football pitches, tennis courts, and extensive community sports amenities with a large-scale business park spanning 16 acres of greenbelt land.
Local sports teams, clubs, and residents have voiced furious objections, protesting the loss of this essential grassroots sports hub. They argue the development contravenes numerous planning policies aimed at protecting community assets, open spaces, and greenbelt land. Conservation bodies including Sport England and Active Gloucestershire have also formally objected, as have the parish councils of Churchdown, Staverton, and Down Hatherley.
Ashville, who acquired the Dowty site from aerospace firm Safran three years ago, submitted a hybrid planning application to Tewkesbury Borough Council. While the construction of a 10,000 sq m warehouse for Safran’s operations has met with no opposition, the outline plan to demolish the existing sports and social facilities has sparked intense backlash.
READ MORE: Revolutionary Ice and Antioxidant Combo Halts Hair Loss in Cancer Treatment
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth ‘Feared Disaster’ Over Word Prince Harry and Meghan Used
The site currently boasts a thriving independent club with 500 members and thousands more users. It serves as a hub for multiple sports, including youth football leagues with thousands of children, tennis, judo, bowling, canoeing, dance clubs, and more. Local football leagues warn that the loss of the pitches will displace numerous teams and youth tournaments, leaving no comparable alternative facilities within the area.
Although Ashville’s application proposes constructing 18 new business units alongside “upgraded” sports amenities like a gym, padel courts, and tennis courts, critics dismiss these as insufficient. Objectors highlight that the new facilities would be commercial ventures with prohibitively high rents, threatening the survival of the existing clubs that rely on affordable access to the site. Current users emphasize that the Dowty Sports & Social complex is a rare and vital community resource, heavily booked with waiting lists and operating without public funding.
Community groups argue that replacing this indispensable social and sports amenity with a business park constitutes an unacceptable loss to the local area. They urge the council to reject the proposal and preserve the 16 acres of greenbelt land that support grassroots sport, community health, and social well-being.
Ashville defends its plans by citing a need to improve amenities for local businesses and create a sustainable business park environment with facilities aimed at employee well-being and broader community use. However, opponents remain unconvinced that these proposed benefits outweigh the significant loss of a treasured community asset.