Planning new builds Technical


Vital aspects in planning a winter sports pitch


Gordon Jaaback


New pitches are continually in demand by clubs, colleges and institutions. The chosen location is either available farmland or exists as part of the property made available after re-configuration of the existing layout. But there are so many hurdles to clear before there can be an active move to create the new pitch as Gordon Jaaback, a leading specialist consultant in construction and drainage, explains


Aerial view of Latton Farm - Hadlow Rugby Football Club development © Gordon Jaaback


N Every unknown situation must be explored 128 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015


ew pitches are continually in demand by clubs, colleges and institutions. The chosen location is either available farmland or exists as part of the property made available after reconfiguration of the existing layout. But there are so many hurdles to clear before there can be an active move to create the new pitch.


In judging the suitability of the land, there are a number of measurable assessments that are vital considerations - how the land falls or undulates (topography), the variation in the soil profile - particularly the nature of the topsoil - and the practical problems like access, parking facilities, proximity to buildings and traffic control. Then there are the local authority plans for future development. On top of all this, there is the inevitable interests of adjacent land owners and the politics that can ensue.


Funding the project is the main concern. Where funds are available, there is the option


to go straight to a qualified contractor and negotiate a design and build contract. This means saving the cost of a consultant, but it puts the added responsibility on the contractor in that he must complete all the investigations that are necessary and be in a position to guarantee his design and work. In order to secure a competitive price, approaching more than one contractor can bring peace of mind, but an extra complication arises. Proposals submitted by contractors will be different and then cannot be a compared easily. No longer is it a matter of ‘comparing apples with apples’.


Where funds are needed, the main bodies - Sport England and the Football Foundation - are the normal sources. They require the appointment of a pitch consultant and the completion of a full assessment of the project in order to grant funds. The assessment is normally completed in the form of the following.


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