Someone from the self styled Holbrook Neighbourhood Action Group has called tonight in Primrose Copse . During our somewhat terse conversation their representative stated that house prices would be adversely affected. This struck me as unlikely and certainly unproven and a scare tactic. I was indifferent about Horsham FC coming to the area until I read the literature. Now that I have read it I find myself inclined to say yes to the club coming because the self styled Action Group appear to be out for themselves rather than supporting the wider community. Surely there are several advantages:
1. The current Holbrook Club is unsustainable. It's not used by enough residents and when I visited it I found it unremarkable and inclined to shabbiness. I didn't join although I am a member of another club some three miles away. New sports facilities at this site would be a fantastic amenity for the area.
2. Horsham FC need a new home to expand and this is a good site for them. They don't get big crowds and neither are they ever likely to since they are a minor league club. The town needs a club
3. Everytime a new develoment is suggested the issue of house prices crops up. Do you remember the fuss over the local pub's change of use a few years ago? House prices continued to rise. There is a severe shortage of affordable homes in this part of Horsham and that is what will keep the house prices high.
4. The effect on local businesses will surely be beneficial especially for fast food outlets and supermarkets . The retail busineses have struggled recently with several closing. The new stadium will boost the local economy
5. The issue of car parking is a real one. It's not great now but I understand the new plans are likely to include substantial parking spaces within the Holbrook Club area.
6. I also can't see how a small stadium will change the character of the area. Its all ready happened anyway. I remember as many will when this area was meadows and farmland. The area's character is still developing .
7. I'm perplexed by the loss of amenity arguement as well. The plans are to replace inadequate facilities with better ones.
8. The long term nature of the holbrook site is likely to be change anyway. It's a substantial space and Horsham is struggling to find brown field sites to build the houses needed for the expanding community and required by central government.
9. The literature used by your group is going to annoy people since I don't believe I am the only one who felt it was over the top. I attend over twenty games a year at a ground in South London holding 30 000 people. I've never seen anyone peeing in residents gardens. Sure there is detritus after a game but it's soon claered up.
10. My last point is that it looks as if the Hornets are coming in some form or another so I suggest working with them to get a suitable compromise.
Incidentally the Coolhurst Ground which is owned by Horsham Rugby Club has a problem that is relevant. They own the land but can't afford the much needed new facilities. Their club is continuing to grow with more young people than ever applying for membership. Why not build the new stadium on the site of the present facilities (there is all ready ample parking) and allow the two clubs to share the new facilities.