A SCHOOL’S bid to turn a meadow nextdoor to Cricklade’s famous fritillary site into a sports field has run into opposition from local people.

Meadowpark School has applied to change the use of grazing land at Frogsham Meadow so it can stage organised sports.

But the scheme is next to the North Meadow nature reserve, which sees thousands of visitors every spring when the wildflowers bloom, and fears have been voiced that work to create a playing field could damage habitats and affect biodiversity.

Cricklade Town Council has objected and complained that Natural England was not included on the list of consultees even though the meadow is close to a site of special scientific interest.

In a planning statement to Wiltshire Council, Town and Country Planning, agents for the school, said: “The land is relatively flat and open, representing a good site for children to play or practice sports such as athletics, cricket, football, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and many others, as well as more informal activities such as frisbee and ball games.”

They also pointed out the school already had the ability to use the site for 28 days per year without the need for planning permission.

“As this proposal merely seeks to change the use of the land, there will not be any damage or disturbance to the natural environment. Certainly, all the trees and drainage channels will not be affected by the proposed change of use.”

They also suggested that because there would be no building work there would be no need for any drainage work.

“The applicants are aware that the land may flood, as does other recreational land to the north of Cricklade, but this will just mean that recreational activities cannot take place at those times.”

But worried residents have objected. One of them, nearby Blakehill nature reserve custodian Vince Povey said: “It is an ancient flood plain, designed to safely control seasonal flooding from nearby rivers and it is therefore crucial that no damage or change occurs to this very delicate and complex habitat, especially considering the proximity of the North Meadow Reserve.

“Massive effort goes into the preservation of the national nature reserve at North Meadow and nature does not have boundaries - nothing must jeopardise the conservation efforts, and putting a sports field next door will impact the area significantly.”

Helen Gibbons wrote: “It would not be possible to use it as a sports field without significant levelling and removal of bushes thereby affecting both the wildlife and the water table. Fencing along the river would also be required for health and safety thereby denying access to the river.”

The application can be viewed on Wiltshire Council’s website and the deadline for comments is January 4.