Abandoned sports pitch and pavilion declared 'surplus' by North Lanarkshire Council

A sports pitch and pavilion in Cumbernauld has been declared surplus to requirements by North Lanarkshire Council, meaning the land can be sold off to developers.

The disused sporting facility at Deerdykes Place has a pavilion, currently in poor condition, and a blaes pitch which does not meet current standards.

It was further impacted by the widening of the M80 motorway – council officers recommended selling off the eight acre site, and a local company has expressed interest in purchasing it to expand its premises.

However, during consultation on the plan objections were received by some local politicians, meaning its disposal had to be approved by the council’s finance and resources committee.

Councillor Adam Smith (SNP, Cumbernauld East) said it was “disappointing” to see the pitch having degenerated to its current condition, a concern also felt with regard to other pitches in the area.

Convening,councillor Tom Fisher (Labour, Cumbernauld North) replied that the pitches had been abandoned for 13 or 14 years.

Head of service James McKinstry pointed out that the council had invested in sports facilities such as the new Greenfaulds High School and Cumbernauld Academy, along with improvements at Broadwood Stadium and St Maurice’s High School.

Councillor Tom Johnston (SNP, Cumbernauld East) said that these old gravel pitches had been around for many years and neglected, and asked if it was true that demand for such facilities in the area was high enough to create a shortage.

Mr McKinstry replied that investment would continue, especially with the recent failed attempt to preserve Cumbernauld Town Centre as a listed building, but that there was no shortage of provision.

“The demand for pitches is running at around 60% to 70% of the supply,” he added.

Councillor William Goldie (SNP, Cumbernauld South) asked if the sale of this pitch would lead to investment in the remaining sports facilites in the area, and if SportsScotland had been informed of the plan.

Mr McKinstry confirmed the council’s capital plan included further sports provision, and the money from the sale would be a general contribution to that plan although there were a number of challenges to consider. SportsScotland would be consulted once a sale was ready to be made.

The committee unanimously agreed the proposal.