Response to public consultation on future of surplus middle school sites in Newmarket
Q1: Was the information clear? Did it allow you to understand the purpose of the consultation event? If not, feel free to ask more questions before you
leave the event.
Q2: Do you have any comments on the options and/or the future uses of the consultation sites? Are you a community user of either of the sites? If so how
do you use the site currently?
Yesterday, I visited the SCC consultation on the use of the school sites which took place at Scaltback Middle school. I would like to make the following points. It is very important to
retain the sports pitches and facilities currently being used by Newmarket RUFC. This is an opportunity for the rugby club, which is very important to the town, to establish a
permanent home. I understand that the Rugby Club wish to join forces with other sports clubs (including Newmarket Joggers) to form the "Newmarket Rugby & Community Sports
Club". To keep the Scaltback site as a sports ground in the heart of the town will be of great community value. Both the rugby & jogger club have large memberships. The Rugby Club
has 300 young people attending their youth teams. There are currently no children's play areas on the Scaltback estate. Maintaining this site as a sports ground will enable playground
and a multi use (MUGA) to be developed for the children in the local area to use.
Please keep me up to date on ongoing developments on the future use of the former site of Scaltback Middle School. I found at yesterdays consultation event at Scaltback Middle
school clear and I understood the purpose of the event. As a resident of a property that backs onto the school field (address enclosed) I feel the best use of the grounds would simply
be a housing development after the school has been closed. However I must stress, I feel it must be done with a view to preserving the feelings/needs to us residents who have lived
here many years, ie a social housing 'ghetto' is not created in our back gardens.
The information was clear at the meeting on 28th March. We are interested to know if either of these sites will be available for housing - i.e. bungalows for our daughter and others
who have learning disabilities.
Yes I understand this is at consultation stage and not final proposals. From looking at the proposals I would ascertain that transport routes need to be considered, along with extra
leisure facilities to aid Newmarket Leisure Centre. With this in mind option B would be preferred as Elizabeth Avenue/Exning Rd already have congested traffic and no green area
nearby. St Felix is much suitable for development.
Yes. / I would be opposed to the use of the Scaltback site for dense housing. The community, particularly young people, needs green field space, which development of current SMS
sports facilities would provide: rugby, joggers, badminton, running track, pilates etc.
Most certainly option B. The rugby club have been playing on the site for the last 50 odd years and is one of the largest community sports clubs within the Newmarket area, catering
for well over 300 players both senior, junior & mini as well as ladies rugby.
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I would wish to see the Scaltback site continued to be used by the Rugby club and other sports organisations.
I live on Scaltback estate! I'd like to see the rugby club keep there pitch and changing rooms. We NEED a green site. If houses come - shops will have to be here to serve the
residents.
Presently work at Scaltback - would like to see the community retain the site - for it to be used by the rugby club and/or leisure centre. NO housing. Keep the fields and make sure of it
as well as the sports hall & drama studio, kitchens etc.
Could have been signposted better and very difficult for disabled access /. Yes we support option B, subject to the remaining part of existing school building for refreshment etc. Must
be a sports & leisure field especially for the use & development of the youngsters.
Information clear in that a number of options and to be discussed /. Certainly endorse and wish to support the rugby club concept of development. Having been involved in community
can see wider community usage with Duke of Edinburgh award groups etc. My daughter at this school go use site and field in evenings. Welcome greater sport development for
community. Thank you.
I am very keen to retain the sports pitches and facilities at the Scaltback site. It is important for the town that Newmarket RUFC is able to keep its home on the Scaltback site.
Yes. / There are no facilities for children to play on Scaltback if the sports field is built on. The wildlife that uses the field & hedge rows e.g.: birds would be badly affected. We do not
want housing built or any other building on the field area.
Yes, thank you. / We vote option A. We enjoy the rugby. We are worried over the hedgerow disappearing and the birdlife with it.
Yes it was clear, but I feel it has probably already been decided. / I don't know much about the St Felix site so my interest is with Scaltback. We certainly do not want anyone housing
here so I would go with plan B. There is nothing for youngsters to do in Newmarket so a cinema would be good. You took the bowling alley away & an outdoor roller skating rink would
be good. Gt Yarmouth had an outside rink for years so it can be done. Also a skate park, basketball pitch & facilities for football & rugby.
Yes - explained clearly by the representative from TLP. / 1. Development must be coordinated with anything on George Lambton playing fields. 2. Option D is too overdeveloped. 3.
Option C is too overdeveloped too. 4. Option B depends on developments on GLPF - If GLBF goes ahead would not be in favour. 5. Option A (or with St Felix option C) would be more
preferable.
As our focus is on sport, we would like to see the space utilised for ongoing sports as much as possible. We currently use the synthetic pitch at the leisure centre, but we do not have a
store facility or a clubhouse facility. We have chatted to the rugby club and may be able to share facilities. The hockey club has 200 members, adults & kids, also travel as the nearest
clubs are either Ely or Bury.
Yes. / As a resident whose property is close to the SE boundary of the option B site I am in favour of retaining the area for recreational sports facilities, and a safe area for local
children to play. Due to lack of play area I have spent almost £1000 rectifying damage to my property and installing CCTV. The private car part regulations are constantly flaunted
because young children have nowhere to play. Collings Place would not cope with two way traffic linking up with Exning Road/Elizabeth Avenue. My second option would be option A
subject to volume of traffic.
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Was clearly explained to my by Joy Stodart. The information displayed was also clear. / I visited Scaltback Middle School on 28th March 2012 as a previous parent, school governor &
secretary to a member of the PTA. I am very saddened to learn of the school's closure. Please, please try to retain the school building, which has so many facilities, for use by the
community. There is also easy parking at one point Foley House was the "hub" for evening classes etc. Please consider Scaltback Middle School as an asset to the whole of
Newmarket & surrounding areas. The school has character. Please retain the rugby club facilities & the open space for rugby playing & other sports. The Severals is now no longer a
wonderful facility for cricket matches etc as part has been taken away fenced off for trainers to observe horses etc. Newmarket is gradually going downhill - empty shops, crime, takeaway etc, so let us make this side of town an area to be proud of & to be utilised to the full. As St. Felix Middle School was sadly burnt down & the present facilities/PortaCabins will be
removed, then surely this is the most appropriate place to build a few new houses, IF they are needed. Remember Newmarket hospital & P surgeries, dentists etc. are extremely busy
& over-worked at present so really we do not need any more housing. Please ensure this arranging Scaltback Middle school site is retained & used to its full capacity to benefit
Newmarket & surrounding areas.
The options in diagram form were very good. The information given by the lady representative and her answers to my questions were excellent. / Regarding the Scaltback Middle
School site, I would like to see the site left as a sporting/recreational area with a 100% NO to houses being built, or factory/ industrial units occupying the land. With existing football
pitches, rugby pitches, tennis courts and buildings intact it’s the ideal answer to leave it as it is. If houses on units were to occupy the site, road access could be difficult as the existing
entrance is close to the Exning Rd junction where there is already a build up of traffic at the traffic lights, this could then become a bottleneck. Another problem could arise if the
buildings were to be demolished - do they contain asbestos, if so they would need to be pulled down very carefully which is expensive and a health risk. If one site is to be used for
building etc - to me the St Felix site makes more sense as it only has PortaCabins which can be removed easily and at relatively smaller expense. Road access will be easier here.
Yes. / Option 'B' preferred.
NB. The housing was not defined as to whether the houses were rental, affordable or sale. / I have been a resident in the area for over 70 years and would like to see a residential
home or complex for the over 60's who are capable of looking after themselves. Building large housing estates encourages outsiders who do not understand how Newmarket people
operate in a racing town. This leads to conflict.
My view is that option B is the appropriate proposition as it offers the prospect of Newmarket Rugby Club remaining in its long term home, along with the Badminton Club. It may also
offer a much needed home for other sporting clubs in the area.
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
option B.
Dear Sirs. I was present at the meeting at Newmarket Rugby Club on Tues 19th concerning its future. As a past player & coach i would like to add my support to the Option B proposal
for the future of the site. It's support of Rugby, not just at club level, but in schools as well has raised its profile in the community. This can be seen every Sunday morning when
hundreds of youth players (boys & girls) turn out to play the game we love. Thank You.
,
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Please can you take into account my opinion when deciding on the future use of Scaltback Middle School site? I fully support the option 'B' as per the 'Consultation Options' which has
the whole site put to green field use. Namely for the use of Newmarket RUFC and the Newmarket Joggers.,
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
option B.
As far as I can see all of the proposed plans for both middle school sites include a considerable number of new houses. I am assuming these will be family homes and as such will
have children living in them. I was wondering where these children will go to school? I understand that all of the current Newmarket Primary schools are pretty much full to capacity
due to the new school structure and I am concerned that no plans have been made to provide adequate school places for an increased population. The St Felix site would have been
the perfect place to build a new primary school to cater for any new homes and for the Studlands Estate, which after having many houses empty for so long is now seeing an increase
in residents. I hope that someone has considered this and I would be interested to hear what those considerations might be.
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
option B.
I attended the consultation yesterday at St Felix school, the proposals were very clear however it was impossible to see what option would be most viable due to the other impending
planning applications in the area which potentially impact on the proposals shown. Obviously there will be major impacts on the environment and on local resources such as schools
should any of the developments go ahead. I for one am on the local housing register but am not likely to be housed as I rent adequate housing (all be it vastly expensive!). I would
urge, as a public sector worker, that the low cost housing is actually low cost, shared ownership is not a viable option for many like me who earn less than the average salary. I would
also hope that some element of the housing built would be available for rent as social housing? I am as a mother an a local citizen disappointed by the lack of available open green
spaces in and around the town, there is very little in the way of recreational open space and this is highly important for a town with a growing population. I also think it would be a great
shame to lose the wonderful courts and pitches on the St Felix site or the Rugby Club from
the other site.
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The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
option B.
Yes. / Would strongly recommend option B. Yes, active member of NKT RUFC which runs and supports rugby from juniors to infants on this site.
The consultation event at Scaltback Middle School gave a general view of the status of the surplus middle school sites in Newmarket. I would very much like to be kept abreast of
developments where planners are conversing with Suffolk County Council regarding their approach and submissions for use of this site. At the time of the meeting it was conveyed to
me that no discussions had yet been entered into with Planners for these sites. We as a family with small children who live very close to the School wish to support Option B for the
Rugby Club to expand the space and development the site for community use.
It was very clear. / I would support Option B, given that there is the need for facilities within Newmarket for families to spend leisure time together. I now have grown up children, but,
when they were of school age, I often spent free time at the site whilst they played games with friends.
Following the public consultation meeting at St Felix school on Wednesday 18th April I am writing regarding future use of the two sites. The option appraisal detailed four options,
two of which may enable the continued use of the sports hall at Scaltback School for the community; however details were very limited, with no time scale. Newmarket Badminton club
has been running for 30 years using the sports hall at Scaltback for all of this time. We currently use the sports hall and changing rooms but have no access to the rest of the school.
Club night is Monday 7.00 until 9.30pm and matches are played on Thursday evenings from 7.00 until 9.30, or on occasions 10.00pm. We also run a junior club on Friday evenings
from 5.45 to 7.15pm, for children aged 6 to 18 years. The badminton season is from September to the end of April, we do not play in the summer months. We are clearly concerned at
the closure of Scaltback school and our ability to continue to provide badminton for our club members, juniors and the wider community at a reasonable cost. The only other option
within Newmarket is the Sports centre, where there is a high demand on the courts from other sports and currently costs are likely to be prohibitive. The option appraisal detailed four
options, two of which may enable the continued use of the sports hall for the community, but details were very limited, with no time scale. We have received little information about the
closure and it came as some shock on Wednesday to realise the problems that you detailed regarding continued use of the sports hall next season. We would be very grateful if you
would consider our current usage when you make your decision with regard to the final option, keeping us informed throughout the process, as we would be very keen to be able to
continue to use the sports hall at Scaltback for our badminton club.
I attended the meeting at Newmarket Rugby club on 17th April. The information provided for the four options was clear. If Suffolk County Council has either a sense of obligation or a
desire to maintain a facility providing access to sporting activities for the young and not so young in the Newmarket area then option B is the only choice with a chance of achieving
this. I am sure you have been made aware by the club of the numbers the junior section has. These juniors have parents who are involved and committed to the club and will be very
unhappy if the facilities are lost or altered in such a way that they are inadequate to provide a viable future for the club.
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1. The concept of development of these two sites to incorporate a mix of housing, employment, community and open space uses is something I accept. 2. Scaltback is surrounded by
existing housing and has been used by Newmarket Rugby Club since before the school was built on the site. It continues under active use by that club and by Newmarket Joggers
junior section. In addition, the sports hall and associated facilities are used on a weekly basis by badminton clubs from Newmarket. 3. In my 35 years in Newmarket, I cannot recollect
that the St. Felix site has been used by any other organisation other than the School. This site is very near to the A14 junction with the A142 (A factor that, I am sure has not been
missed by the officers of Suffolk CC) and lends itself more readily to mixed housing and employment use. 4. It will be extremely difficult for Newmarket RUFC to find alternative space
and equivalent facilities within a reasonable distance of the town centre. 5. It is for these reasons, that I prefer “Option B” as these give the opportunity for continuity, club development
and widening of the sporting use of Scaltback. 6. Finally, I am concerned that the introduction to
the four options put forward mentions that”Newmarket is well served for sports pitches”. It is my understanding that planning strategy documents going back to the late 1990s and up
to 2011 indicated an 11 hectare shortage in sports pitch space. Currently, we are waiting the results of a pitch
space survey conducted last Autumn. I would like to know where the “well served” conclusion came from. For the last seven years I have not been a resident of Suffolk, but live only 1
mile beyond the boundary into East Cambs and for the last 34 years I have been actively involved in Newmarket RUFC.
Please register my preference as OPTION B 100% use by Newmarket Rugby Club and Associated community clubs.
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
option B.
I read in the local paper that the powers that be are planning to use the two middle schools as development for hundreds of homes. Nothing is wrong with this, in recent years much of
the green spaces have been developed into affordable homes. Some of these places are so small and I have been in a few, there is no storage space and not much garden for the
children to play for the families who live in these homes. I would like to suggest we construct an, open all hours, walking/running circuit or walking lanes made of rubberised surface,
such as that used to surface playground. As we get older we need to walk often to keep our body healthy, but walking on hard surface, damages the joints, knees and feet. Also
walking on hard surface is not all that good for back/spine etc. In other countries and in other parts if England we do have open air exercise opportunities. Please we can do with an
area like this on Studlands Park, and maybe one closer to town. Maybe somewhere close to the skate park, or where the play area Close to the Social Club, Studland Park. Maybe an
area in the Memorial garden at the back of your office. We need a place where adults and children both can have fun at the same time without paying a fee, or being a member of a
gym or club. I hope to be kept informed on the progress of these two sites.
Yes. / I would like the council to recommend option B. I currently use the Scaltback site as an active member of Newmarket RUFC.
Information was clear in the aims and options proposed. / Having considered the options, it is my opinion that 'option B' would both serve the community as well as the housing
requirements.
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I am a community user of Scaltback School for badminton. If the site does not remain a facility for community use we will loose a very valuable facility. At the moment the cost of hire
of the hall means that the club is able to offer membership at a very reasonable fee. We could of course use the leisure centre but cost of hiring similar facilities will mean the
membership fees will have to rise excluding some of our members.
I visited the Memorial Hall Newmarket on the 26th April 2012 to view the options for the future use of the school sites in Newmarket. I met Alison Donald and explained my proposal
that a portion of the land could be used to provide housing for adults with learning disabilities who are endeavouring to source land within Newmarket. We and other families in the
Newmarket area are seeking to transfer our adult children into a supported living environment while we as parents are still active and well enough to support such a move. Both of the
sites could provide suitable sites for 4-6 vulnerable adults who are actively seeking land in Newmarket. These individuals are on the “Moving On” programme and have been
approached by known to Suffolk County Council resettlement team, The sites could provide land to accommodate purpose built homes for these adults who are seeking a 24/7
supported living package within the Newmarket area. A further use of part of the land was discussed with Alison with regard to alternative accommodation to locate a building based
community resource unit, the Newmarket Cru is currently based at the Magistrates Court, Lisburn Road, [this unit is part of the police station that is relocating and alternative location
is being sought]. A building base Cru in Newmarket is essential to provide a supported service that many of the current service users and future disabled people will require. I would
also like to take this opportunity to outline some pros and cons regarding which site I think would be most suitable. It is my opinion that the Scaltback site would be the most suitable
site as it is a couple of minutes walk to the sports centre, currently the only community based activity available in Newmarket, there is a bus service into town that could provide
transport to Mildenhall and Bury when required. However having outlined my choice either site would be very welcome and provide much needed services and homes for this group of
individuals. If this opportunity is missed there is little hope to house our family members in there home town of Newmarket in the future.
I would like to stress the need for continued indoor community / sports facilities as part of the proposals. The sports hall at Scaltback Middle School is currently fully utilised 5 evenings
per week shared by 2 senior badminton clubs and 1 junior club. All 3 clubs are thriving with a combined membership of 70 – 80 players, junior participation is encouraged and
sessions are organised for both fun club nights plus competitive team badminton. The Leisure Centre does not have the capacity to provide an alternative to the 3 courts x 3 hours x 5
evenings per week currently used. The clubs enter approximately 12 teams in local badminton leagues, so there would also be a knock on effect on other local teams if these teams
had to be withdrawn. There is no similar facility available within a 5 mile radius of Newmarket. It would be a major loss to the community at a time when everyone agrees that health
and fitness needs to be encouraged. All the proposals for future use include additional housing which would mean more families living locally and therefore increase the need for this
type of facility further. The hall is currently only used in the evening as this is the current availability but there are probably many other opportunities for hire during the day or
particularly during holiday periods for a variety of clubs and activities. It is of vital importance that an indoor facility such as this is kept open or even improved for future long term use.
In addition, there needs to be an interim plan so that the facility does not sit dormant whilst the decisions are made and plans implemented. For the badminton clubs to commit to
annual membership and enter teams into the local leagues a suitable venue is needed from the beginning of September 2012. Please remember the indoor sports facilities as well as
the pitches, when considering the community requirements.
Yes. / I am in favour of Option B. Newmarket Rugby Club, via its membership of NSDA, has used the clubhouse and pitches at Scaltback Middle School for many years, by way of a
lease of part of the land. I understand that this expires in 2018. Over the years, the club has expanded and now runs teams from age six through every age to senior level. It also has
a female team. I played for the club for a number of years and am now a member of the Vice President section - I believe that the club provides an invaluable service to the community
by teaching its players self-discipline and sportsmanship. it is essential that we should be able to continue to use our present facilities, as a move to another site would be very
expensive albeit preferable to loss of facilities altogether.
I am writing as a member of Newmarket Badminton Club and Newmarket Rugby Club to make the community use of the Scaltback site a priority. The use of the Sports Hall and fields
at Scaltback cannot be replicated elsewhere and if lost to housing or other developments will never be replaced. The town is already short of pitches and indoor sports venues so
maintaining what we already have is vital.
Newmarket is in need of land for sport/recreation. The Rugby Club proposal should be approved - plus further recreation space. (Scaltback) Further housing on this site will be too
much for this area. 'Employment' space would be beneficial. (St Felix) There is a need for purpose-built facility for 'day care' for people with learning disabilities also sheltered housing
for them. This group of people are continually overlooked. This site (part of it) would be an ideal site.
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Yes, fine. / We use the grass pitch at the front of the site to teach hockey once a week during the Autumn and Spring term. We are considering asking permission to make use of the
front car park as a drop off and pick up point for pupils @ the beginning of the school day. We would them 'mini-bus' pupils to school & thus try & reduce traffic flow past the school.
I am writing as a member of Newmarket Badminton Club and regularly play in both social club nights and matches at the sports hall at the school. I also support Newmarket Rugby
Club on various match days and social events. I appreciate that the school is closing, but the site is not yet determined as to what its future is, and whilst there is still demand to use
these facilities for good community sports activities I think it would be a great shame and also a very foolish idea to close these facilities at the same time as the school, i.e. this July.
Especially as this would significantly impact upon a number of successful Newmarket sports clubs, to the extent that they may well cease to be able to exist. The Badminton club are
looking at alternative sites but are coming up against barriers, the sports centre whilst being not only much more expensive, is also restricted on times available. I also take part in a
number of the classes and activities held at the leisure centre and it always seems to be busy and often quite difficult to book. It would seem that there may well be demand that could
overflow from the sports centre to make the use of the school facilities viable going forward until such a time as the plans for the site are decided. i.e. a developer chooses to purchase
for housing. At a time when there is so much talk of the requirement for the British public to take up exercise I would see the closure of such a facility as completely ridiculous. I would
imagine that there is a good opportunity to upgrade the facilities there to become an outdoor sports complex, which could be used by the rugby club, perhaps a running track could be
incorporated, and the hall maintained for badminton and other activities. There are no facilities of this sort for local people to use in the area. Furthermore the benefits of keeping the
site in use is that otherwise it is guaranteed to become a dumping ground for peoples rubbish, anti social behaviour, and most likely will become another unofficial ‘travellers’ site to
offer their valuable contribution to the community and town of Newmarket. Any of these are going to present a significant cost in either policing, private security or clearing up of the
mess as a result,
which I am sure would be considerably more than the cost of keeping the site in use and in good order, until the final plans are made for the site, which is I assume is some 5 years in
the future. Hoping the views of the local people are taken into account, I look forward to a response.
Yes. / My Preferred option is Option 'B'.
This is to confirm your conversation with members of Save Historic Newmarket Action Group (SHNAG) last week at the consultation for the Newmarket Middle School sites and me
this morning, that we would like a further consultation with you regarding the future use of these two sites. I confirm our view that the suggested 4 housing and industrial development
plans put forward during the consultation are unacceptable for Newmarket. SHNAG is an Action Group. Action Groups are formed when residents perceive such damage being
perpetrated on their community (by assorted officialdom/developers in this case) that they feel they have no alternative but to stand up for their town. Accordingly, SHNAG was
founded by residents in part to preserve and enhance Newmarket as the worldwide Historic Home of Horseracing after it became apparent that local district planning officers appeared
to be ignorant of the special significance of the town, and the destructive consequence of their mantra: “Newmarket is the biggest conurbation in the District and needs to take its
proportionate share of housing”. The relentless plans for housing development in Newmarket will damage the Racing and training industry and this message needs to be understood
by those seeking to treat Newmarket as a clone town. Additionally, now that the £4.2 million grant for the Palace House National Horseracing Museum and heritage centre has been
forthcoming, Newmarket
will be attracting more tourists (estimates of 50,000) to the main industry (horseracing) in the town and, if treated sensitively, will contribute very importantly to Suffolk’s economy. The
main roads from these two school sites (Fordham Road and Exning Road) are already famously gridlocked
during the day and there is far too much traffic for 3,000 horses to safely navigate the town. Horse racing is better served by a rural environment and Newmarket has already been
overdeveloped to the point where horse racing is challenged and, indeed, open space is not adequate to conform to
the Government Open Space guidelines. The infrastructure in Newmarket (no station, merely a stop on the line, no hospital, no police station and no out of hours Doctors service)
cannot cope with the number of people here already, so to further put stress on the community is short-sighted and
UNSUSTAINABLE. Additionally, following the successful Judicial Review of the Core Strategy, Newmarket has not been identified as needing more housing (indeed, there are no
housing numbers due to the current single issue housing review which is underway) and to even suggest building
hundreds of houses without addressing, amongst other things, the current community needs for open space is premature. We believe that the Scaltback site should be allocated to the
Rugby Club and the St Felix site should be all open space with a park for young people and a possible community centre for parents while the young children are playing. We would
be pleased if you could prepare further plans to that effect which could also be put forward at the consultations to show the community what other uses these sites could be utilised. In
conclusion, we would like to make it clear that we greatly appreciate SCC’s commitment to Newmarket and this process of consultation with Newmarket residents.
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Very clear. The gentleman in charge was extremely helpful. / I do understand that the council wants to make some money out of these sites. However, how much greater the legacy
for the people of Newmarket if both sites could be left green and free for sport and recreation. The rugby club could have one of them & the Fordham Road site could be made into a
pretty path, for mums & small children etc. I really do not feel that Newmarket needs any more houses. There is a serious shortage of parks for children to play in - note the
overcrowding of the park behind the memorial hall, in the nice weather it is packed - so please keep Newmarket GREEN and special. It's all about LEGACY - we have a duty to future
generations not to build houses on every possible site! Thank you for this opportunity to give my views.
The proposal options were clear. I would propose that the Council choose option B. My daughter has played rugby from 9 years old on the site. I would very much support the
retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports use. From a traffic and parking point of view it is an ideal site as it stands. I notice the discussion documents state there are
enough pitches in Newmarket which I would question as I cannot think of any rugby pitches available not only for Saturday and Sunday use but also for training of various squads-from
under 11s onwards in the weekday evenings. On most Sundays the whole of the Scaltback site is fully used by over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and by many
hundreds of others who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. We now have all age ranges provided for and both sexes as we have the only girls squads in the county.
Newmarket Rugby Club provides a real benefit for children, giving male role models in the form of the coaches, promoting discipline and fair play on the pitch, and encouraging
physical fitness for all age groups through the rugby continuum scheme which has an emphasis on the safe and appropriate development of the game as the children age. I believe
that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other local community sports and leisure groups.
I believe of the consultation proposals outlines in your consultation proposals that option B is the best option as there is a need to preserve sports facilities in Newmarket. The need is
highlighted with proposed redevelopment of the George Lambton field by Sainsbury, and the possible redevelopment at the racecourse end of the High Street for Asda and others by
the Unix Group. Formal sports facilities are a necessity for a town this size, and the open spaces should not be built over.
Further to my telephone call when I explained the Fairstead House School has an interest in the St Felix site, please find attached: Ÿ a summary of the school’s current position with
regard to development Ÿ a copy of the recent press release outlining our plans. If you would like further information about the school then please look at our website at
www.fairsteadhouse.co.uk We are interested in the St Felix site and we would welcome an opportunity to look at any options with you. Please let me know if you think this is worth
pursuing. My contact details are above and I will be happy to set up a meeting with some of our governors. I look forward to hearing from you. Background: Fairstead House is an
independent prep school in Newmarket founded over 60 years ago. The current site on the Fordham Road is 1.6 acres next to the Severalls in the centre of Newmarket. The school
currently has 110 pupils between 4 and 11 years of age with a further 20 children in the Nursery. Development on the current site: The current site is small and in many ways this
maintains the unique family atmosphere of the school. Efforts have been made to use the available space to best advantage with recent developments such as an eco-garden and allweather play surface. The school has ambitious plans to further develop the site whilst preserving as much green space as possible. In 2011 planning permission was granted for a 2storey extension to the former Coach House building to give a new classroom, an additional storage area and improve existing library, art and science facilities. The plans are to
improve educational provision and not to increase the numbers of pupils in the school. Limitations of the current site: Games facilities: Pupils are transported for the 3 miles to and
from sports facilities which are shared with Exning Football Club for games lessons using the two school minibuses but this is a drain on time for both pupils and teachers. Traffic: The
school is located on Fordham Road opposite St Louis Catholic Primary School
which is currently undergoing development work to accommodate additional children in the 8 to 11 age group. It is adjacent to The Severalls and to the equestrian exercise track and
horse crossing on Fordham Road. Tail backs stop traffic on the road and problems are worse at peak traffic times.
Pedestrians have to cross a busy road which has no crossing at peak traffic times and at a time when horses are using the horse crossing at Rayes Lane. Other options: For a number
of years the school has explored options for an alternative site within Newmarket which would provide similar
facilities but also playing fields and pitches. Fairstead House is located within the centre of a historic town where it is difficult to accommodate significant development due to the
limited availability of sites, preservation of the horse racing industry and prevention of change of use from equine
to alternative purposes. In 2010 the Trust engaged consultants to carry out an assessment of all alternative sites within the Newmarket area to identify possible sites for relocation. In
all, thirteen sites were visited and assessed including 3 sites designated for use within the horse racing industry. The sequential assessment identified 5 sites deemed to satisfy at
least one of the main requirements of the school. The majority of these sites required substantial development; in some cases a new and modern school would have to be built. A
new-build was costed out and deemed to be significantly more expensive than conversion of existing buildings. A new school would not have the same historical and family feel as
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Fairstead. Brickfields Stud: Brickfields Stud on the Exning Road, Newmarket was identified as the most appropriate site. It was felt that this house offered a
house of similar size and construction to Fairstead House with other buildings suitable for conversion to school use together with separate car parking and substantial playing fields
and grounds. It was, at the time for sale but the Governors however, felt that there was insufficient time to raise the funds to buy and develop the site. Brickfields was sold in 2011 and
the new owner approached the school and offered to work with them to develop part of the site to become a school. The school has therefore put in a current planning application to
develop the site but is aware that, because of the concerns about the horse racing industry in Newmarket, the application is likely to be finely balanced. St Felix school site: The school
is aware that the St Felix site is for sale and the school Bursar attended the public consultation on 18th April this year. The school has registered an interest in the site as we currently
use the astro-play hockey area on a regular basis and, if the school does not move, then we would like to continue to use this. At 12 acres, the site is substantially bigger than our
needs but we would be interested to explore other options for development of some of the site either as an alternative to the games facilities at Exning or as a possibility for re-location
of the school in the future.
Sport Newmarket is a partnership of community sports clubs in Newmarket and the surrounding villages. The partnership has representation from a wide number of sports at a grass
roots level. I am writing with regards to the above consultation and specifically the future use of Scaltback Middle School. As you may already be aware both the grounds and the
sports hall at the school are extensively used for community sport, namely by Newmarket Rugby Club, Newmarket Joggers and St Phillips Badminton Club. The security of this site
moving forward is essential to the future of community sport in and around Newmarket. With a back drop of an Olympic Games Legacy and emerging health priorities around
childhood obesity, grass roots sports clubs are essential to delivering outcomes for the community. With other facility options in the town limited, the loss of the school for community
use would have a devastating effect on community sport. I understand that Anglia Community Leisure are working with local sports clubs and the national governing bodies of sport to
prepare a business case which secure the future of the facility as a community sports venue and Sport Newmarket wholeheartedly supports their endeavours.
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
Option B.
Yes. / Wondered about the possibility of a veterinary surgery on the St Felix CEVC Middle School site - (as I understand that there are to be business sites available here. Pos to
relocate veterinary surgery from existing site in Fordham Road - to larger site.
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At present St Felix Middle School is a temporary building and when the school closes at the end of the summer term these buildings will be removed. However, following the
devastating fire and the loss of so many facilities, St Felix bounced back and it has been business as usual. New facilities were added and some older ones were rejuvenated. The
triple tennis court was completely resurfaced and new fencing was added, it would be the envy of any community. In addition, a brand new all weather pitch was built, on part of the
footprint of the old school, this too is a very desirable facility and one that could be in much demand. I would like to see these two facilities put to use for the community and not
bulldozed and swallowed up in an inappropriate development. It would be great if the council could add to this community development by building a contemporary eco friendly
Community Centre. This building could have solar panels, underground rainwater storage etc. The Community Centre could provide facilities for mother and toddler groups, youth
clubs (to encourage positive activities), practise rooms for NOMADS and other groups, function rooms and meeting rooms. As well as indoor facilities, the tennis courts and all
weather pitch, there could be a community garden, a play area, make use of the mature trees and thickets and create an adventure trail, more trees could be planted for the future, to
create a micro park. It's endless what can be imagined once you start daydreaming. The site is already secure and fenced off and there is a car park that could be added to if need
be. It is possible this proposal would only take the front half of the site leaving the main grassed area nearest to George Lambton Avenue a possible site for starter homes. A Suffolk
County Council representative said they are not necessarily looking the sell off the land, it could be leased, for instance, to Anglia Leisure and the facility could be run alongside the
Leisure Centre. He also said Travel Lodge had shown an interest in the land that fronts onto Fordham Road! I hope my daydreaming becomes a reality and it is called 'St Felix
Community Centre’.
Thank you for your letter dated 10th April 2012 regarding the future use of surplus middle school sites in Newmarket. I purchased the property at xxxxxxx in March 2011 because it is
situated in a quiet area and comes with a view at the back of the house looking over looking the school’s tennis courts, combined with many trees, bushes combined with the open
grass space around the tennis courts giving this a pleasant green view. This area brings many crows, wood peckers, robins and many other wild birds and also squirrels to the area. I
am also fond of the evening sunset which shines on the rear of the property and warms the garden in the afternoon and evenings. This also comes with privacy in the garden and rear
windows as no other property towers over the end of the garden. Unfortunately I have yet been unable to attend any of the meetings to date. The point and concerns I would like to
raise regarding the St Felix School site are on the following. Ÿ Preservation of the environment and lack of any parks or nature reserves in Newmarket: Given that the side of the St
Felix area closest to Weston Way is already green and environmentally friendly it would be a great opportunity to expand this into a park, natural reserve and/or public gardens. This
would enhance and bring more local wildlife to the area and also be fun for children as well as giving adults somewhere to take their children. At present, unlike nearby Cambridge and
Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket does not having anything like this for adults or children. As this area is situated by the public walkway/cycle path, known locally as “Yellow Brick Road”,
this area is ideally located and easily reachable from the town centre without the need to walk along any roads. Ÿ Any planning permission given: I disagree with turning either site into
housing and therefore would like any planning permission declined. Many discussions and debates have taken place recently regarding Newmarket coping with more houses and this
has been previously been refused. Newmarket town centre is already congested at rush hour and any further houses built will only worsen this problem. The current Newmarket
spillway that runs adjacent to yellow brick road has already burst its banks and overflowed as recently as last month due to the amount of rainwater it had to try and cope with. Any
tarmac or concrete placed on the St Felix site would only cause MORE rainwater to rush into it more quickly causing greater flooding, instead of allowing it to slowly soak into the
ground. Property developers are probably licking their lips at this opportunity to make a profit by squeezing in as many houses as possible in these areas. To achieve this they
compromise on parking, given houses very small driveways (if they are lucky to even have one) or have a “designated parking space” nearly always for only one car. If this happens
there will be a surplus of cars crammed on every street corner and also neighbouring streets will become choked with cars from these estates. Statements such as one car per house
is good for the environment maybe true however are rarely practical. House prices have risen substantially over the past 20 years, for families both parents usually need separate car
to get to work, any teenagers in the family will require a parking space once they start learning to drive. For the younger unmarried people sometimes renting a room out (to meet
rising living costs) has to be done and their lodger may also have a car to get to work. So it is ludicrous to assume that one car per house hold is ever practical in this day and age.
Also where will visiting friends and relatives
park their cars? You can end up with two, three or even four cars on average per household. The streets are highly unlikely to be designed for this and roads such as adjacent Weston
Way will suffer badly. Adequate parking must always be taken into account for any new site. Ÿ New pubs,
and shops: If properties are built then it is extremely unlikely that there will be no shops or other useful amenities for local community. Housing developers are only interested in
maximising their own profits by building as many houses as possible and selling them, with no real care for the future of the area or town. Red Lodge is a good example; it is one mass
of houses with no real town centre and does not have a single shop. I do not believe shops or a public house will be of interest to housing developers, currently there are no public
houses or convenient stores on Fordham Road, meaning that residents have to go the retails park and visit the superstores (which is not very convenient if you only want to buy milk
or a newspaper). Ÿ Future use of the sites: Once the land is lost to property developers will never be able to be used in future for anything but houses. If planning permission is given
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and buildings placed on this site, the land will be houses forever more. If in the future, say 10 years time, another school does need to be built to meet future demand then this area
will be near-impossible to reclaim for educational purposes. Not just the present, but the long term future of Newmarket needs to be taken into consideration. There is only one upper
school present in Newmarket. At one point last year bussing children to and from Mildenhall was stated, presumably via the A14. This should not be necessary if we preserve the
currently available space. Ÿ Noise pollution, invasion of privacy and restricted view: As I said earlier I purchased this property in Weston way because of its location. After 4pm the
area is very quiet and peaceful throughout the evenings and nights. I do not want this to change or the view at the back of property to change, such as staring into someone else’s
back garden or living room. Also I do not want the evening sun to disappear behind buildings early and I would like my privacy respected. Ÿ Possible de-valuation of 74 Weston Way:
Any changes to the view at the back of my property could have a serious impacted on its value. This would need to be investigated and an agreement reached between us. I would
expect to be compensated and have all moving costs (including tax and legal expenses) reimburse if my property is de-valued and I and unhappy with the new place and decide to
move house resulting from the decision made with the St Felix site. This is subject to my approval and accepting the new property and includes all taxes and legal costs. Ÿ Concerns
over options A, B, C and D shown on your website: After looking at your website I was shocked to see that all options shown have planning permission for the St Felix site. Why is this
the case? Not one option shows an alternative, such as a park, nature
reserve or public gardens. Not even one shows a row of trees or any effort to support the environment. Given the number of rejected housing planning recently I do not see the logic is
still trying to build them in Newmarket. Finally please can you take all my comments onboard and ensure me that they are passed on to the correct people/bodies/companies so that
any planning permission is refused. Also please make my concerns publicly available so that other residents of Newmarket can also support my views. I have discussed with a number
of people who live in Newmarket and
they were unaware of what is being proposed with these sites. This is the only way we can ensure that the land is used properly and not just sold to the highest bidder and turned into
housing forever for just a one off profit. I will object to any planning permission made and demand any compensation for any loss in value of my property should the situation arise for
me to do so. I look forward to hearing from you.
My preferred option is B. I’m currently the 1st XV manager for Newmarket Rugby Club and have been using these fields for twenty years, both as a rugby player and formerly a
student at Scaltback School. The rugby club is a vibrant and well developed club, playing host to a large number of adult players on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and an even
larger number (400+) of children and parents on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The club would make excellent use of these facilities, as they have done for many
years and in conjunction with other local teams and Anglia Community Leisure the site could continue to be utilised fully by the local community who have already shown their appetite
for leisure by out-growing the revamped leisure centre extremely quickly. It is of the upmost importance that Newmarket RUFC are allowed to continue to provide sports for all ages
and sexes in a central Newmarket location and the restructuring of the schools system provides the perfect opportunity for local council and government to assist the continued growth
and development of the largest mass participation sports club in the town.
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I am currently an A level student studying at Newmarket College. However as a result of the two tier system coming in to effect this year, I believe the school would be far too cramped
to with hold all of the seven years of students. Therefore I think you should consider a new college like West Suffolk in the location of Scaltback Middle school. As out of all the schools
I have been to this was the most influential. The small 6th form that is located at Newmarket College should be completely removed. By having a college in Newmarket it will bring
many benefits in to the town. For example teachers and staff would need to be employed reducing the number of unemployed people in this area. In addition the college would
develop and enhance the skills of residents of all ages. Moreover you would be giving something back to the community which will cause the town to expand and improve it's
reputation. There should be a wide range of courses available from vocational qualifications to diploma's. The college should be aimed at those who want to go into further education.
Also those who leave school at the age of 16 or are wishing to improve their skills in a specific area would be able to, giving them a better percentage of finding a job. In addition it may
also give people the incentive to start their own business. Also I do not think that either Scaltback or st Felix middle school sites should be home to more houses as it would bring in
more people which we can't cater for in our cramped schools. Even though we are in the middle of a recession it doesn't mean we can expect others to bail us out, we should be
helping those who want to start their own business and want to make a better future for themselves. This would in effect improve our economy and best of all improve our famous
horse racing town. I hope you take in to consideration this option with the Scaltback middle school site. Look forward to hearing a reply soon.
I just wondered what the Scaltback middle school site will become after it is closed the end of this school year for example would it become a rugby club, college, houses etc. Look
forward to hearing a reply.
Information was clear. Plans very good & easy to understand. / It would be more appropriate to retain more community use on the Scaltback site as the infrastructure cannot take
more housing & vehicles. The St Felix site is better positioned for housing & other development but the Lambton playing fields would need to be retained. Further consultation with
local residents is very important as is the need to keep any development in character with the current surroundings.
The Scaltback site should be used for community leisure purposes. There are many local groups and clubs that could benefit from the sports field areas around the present building,
the tennis courts to the front and the main hall and theatre studio. The building itself could be used as an annexe to the College and I am sure that community groups would be able to
utilize it. There would be an opportunity to use part of the building for pre-school purposes, or an after school club or even an exclusion unit. The kids of Newmarket have only the
Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool and that is not enough. Trips to Bury St Edmonds and Cambridge are expensive and residents of Newmarket should not have to make them.
Older kids would benefit from a larger skate park they do not want to play in the Memorial Gardens! What is there for teenagers to do other that hang around? Goodness knows how
many young adults there are, including those working for the racing industry isn't it about time their employers worked with the local council to entertain them and keep them out of
trouble. There are a growing amount of foreign workers in Newmarket whose culture will not allow
them to go into pubs and clubs, what about consulting them on what they need. It seems to me that the Scaltback site is ideal for a community centre and certainly not for another
housing estate and it would be totally unacceptable if that happened.
Partially. Without understanding information on the Hatch field site it is difficult to see how it all fits together. Also it would make sense for the Playing Pitch Report to have been done
by now i.e. by the date for closing consultations. / Our son plays for the Newmarket RFC in the mini/s section and so we are community users of the Scaltback facilities. We support
Option B where the playing fields at Scaltback are fully retained and St Felix is developed. This provides for continuity, club/community development and extending sporting facilities in
one location. We understand the need for mixed development but it would surely be more cost effective and less disruptive to develop on one site rather than two. Scaltback is already
surrounded by extensive housing, from where, families will need sports and leisure facilities. We do not believe that the St Felix site is used to any community extent apart from
schooling and its proximity to the A14 would mean that it is more suitable for employment use and limiting the traffic through the town. Sports like rugby contribute massively to the allround development of children and should be taken into account in your education equation where improved standards appear to be the aim (as we would expect). Other sports using
the site are the badminton players and Newmarket Joggers. Whilst the notes indicate that Newmarket is
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well-served for sports, the fact that the rugby club has been unable to find alternative premises
close to the town centre would tend to counter that argument. It appears that the pitch space
survey has not been reported on as yet, so the conclusion of being ‘well-served’ doesn’t appear
to have a current basis.
Yes. / I would love for Option B to be chosen. My son plays for the under 8 team of NRFC. Newmarket rugby club is one of the few rugby clubs where all are welcome from any
background and any walk of life. The volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that rugby is affordable, of good standard and most importantly show boys and girls how to work in a team.
They are proud to wear their Newmarket Rugby shirts and I think this could be an opportunity to develop the grounds and the club even further. I look forward to your response.
I support Option B for the proposals for the development of the Scaltback Middle school site.
The proposal options were clear. / I would recommend and propose that the Council chose option B. I would very much support the retaining of the Scaltback site for community sports
use. The site has been used for many years by Newmarket Rugby Club and I believe that they should have the opportunity to continue to use this site and to develop its use by other
local community sports and leisure groups. There are regularly over 300 young people using the rugby club facilities and in addition this is then enjoyed by many hundreds of others
who visit the facilities for away matches and festivals. The recent addition of female teams has further enhanced the community use. I do hope that Suffolk County Council chooses
Option B.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many community
groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur dramatics
rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve the people
of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a varied
demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and ideally
retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
Yes. / i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
As per the request on the www.suffolk.gov.uk website I would like to submit some feedback regarding the use of the Scaltback Middle School site following the closure of Scaltback
Middle School. I am currently a member of St. Phillips badminton club which, as you know, is based at the school and regularly use the sports hall for badminton club nights as well as
for league match nights. The plans presented in the consultation don’t provide very much detail with regards to what might happen to the site and the sports hall in the future but I
would like to put on record that my preference for the future of the site would be to maintain a facility that enables the continued presence of St. Phillips badminton club along with the
other sporting and leisure clubs, societies and community groups which use it. Many of these clubs, societies and community groups have long-standing affiliation with the Scaltback
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site and for so many of them to be adversely affected by the closure of the school will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the community. From the perspective of badminton
within the community, which is where my own interest lies, the closure of the site could potentially force both St Phillips Badminton Club and Newmarket Badminton Club to seek
sporting facilities outside of Newmarket as I believe that the main sports centre does not have current sufficient availability of badminton courts to support a badminton club. For a town
as big as Newmarket not to have its own badminton club is a real shame and will severely impact the development of the sport throughout the Suffolk county.
With regard to the "Consultations about the Future of Scaltback and St Felix" sites, I would to make the following comments: 1. The concept of development of these two sites to
incorporate a mix of housing, employment, community and open space uses is something I accept. 2. Scaltback is surrounded by existing housing and has been used by Newmarket
Rugby Club since before the school was built on the site. It continues under active use by that club and by Newmarket Joggers junior section. In addition, the sports hall and
associated facilities are used on a weekly basis by badminton clubs from Newmarket. 3. It will be extremely difficult for Newmarket RUFC to find alternative space and equivalent
facilities within a reasonable distance of the town centre. 4. In the introduction to the four options to be considered, it mentions that ”Newmarket is well served for sports pitches”.
I understood that planning strategy documents going back to the late 1990s and up to 2011 indicated an 11 hectare shortage in sports pitch space and that the results of a pitch space
survey conducted last Autumn are still awaited. 5. It is for these reasons that I prefer “Option B” as these give the opportunity for continuity, club development and widening of the
sporting use of Scaltback.
See Appendix at on rear sheet
Yes, the information was clear. / Option B would be my preferred choice. My son plays rugby for Newmarket Rugby Club and therefore we are a regular user of the site, both on a
Sunday and also during the week for training sessions. The site is easily accessible, although parking can sometimes prove a bit tricky, but this is not a major issue. With so many
housing developments popping up all over the place, it would be a real shame to lose this site to more housing. There is not enough green open space in Newmarket for kids to play
on and I believe that taking this away and developing on it, would only contribute to kids playing in areas that they shouldn’t and not allowing them to develop outdoors sporting skills.
I would like to add my voice to those in support of Option B, and keeping rugby at Scaltback. I am a local, Suffolk resident and have been a coach in the minis (Under 7 and above)
age groups for 6 years. It is a thriving club, surprisingly successful considering its bigger neighbours in all directions, and still attracts a lot of youngsters to all the teams. They are
learning not only athletic skill but other important values such as respect and teamwork. Newmarket rugby club has for years been looking to find an alternative site, given the long
present threat of the school closure. We have failed to find anything suitable – I am sure you are aware that most of the land around here is owned by non-resident wealthy individuals
and used for horses. I am unclear where the idea that ‘Newmarket is well served for sports pitches’ comes from, my understanding is that planning strategy reports indicated quite the
opposite, and forcing Newmarket Rugby Club to move might actually initiate its demise, which would be a tragedy for the town. I hope you will therefore recommend Option B,
1. No - displays A B C + D did not suggest the number of houses in the separate sites. 2. Disappointing that interested visitors were not provided with copies of the displays to take
home and consider. / I am a member of Newmarket Rugby Club and would support continuation(?) of the clubhouse and rugby pitches.
Clear from the meeting there is further need for discussion. A clear group which would communicate the issues would be helpful. At this stage sharing of contact is a good idea.
Scaltback - would like to see some affordable housing as per option A. Open space and safer all the community not just the rugby club. St Felix - affordable housing and open space.
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I currently play badminton at Scaltback Middle School Sports Hall and would like for the school hall to be available for use as a sports facility when the school closes. As the mother of
two young children, I have only recently returned to playing badminton at St. Phillips ABC Badminton Club, having missed playing badminton for several years while raising my
children. My husband also plays badminton there, and our two daughters are also very keen to play. In fact, that they went for Junior course at Newmarket Leisure Centre just to find
out that they are too young for playing! If the Scaltback Middle School Sport Hall closes down it will affect us tremendously. Its location is perfect for us, being just a very short walk
from our house. It’s unlikely that we could afford to play elsewhere due to the extra cost and time to commute there. To play at Newmarket Leisure Centre costs a lot more than we
afford, as the cost there is significantly higher. So, please please please keep Scaltback Middle School Sport Hall open for everyone in Newmarket. And as far as I know, there are
also so many people travelling from other towns and villages to play badminton in the Scaltback Middle School Sport Hall.
I had no problem interpreting the information given at the meetings and elsewhere. / I generally have a great concern for the future of accessible green space in Newmarket, especially
to the North between Exning Road and the Fordham Road. Not only are we under threat of losing the George Lambton Field to unsuitable development, the possibilities for St Felix
offer us nothing better. I would therefore like to see St Felix developed as parkland for the residents of Newmarket to enjoy. While the play area behind the Town Hall is fantastic, it is
only small and Newmarket has no true town parkland area (I mean not just grass) with planting, ponds, play area etc. Would it not be a marvellous opportunity to give something to the
people to be proud of? Losing green open spaces is going to be a immense loss to us all, especially children who will be left without an easily accessible play space. If the so called
open space is moved to Newmarket College grounds that is too far away from the people who use the George Lambton field and is likely to be restricted in its use at the first signs of
problems. If we do not lose George Lambton to development, then If St Felix has to be developed, then it should not include industry otherwise we are going to be swamped. If it has
to have industry, then it must be light industry and not include Warehousing or buildings greater than 2 stories to keep the effects to us all to a minimum. I would still want to see the
current green space by the drain kept green, and after all it is a designated flood plain.
I suggest that you use the schools for Newmarket gymnastics club. Newmarket gymnastics club has been running successfully for over 12 years at the Newmarket leisure centre.
Unfortunately they have recently been told that they can no longer use the facilities at their usual times because it is needed for other reasons. They have already appealed to use the
hall for another day but they have refused. If they do not find a solution by September, 160 children who regularly enjoy effective and safe community gymnastics here will be utterly
disappointed as they will be no longer able to do this. There are also 150 children on the current waiting list. This would be a fantastic venue for Newmarket gymnastics club to
continue, and would satisfy a lot of people. I really hope you consider Newmarket gymnastics club, as they have no where else to go.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
16
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) A reasonable degree of housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a
varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and
ideally retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
I am writing to you to show our support of the proposal to re-develop Scaltback Middle School for community sports use. This will enable Newmarket Gymnastics Club to grow and
develop, bringing a wide variety of benefits to the local community.
As I am sure you are aware, the club will soon be losing half of their current training times due to demands of the local secondary school. This could result in the club having to close,
which I hope you agree will be a tremendous loss to the community of Newmarket.
Gymnastics has a wide spectrum of disciplines to participate in, offering something to everyone. It is vital that we encourage young children to take part in our sport as it provides them
with the fundamental skills necessary in several other sports, such as coordination, balance and strength. Newmarket Gymnastics Club are looking to introduce a comprehensive PreSchool programme if they are successful in gaining access to Scaltback Middle School, which offers activity to children as young as 18 months old, as well as their parents. They are
also keen to introduce Freestyle, a new activity targeting teenagers to ensure they stay active and are able to express
themselves outside of education. None of these developments would be possible if they were to stay in their current venue; Newmarket Leisure Centre.
We are very keen to support any project that will increase gymnastics participation and assist our sport to achieve its aims and objectives.
Demand for our sport is generally high throughout the country and we would be confident that Newmarket Gymnastics club would continue to grow and develop in a new facility, using
the extra time available to attract pre-school children as well as those aged 14+, alongside the age groups they’re already engaging with.
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As part of the developments we will encourage the club to create links with various community groups, which has not been possible before due to limited access at the leisure centre.
We will also work with the club to ensure they are offering leadership and volunteering
opportunities to young people in the local community, through our ‘My Leadership Academy’ programme. Providing the club access to Scaltback Middle School would facilitate the
legacy of the 2012 Olympics and the surge in interest that is likely to occur as a result. Furthermore, it will allow
the club to reduce their current waiting list of 150 children as the new venue will provide several more hours of access. The sustainability of this project is extremely important to us,
and to ensure that it is sustainable we will be working very closely with the club to support its development and
quality of delivery.
British Gymnastics and Sport England have previously supported similar projects that have shown great results with both increases in the number of gymnasts and levels of
performance. We can provide evidence on the results of such projects if you wish.
I would like to see Option B. The St. Felix site is far more suitable for housing than the Scaltback site. The St. Felix site is not too close to current housing. It would be great to see the
rugby club having the Scaltback site, but as that is a winter sport the Scaltback school sports hall should be retained for community use. This would be an option even if developing the
site later on and could be temporarily kept for community use. The Newmarket Gymnastics Club is losing its Wednesday slot at the Newmarket leisure centre. This is the loss of a club
which serves 160 children in Newmarket, with another 120 on the waiting list. Bearing in mind the governments' drive to get children fit and fight obesity, please can the Council
consider letting the Scaltback sports hall to the gym club, even on a temporary basis.
We are writing as representatives of the Newmarket community environmental group, ‘Go Wild In Newmarket’ (GWIN) http://gowildinnewmarket.otg.uk/default.aspx. We are concerned
that the strip of open grassland between the boundary of St Felix School and No.1 Drain, to the rear of the school, seems to fall within the redevelopment area for that school (diagram
shown) The land in red is described as “St. Felix Middle School Site” in the SCC document describing the “Future use of surplus middle school sites in Newmarket”. The land in green
(“St. Felix Meadow”) actually lies beyond the School boundary, and is managed by GWIN for FHDC. The site has only been known as “St. Felix Meadow” since 2010, after a public
name completion run by GWIN. Our group maintains this land (known as “St. Felix Meadow) on license from FHDC, and has been working there with local schools and residents since
2008. For instance, in 2010, members of the public helped us to plant 1,100 native trees in a wildlife hedge, and most recently a group of children from All Stains Primary School came
to plant out saplings which they have been caring for since they planted them as seeds 4 years ago. Local people have, therefore, invested considerable time and energy into this site,
thereby extending the
‘green corridor’ that runs from the town centre. (For further information and images, please see our website.) We wish to register our objection to the potential loss of this open space,
particularly as the adjacent open space, the ‘George Lambton Playing Fields’, is also under threat from redevelopment. We ask that the Suffolk County Council duly protects this
space from development, retaining it as an open space thus enabling GWIN to continue its environmental work there with the local community.,
For your additional reference: The license that GWIN has is worded thus: “The right to access the site for the purpose of planting maintaining and managing woodland meadow and
hedgerows thereon with a view to creating and maintaining a recreational and educational wild space for the benefit of the Community and enhancement of the natural environment”,
I am a regular user of Scaltback School Hall as a badminton player. I have used this facility for over 30 years and it would be incredibly sad, disruptive, inconvenient, etc., etc., apart
from a great shame to lose such a facility after all these years, if it were to close. I believe it is in everybody’s interests to keep this venue in use and as a club our shared views are as
follows:- i) High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities and the Scaltback hall and school has provided this for many
community groups over it’s lifetime including badminton clubs, Newmarket Rugby club, Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur
dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. My preference would be to adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve
the people of the town. ii) Regarding housing to satisfy the apparent housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture to contribute to a varied
demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that has hit the town recently, also retaining natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and ideally
retaining the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a shortage of public courts in town.
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I would support option B. Ÿ The rugby club and others have used Scaltback site since before the school was actually built. It is also surrounded by housing already. To my knowledge,
this site is used by the community much more already than the St Felix site which is used almost exclusively by the school. Ÿ The St Felix site is closer to the major road links and so
lends itself more readily to housing development. Ÿ Newmarket Rugby club will really struggle to find other facilities in a good location. Ÿ Option B will allow the sports clubs to develop
and continue relatively close to the town centre - this is really important as are better parking facilities. I am surprised to see the comment about Newmarket being served well by
sports pitches - I thought it had been found that there was a shortfall?,
I would like to give my support to the proposals for the Scaltback Middle School site to be used for leisure in the community, whether that is the well established and supported rugby
club or other long standing clubs such as the badminton club or new use by the leisure centre. The drama studio is also a valuable asset which could still be used by pupils at the
primary schools or Newmarket College. As a past pupil of the school and mother to a current pupil it would be an awful shame for these facilities not to be used in the future especially
as they are currently used so well. This green space should be used by the community and not just filled with housing.
I am a resident of Exning, but work in the Newmarket area & am associated with an environmental group that operates in the town. Having read the proposals for the development of
the St Felix CEVC Middle School site, I was pleased to see that the green area adjacent to the cycle & pedestrian walkway in to the town centre is not, at this point, being considered
for development as either housing or employment usages. I would lend my support to any plan which keeps this area as a green community space, as I am aware a lot of work has
been put in to creating an enjoyable wildlife and outdoor activity area for residents, and the area is important to a continuous 'green corridor' leading in to the town. As a potential first
time buyer, I would be pleased to see some housing put on the two sites, with retention of open spaces for use in the community, as these are very important the health and wellbeing
of the neighbourhoods they are in. I would hope that the provision would be made for any homes built to be within the grasp of residents and first time buyers, as there is a great need
for affordable housing in this area, something my partner & I are acutely aware of. I hope my comments will be taken in to consideration when proposals are formed for the two sites
and I thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail.
We would like to register our support for the Scaltback Middle School to be able to used by the various sporting clubs and societies within Newmarket. As part of the Olympic legacy
sport should be available to as many as possible, by closing it as a school Suffolk County Council have already taken opportunities away from Newmarket children and we would hope
that finally they would do something to benefit the town and it's residents.
Newmarket Gym Club is slowly being forced to leave Newmarket Sports Centre because of the pressures on Newmarket College as it grows under the 2 tier system. The club is likely
to have to close if an alternative venue cannot be found before Christmas. (It may be forced to close before then depending on how flexible the school are able to be). Please allow us
to move to Scaltback as part of the proposal by Anglia Community Leisure. It is the only viable alternative venue in the town we have found and believe the local community
desperately needs another sporting centre. The Club Was founded 15 years ago and has been a continuous part of Newmarket Leisure centre and the local community since. In that
time it has grown and has been in the main Hall since the re-opening of the Leisure centre. We believe the club has contributed enormously to the wellbeing of the local community
and specifically the children who are its members. Newmarket Gymnastic Club · Provides a safe physical activity for between 150 – 160 children a week. · Has over 150 children on
the waiting list, such is the clubs popularity. · Provides work experience for students and has funded over 20 coaching courses to give professional qualifications. · Provides volunteer
opportunities for people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. (Some of whom have gone onto gain qualifications and are employed by the club still today). · This year
has assisted 2 students who
needed assessing in Gymnastics as part of their GSCE’s. It is expected this would grow significantly next year. · The club had over 100 gymnasts attend the recent Festival of Sport
on the severals. · It has supported Newmarket Carnival extensively, having won best float a record 9 times. · The club is fully affiliated to British Gymnastics and holds the prestigious
‘Gym mark’ demonstrating children are taught in a safe and effective environment. · Employs 13 part time staff…...who will have to be made redundant. · It is a 'not for profit' club and
believes strongly in ‘sport for all’ keeping fees to a
minimum and relying heavily on volunteers still. This volunteer club (CASC) has faithfully served the community for over 15 years, to force it to close because an alternative sporting
venue could not be located would surely be wrong.,
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I write to object to the 4 proposals that have been demonstrated in recent weeks for the future use of the sites for Scaltback and St Felix Schools in Newmarket. I feel that the public
have been given the impression that these are the ONLY options. The relentless plans for housing development in Newmarket will damage the Racing and training industry and this
message needs to be understood by those seeking to treat Newmarket as a clone town. Horse racing is better served by a rural environment and Newmarket has already been
overdeveloped to the point where horse racing is challenged and, indeed, open space is not adequate to conform to the Government Open Space guidelines. The infrastructure in
Newmarket (no station, merely a stop on the line, no hospital, no police station and no out of hours Doctors service) cannot cope with the number of people here already, so to further
put stress on the community is short-sighted and UNSUSTAINABLE. Additionally, following the successful Judicial Review of the Core Strategy, Newmarket has not been identified as
needing more housing (indeed, there are no housing numbers due to the current single issue housing review which is underway) and to even suggest building hundreds of houses
without addressing, amongst other things, the current community needs for open space is premature. Scaltback site should be allocated to the Rugby Club as has been requested. A
Gym club that just this week threatened with closure due to lack of facilities could also be accommodated within the facilities of the Rugby Club. The St Felix site should be all open
space or perhaps could be considered for the re location of Fairstead School and kept for its educational use which I understand has still not been sanctioned for release.
I write to object to the 4 proposals that have been demonstrated in recent weeks for the future use of the sites for Scaltback and St Felix Schools in Newmarket. I feel that the public
have been given the impression that these are the ONLY options. The relentless plans for housing development in Newmarket will damage the Racing and training industry and this
message needs to be understood by those seeking to treat Newmarket as a clone town. Horse racing is better served by a rural environment and Newmarket has already been
overdeveloped to the point where horse racing is challenged and, indeed, open space is not adequate to conform to the Government Open Space guidelines. The infrastructure in
Newmarket (no station, merely a stop on the line, no hospital, no police station and no out of hours Doctors service) cannot cope with the number of people here already, so to further
put stress on the community is short-sighted and UNSUSTAINABLE. Additionally, following the successful Judicial Review of the Core Strategy, Newmarket has not been identified as
needing more housing (indeed, there are no housing numbers due to the current single issue housing review which is underway) and to even suggest building hundreds of houses
without addressing, amongst other things, the current community needs for open space is premature. Scaltback site should be allocated to the Rugby Club as has been requested. A
Gym club that just this
week threatened with closure due to lack of facilities could also be accommodated within the facilities of the Rugby Club. The St Felix site should be all open space or perhaps could
be considered for the re location of Fairstead School and kept for its educational use which I understand has still not
been sanctioned for release.
Newmarket is underprovided in sports & leisure facilities (a visit to the sports centre any evening will prove that!) The current leisure centre will continue to be overstretched, especially when there are two more year groups using Newmarket College. The front page of the Newmarket Journal this week is 'Gym Club in Crisis' as they have been
informed they cannot use the main hall on Wednesdays from September 2012. Possibly the first casualty......? The Scaltback site has been used for many years as home to
Newmarket Rugby Club. The sports hall provides them with indoor training facilities and is also used by two popular badminton clubs (four evenings a week) both also running
successful junior clubs. For a number of years the town has discussed having a new 'Sports Hub' (land previously earmarked included Pinewood Stud) but I believe Scaltback is the
natural site to fulfil this need, as the majority of the facilities are already there (pitches, sports hall, tennis courts) but are just in need of slight refurbishment rather than starting
a hub from scratch. If the Scaltback site is lost to housing development, Newmarket will possibly lose a number of sports clubs, which will be disastrous especially in the year of the
London Olympics! Therefore, my preference would be for Option B, which allows a reasonable amount of housing on the St Felix site, but retains the Scaltback site so it can continue
to serve the people of Newmarket & improve both sports & leisure facilities for the town.
This is to confirm your conversation with members of Save Historic Newmarket Action Group (SHNAG) at the consultation for the Newmarket Middle School sites and Cathy Lecheheb
on 4th May, that we would like a further consultation with you regarding the future use of these two sites.
We confirm our view that the suggested 4 housing and industrial development plans put forward during the consultation are unacceptable for Newmarket.
SHNAG is an Action Group. Action Groups are formed when residents perceive such damage being perpetrated on their community (by assorted officialdom/developers in this case)
that they feel they have no alternative but to stand up for their town. Accordingly, SHNAG was founded by residents in part to preserve and enhance Newmarket as the worldwide
Historic Home of Horseracing after it became apparent that local district planning officers appeared to be ignorant of the special significance of the town, and the destructive
consequence of their mantra: “Newmarket is the biggest conurbation in the District and needs to take its proportionate share of housing”. The relentless plans for housing development
in Newmarket will damage the Racing and training industry and this message needs to be understood by those seeking to treat Newmarket as a clone town.
Please note that in recent months we have come to understand that SCC is supportive of Newmarket’s special status and the benefit to the entire community (as well as nationally) of
enhancing and preserving Newmarket.
Additionally, now that the £4.2 million grant for the Palace House National Horseracing Museum and heritage centre has been forthcoming, Newmarket
will be attracting more tourists (estimates of 50,000) to the main industry (horseracing) in the town and, if treated sensitively, will contribute very importantly to Suffolk’s economy.
The main roads from these two school sites (Fordham Road and Exning Road) are already famously gridlocked
during the day and there is far too much traffic for 3,000 horses to safely navigate the town. Horse racing is better served by a rural environment and Newmarket has already been
20
overdeveloped to the point where horse racing is challenged and, indeed, open space is not adequate to conform to
the Government Open Space guidelines.
The infrastructure in Newmarket (no station, merely a stop on the line, no hospital, no police station and no out of hours Doctors service) cannot cope with the number of people here
already, so to further put stress on the community is short-sighted and
UNSUSTAINABLE.
Additionally, following the successful Judicial Review of the Core Strategy, Newmarket has not been identified as needing more housing (indeed, there are no housing numbers due to
the current single issue housing review which is underway) and to even suggest building
hundreds of houses without addressing, amongst other things, the current community needs for open space is premature.
We believe that the Scaltback site should be allocated to the Rugby Club and the St Felix site should be all open space with a park for young people and a possible community centre
for parents while the young children are playing.
We would be pleased if you could prepare further plans to that effect which could also be put forward at the consultations to show the community what other uses these sites could be
utilised.
In conclusion, we would like to make it clear that we greatly appreciate SCC’s commitment to Newmarket and this process of consultation with Newmarket residents.
Thank you.
I am writing to propose that you consider using some part of the surplus middle school sites in Newmarket to build a new primary school. I realise that the land has been deemed
“surplus to the needs of education”, but I believe that the situation with regard to primary schools in the town has changed since this decision was taken. Please consider the points
below: Ÿ It is recognised that in the near future there will be a nationwide shortage of primary school places (see:
http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00199879/allocation-of-extra-500-million-to-address-the-shortage-in-pupil-places ) Ÿ Reception classes in Newmarket’s primary
schools have been filled to capacity for two years running. In order to cope with the 2011-12 intake, an extra Reception class had to be created at Laureate Primary School. Regarding
the 2012-13 intake, there are 4-year-olds who are being offered places 10 miles away in Tuddenham, because there are no places available in Newmarket; this issue remains
unresolved at the moment, as it is under appeal. Please note that these children have not missed out on places because their parents chose to apply to a school other than their
catchment school – they have applied for places in their catchment school, and followed procedure correctly. In summary, the shortage of primary school places already exists in
Newmarket, and nationwide trends will only exacerbate the problem. Ÿ There have been appeals arising out of
the lack of reception class places for the past 2 years. A system which leads to repeated appeals wastes resources, in particular the valuable time of the head teachers and council
staff, as well as bringing great anxiety to the families involved. Ÿ There is currently no room in the 2012-13 intake for
any child who may move into Newmarket; indeed, the strong likelihood that there are already children who have moved into the area since the allocation of all available reception
places convinces me that the situation across the town is almost certainly even more serious than I am aware of.
Ÿ One reason that the over-subscription of reception classes in Newmarket is more acute than in other areas of Suffolk is that the town has welcomed, and continues to welcome, a
large number of immigrants who have come specifically to work in the horse racing industry, and who are
permitted to bring their families to live with them. It is only relatively recently (probably in the last two to three years) that the families have started to arrive, and it often turns out that
the children are primary school-aged or younger. It is therefore likely that a significant factor in the sudden apparent
inaccuracy in predicted primary school numbers is that estimates were based on the number of individual adult workers arriving, without recognition that a good proportion of these
would be followed by their families. Moreover, in many cases, the birth-rate among the nationalities who are coming to work here is relatively high, so that the situation is on-going, and
not likely to change. Any future prediction of the number of primary school places required in Newmarket which does not take these factors into account will be hopelessly inadequate.
Ÿ Having children of many nationalities and
languages in our schools represents a wonderful opportunity to break down barriers and increase community cohesion and tolerance. However, lack of resources always opens the
way for resentment and racial tension. Although clearly undesirable, it is sadly only to be expected that anyone who
has always lived in Newmarket might resent the fact that their child did not get a primary school place, while the child of a relatively recently arrived family did. I believe very strongly
that having an awareness of this situation, and the consequent potential for division within the community, makes it
imperative that we take steps to alleviate the pressure on primary school places now. I consider that it is our responsibility to make sure that a,
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situation does not arise in the near future where immigrant families are blamed for an inadequate number of primary school places, which could have been foreseen and responded to
if the factors described above were given proper consideration by the appropriate authorities. Ÿ Your proposals for the use of the middle school sites envisage that some housing will
be built on this land, which will therefore increase the town’s population, and, therefore, place yet more pressure on primary school places. Ÿ It would be very difficult simply to enlarge
Newmarket’s current primary schools, as the sites were originally intended to hold 5 year groups, and the schools have already been extended to cope with 2 extra year groups as a
result of the SOR. Ÿ Even if the process of building a new school were started immediately, there would presumably be a number of years before that school could be ready to receive
children. This means that even in the best case scenario, we still face a number of years where there will be young children for whom there is no school place in Newmarket; it does
not seem wise to prolong this situation any longer than is necessary. The possibility of building a new primary school on one of the middle school sites offers a number of further
advantages: Ÿ Currently, the map of catchment areas in Newmarket has a number of anomalies. For instance, many roads leading off the northern end of Fordham Road (to the north
east of the town) are part of the Houldsworth Valley catchment (to the west), and anyone living along the Bury Road, or lower part of Snailwell Road (to the east) is part of the All
Saints catchment (to the south). In each case, children need to cross (or bypass) busy roads which form natural dividing lines across the town (in particular, Exning Road, the High
Street and Bury Road). If a new school were built on the St. Felix site, these irregularities could be corrected, and more children would live within walking distance of their schools. Ÿ
Local people are still saddened by the closure of the middle schools, and I believe there would be a very positive response to the opening of a new school, particularly on the St. Felix
site. Ÿ It is always good to be ‘ahead of the game’; setting up a system whereby Newmarket had good primary school place provision would make the town more attractive than places
which have not yet been forced by necessity to expand their primary schools. Ÿ Having a primary school on the site of one of the former middle schools would involve a portion of the
land being used as playing fields, as currently, with the resultant advantage for wildlife and the environment. Ÿ A new primary school would obviously not require the same amount of
space as a middle school, so some land would still be released. Ÿ SCC owns the land already – there would be no purchase price. If primary school places are already
oversubscribed, then the predicted nationwide shortage of places will certainly necessitate the building of a school in the future. The cost of the land (and the difficulty in finding a
location) for such a school if it were built after the sale of the middle school sites should therefore be factored into any decisions. Seeing that it is intended that any “capital receipts
arising from the disposal of these sites will be reinvested in education”, it seems perfectly reasonable to use the
land itself for any educational need that is recognised before the land is sold. I am sure that you have at heart the best interests of the people of Newmarket, and that, like me, you
believe that it is completely unacceptable to propose to send 4-year-old children on a 15-minute taxi ride from
Newmarket to school in Tuddenham every day. I would therefore request that before you make any decision on the future of the middle school sites in Newmarket, you ask for details
about the primary school provision in the town (including the precise situation with the 2012-13 reception intake)
and in particular, that you check that any future projections of population growth in Newmarket have taken proper consideration of those on-going trends in the migration of workers
which I have mentioned above. I have no doubt that your decisions will be carefully considered; community division and racial tension, and all their associated problems, would be a
terrible price for the people of Newmarket to pay, and one which I sincerely hope can be avoided through your foresight and determination. Please do not hesitate to contact me for
further discussion of this issue; I look forward to hearing from you.
I'm writing regarding the consultation for the future use of the existing Middle schools in Newmarket. I'm not as familiar with the St Felix site and the needs of its immediate area, so my
main comments are regarding the Scaltback site. I think that the Scaltback site would be best used for sports facilities. I understand that Newmarket rugby club and other sport clubs
would like to continue using the site, and this definitely seems to be a good option for the local community. I think that its close proximity to Newmarket leisure centre lends scope to it
being an outdoor sports facility to complement the indoor facilities of the leisure centre. Regarding the school itself, I have a concern about the buildings and grounds when the school
is closed for the summer. Children already climb through the fences and onto the roofs of the school on weekends and I'm concerned that this could escalate further. Closed school
sites unfortunately seem to have an appeal for children, and I'm concerned for their safety and of others. I hope that sufficient security measures are put in place to prevent accidents
or arson.
I am writing on behalf of the Forest Heath School Sports Partnership (FHSSP), which has enjoyed a very positive relationship with both St Felix and Scaltback Middle Schools since
we were established in 2006. Currently, FHSSP uses the Scaltback site to host a number of inter school festivals and competitions that attract entries from schools in both the
Newmarket and Mildenhall pyramids. In the 2011/12 academic year alone, we have held athletics, tennis, netball, badminton, cricket, football and rugby competitions for various age
groups, which have benefited in excess of 450 participants. FHSSP has not used the St Felix site for similar purposes due to its limited space and facilities. Loss of the Scaltback site,
in particular, will have a significant impact on the ability of the FHSSP to host inter school competitions in Newmarket. The increase in pupil numbers at Newmarket College and the
subsequent requirement for the greater use of facilities there, will make it difficult to hold similar events in the future without impacting upon the quality and safety of those events. The
school field at Newmarket College is widely used by the public and there are very real concerns about hosting large scale events there when access to the site cannot be controlled.
Underpinning all the work of the FHSSP is a desire to integrate more young people into community sports clubs, fostering a desire for lifelong participation in sport and physical
activity. If the Scaltback site were allocated to housing or business development at the expense of the community facilities it would displace a number of sports clubs that are
dependent upon the facilities for their existence. This at a time when the country is about to host the biggest sporting festival of its kind; a time when we arguably have the best
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possible opportunity to improve our sporting landscape and encourage a legacy of participation. The preferred option of the FHSSP would be to see the Scaltback site completely
assigned to community use as a home for Newmarket Rugby Club, Newmarket Joggers and Newmarket and St Phillips Badminton Clubs as well as other community groups.
Newmarket Gymnastics Club could be relocated to benefit from a specific site and a commercial venture for toddler play - sadly lacking in the town - could also be located there.
Underpinning the allocation of the site to community use should be a commitment to sports and community development. All clubs benefitting from the situation should commit to
obtaining Sport England's Clubmark accreditation or their National Governing Body equivalent and they should also be encouraged to forge strong relationships with the primary
schools and college in the town. Any organisation given the contract or responsibility for managing the site should, as a matter of course, be required to commit to sports and
community development and assign funding accordingly. To offset the allocation of Scaltback to community use and the loss of revenue for SCC, the St Felix site should be given over
to housing development, which would offer considerable
opportunity for revenue generation for the Council. The loss of open space could be offset by further investment in the community facilities at Scaltback and further funding required for
the development of the Scaltback site could be realised through Section 106 funding or the Community Infrastructure Levy. Discussions would therefore need to be had with senior
officers at Forest Heath District Council in an effort to reach agreement on such a policy. I would be happy to contribute further to discussions and can be contacted on the details
below.
I am contacting you with my concerns around the proposed development of the Scaltback School site. The access road that runs adjacent to Exning Road and down the side of the
school, is the access road for me to get to my house/drive at the very end. I live on King Edward Vii Road. Currently this is also access for all of those residents of Exning Road, and
there are various issues with parking, the road condition and predominately the condition of the fence. It is a concern of mine, around the future security of the building, once the
school has closed. And the possibility of more damage occurring to buildings and fences. It also concerns me that children already climb through fences and roofs of the buildings, and
I am very concerned for they're safety. Not only that, but empty buildings are appealing to possible attacks of vandalism and arson. I did come to the consultation, and have studied
the proposals thoroughly. I feel it would be a great shame to loose the playing fields, which are used continually by rugby and football clubs. As it's very enjoyable to watch the games,
which I and my family do often. I would strongly urge the area to remain green, for the use of sporting activities. (Plan B) As I feel there are too few areas in Newmarket that can
accommodate such activities. And with the leisure centre being near by, I feel they can compliment each other. If housing was to be built, the surrounding road infrastructure would be
totally inadequate for the development. It would also put a huge strain on the area, causing issues with travel and parking. To put more people on this development, would also mean
a greater need for greener space. And as the site is currently housing this need, it's seems ridiculous to then build on it and loose it. I hope my thoughts and concerns are noted, and
may be of some use to the decisions ahead.
As the scenarios presented in the consultation don’t appear to provide much detail my response will be what I consider to be the priorities for deriving a plan for the two sites, namely:
i)
High priority is a community use facility as Newmarket is already underprovided in sports and leisure facilities. Scaltback hall, school and grounds have provided for many
community groups over it’s lifetime (40 years) including badminton clubs (and I am a member of one of those clubs - see attached newspaper article), Newmarket Rugby club,
Ipswich Football club, chess club, Big Band practice, evening classes, parties, amateur dramatics rehearsals, etc, etc. A logical proposal is therefore to retain this and maybe
adapt the existing hall and whatever parts of the buildings may be appropriate to provide a facility that will continue to serve the people of the town and I believe that ACL and
the rugby club have made proposals so I would, in principle, support those.
ii)
ii) A reasonable degree of housing, ideally on the St Felix site, to meet the apparent local housing demand / need and provide a financial return to SCC - ideally a mixture of
housing types and household sizes to provide a varied demographic in the town rather than the large scale social housing that appears to me to have swamped the town
recently.
iii)
iii) I hope that any developments can also retain natural features (St Felix has trees and natural landscaping) and ideally retain the tennis courts on St Felix as there is a
shortage of public courts in town.
iv)
iv) I am aware of several other proposals for developments in town (on George Lambton Fields / Houldsworth Valley playing fields, Exning Rd - old gas works, Queensbury
Lodge, etc) so I would love to see a strategic plan for developing all these sites, including the 2 middle schools, as it must be possible to do so such that we have new and
improved facilities rather than just more houses and a continuing decline in facilities and services in the town. Therefore an appeal to SCC, FHDC, Nkt Town Council (despite
the racing industry) and developers to get their acts together!
I look forward to future proposals.
Unclear…!? / The consultation doesn't appear to provide much detail of a plan for the two sites, priority must be given to providing more sports & leisure facilities to ease an already
overbooked Newmarket sports centre…many community groups use Scaltback hall, I myself have been playing Badminton there for almost 40 years...! The people of the town are not
always considered albeit horses are! ...The loss of such a facility at Scaltback sports hall would be a disgrace & a smack in the face for youngsters & established sports clubs, music &
drama groups, etc...all desperate to retain this facility for future enjoyment!!
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Unclear…!? / The consultation doesn't appear to provide much detail of any plan but real priority must be given to providing more sports & leisure facilities as Newmarket sports centre
cannot accommodate any more court time/sports clubs. I play Badminton at the much needed Scaltback hall & have two small boys who will hopefully look to join sports clubs & play
in the town, but there will be nowhere for them to do this if facilities such as the Scaltback hall are lost...!! It must be retained for community use!
Despite reports to the contrary (from Suffolk County Council), I do not feel Newmarket is "well served" with maintained green open spaces and am concerned that the council seems
intent on building on them all. There are other areas that could be developed without losing these (the old gasworks in Exning Rd, Queensbury Lodge, the old swimming pool to name
three). The St Felix site could be developed for housing/industry if George Lambton playing fields is retained as a playing field/open space. There is little point in building family homes
and then leaving no free play areas for their children and this would also leave the much used skate park intact. I understand Newmarket Rugby Club would like to stay at the
Scaltback site and this seems to be a well thought out and sensible proposal as it would also allow the other numerous clubs to continue use of the site (Newmarket junior joggers,
badminton, dance and gymnastics), as well as securing their future. Newmarket Town Youth Football play out at Dullingham due to lack of space and facilities in the town and it would
be detrimental if the rugby club had to move out of town too. What about those parents who do not/cannot drive? The town needs facilities in the town (the memorial gardens are far
too small to serve the whole area). Also, why does every proposal include a footpath link to Collins Place. This is a quiet residential area and does not lead anywhere. This needs to
be reconsidered as it is
unnecessary.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking time last week to discuss the needs of our vulnerable individuals and the potential for incorporating their needs for
independent living accommodation to be taken into consideration in the consultation for the re- development of community resources on the St. Felix or Scaltback School Sites in
Newmarket.
The local authority approached us and other family’s a year ago with a view to providing housing under a shared equity scheme, the accommodation was to be a cluster of 4
bungalows purpose built to meet the needs of our individuals under the “Moving on Scheme”. The officials representing the local authorities were:- Paul Mitchell – Adult Care Manager,
Suffolk County Council; Jan Wakeling – Social Worker, Suffolk County Council.
As a matter of confidentiality I am unable to provide names of all the parties requiring the accommodation but I’m sure either Jan Wakeling or Paul Mitchell could provide this detail.
Both of the officials considered that there was an urgent need for individuals in Newmarket who area assessed as having needs within the autistic spectrum disorder and with
associated complex needs to have a housing provision that will enable them to live independently with support and offer a secure future within their own community. Jan Wakeling has
confirmed that a mortgage has been secured to enable the purchase of a shared equity property for our severely disabled adult daughter – it is understood by carers that this scheme
is supported by the government for disabled people, Jan Wakeling would be able to provide more details on this scheme. Unfortunately the original housing plans at (Freshfields
Estate in Newmarket) were withdrawn following objections from local residence
which was supported by a local councillor, there have been no suitable sites identified since this withdrawal.
With the planned closure of the school sites it would appear to present an ideal opportunity to provide the much needed space to grant a future for the vulnerable individuals in our
society with the local authority granting these people a place in our community at the same time as meeting their liability to people living with autistic spectrum disorder and a severe
learning disability.
WHY IS THIS LAND IN NEWMARKET IMPORTANT TO THESE PEOPLE
 The land would continue to be used to serve special people in our community with needs that can be met now and well into the future with the growing number of these individuals.
 The project would provide employment to the local community
 The liability of the local authority in respect to the autistic spectrum disorder
legislation would be fulfilled.
 Would allow our folk to continue to engage with the community and local resources in their home town which they have been familiar with for all of their lives.
 To avoid a possible crisis situation arising due to illness of carers etc…. crisis could incur considerable cost to county council to provide out of county placements due to no
suitable housing available within Suffolk.
 Single storey accommodation would be preferable for shared equity purchases as these will be more saleable to other or similar disabilities at some stage in the future.
WHY ARE OUT OF TOWN OR RURAL AREAS NOT SUITABLE
 Familiar locality – autistic people require little change in the environment as possible – our folk have lived in Newmarket all of their lives. Ÿ
 A need to remain in a locality close to their family and friends – this will enable family to be fully involved in the transition from the family home into independent living.
 Difficulty in staff recruitment to cover 24/7 cover.
 Bus routes – rural areas have limited bus connections and limited low rise buses.
 Not close to community activities – swimming pool/leisure centre/town centre etc-high transport costs to access services/facility’s.
 Not close to GP/Health centre. Ÿ Isolation within a rural community – this group would become isolated, they enjoy people watching” in the park, supermarket or town.
 High transport costs into town with the addition of extra staffing requirements for vehicle escorts. Adult Care Services risk assessments outline the need for specialist vehicles and
escorts for some customers in this group.
 Often hidden away surrounded by fields and lanes thereby adding to their isolation rather than being interactive with the general public/community.
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I’m sure that if these people had true choices they would not choose to be hidden away and disconnected from the general public even though they do favour their own company
above the crowd on occasions.
County Council ACS team have identified a need for land to house people with Autism in Newmarket. Without County Council bidding on our behalf for land that is actively sourced by
their own department will leave our people with nowhere to go.
Xx forwarded your email to me as we both have dependant adult children living in Newmarket. Currently xx x attends the Bury resource unit therefore I am in a better position to give
input into the needs of people that access the Newmarket CRU. Please see emails below following the consultation I attended on the 26th May 2012. Newmarket Cru: I have
contacted other carers [listed below]to gain their input into this response all of whom have stated that their adult children require a building based unit in Newmarket in order to
continue to meet their needs any reduction in this service would have a significant impact on the families involved. Mr & Mrs xx – x – x Mr & Mrs x – x – Downs syndrome/Mrs x – x –
Downs syndrome/Mrs x– x– Downs syndrome/Mrs x – x /Mr xx – / Mr & Mrs x – x. Currently the service is provided at the magistrates court Lisburn Road. The current accommodation
was not designed to meet the needs of vulnerable people such as ours and lacks an outside area or any clear glass in the main building other than the kitchen area. On the plus side
the building has ample space to allow for people within the unit to have their own personal space/ relaxation areas/separate office area/kitchen/disabled changing area/shower etc. In
a new provision all the above would continue to be a requirement with the addition of an outside area to
enable people to sit and relax in a safe environment. The carers that I have been able to contact have expressed a need for a continuation of a safe environment to meet the needs of
our vulnerable people with learning disabilities this alongside a provision to maintained a structured programme of
activities within the building and in a proximity to access the community in a meaningful way.....a wander round the shops/library/museums on a regular basis will not provide a
meaningful fulfilling life for these people. If a suitable building based service is not provided our disabled family members will inevitably spend more time within the family home being
supported by their personal assistants, this will inevitably encroach on the privacy of the rest of the family members which could result in family breakdowns. Suitable Housing –
Homes for LDS: Suitable housing in the form of Bungalows to provide accommodation for people with different types of disability including learning disabilities/ physical
disabilities/epilepsy etc./Two bedrooms to provide a facility for staff to sleep in./Safety features e.g. secure cupboards for medications/cleaning products etc./Garden area to
enable a sense of a true home./Adequate space to allow 24/7 care to be provided./Kitchen large enough to provide a sitting area for meals./Comfortable lounge area to provide a
relaxing environment./Communal area such as a conservatory /Occupants would require a comprehensive
assessment in order to provide for their personal requirements e.g. adapted toilets, wet rooms, and many other specific requirements associated with their disability./Security both
inside and outside of the buildings to ensure safety while being cared for./Core and cluster environment to avoid
becoming isolated./Close proximity to the Community resource unit to enable residents to access the unit and meet with their peer group and friends. We all understand that we are
experiencing as period of austerity however our families already know the true meaning of austerity - further cuts will
impact on everybody - ultimately the community at large will be left to pick up the pieces - only in time will we be able to make a true evaluation on whether the CUTS were worth it or
indeed turn out to be a costly exercise.
I have been employed by NSFT in the role of locum Consultant Psychiatrist providing out patient care for adults with learning disability who reside in West Suffolk.
During the time in my professional role I have become aware of a lack of services in Newmarket and the need for supported housing for people on the autistic spectrum and learning
disabilities as also a building fit for purpose at the Community resource unit. I have been made aware that there is a consultation in progress on land that will become available due to
the closure of middle schools in Newmarket. This land could provide much needed homes for this group of individuals, which would enable them to develop their independence and
potentially avoid the need for crisis intervention due to break down or illness of their family carers. In this event it is possible that out of county placements would be required due to the
complex needs of these individuals and lack of appropriate homes in West Suffolk/Newmarket for people with autistic spectrum disorders.
It is my opinion people with these complex needs would benefit from being housed in Newmarket, close to their families and community peer group, in a small cluster group enabling
more cost effective 24/7 staff support to all the residents that are assessed as requiring this input.
An important element in the lives of people with autistic needs is to maintain consistency, familiarity and limited change in their lives. By providing land for local housing to this group it
would benefit them greatly and aid transition to their independence.
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I am writing on behalf of the Galaxy Big Band to register the difficulty we face over the closure of Scaltback Middle School. Our interests in the school are that, since our inauguration
1999, we have hired the Drama Studio for regular practice between 8 and 10 pm almost every Thursday evening. This has been an ideal practice room for us, with excellent location,
facilities and a very good acoustic. The results of our progress speak for themselves inasmuch as we have become one of the finest Big Bands in East Anglia, and we feel we make a
positive addition to music in the Town. We are very keen to remain based in Newmarket and over many recent weeks we have worked hard to find a suitable alternative venue with no
success to date. If there is any way in which the excellent facility at Scaltback can remain open for our use, then we will be most grateful to hear from you. Also, we will be pleased to
have your advice on what we would need to do to support any movement in favour of retaining the facility or in finding a viable alternative.
On behalf of the Galaxy Big Band I wrote to Graham Macpherson regarding our problem – we didn’t have anywhere to practice following the closure of Scaltback School. I spoke to
Graham today and he offered us a few ideas and also passed on to us some ideas that you also had in mind. We’ve had very, very many happy practice nights at Scaltback which
was a perfect venue, and it is with some sorrow that we see its demise. I am writing to say that we’ve made a lot of enquiries to try and find a new venue, including all of those you
have mentioned (other than Studlands Sports and Social Club). We are currently considering the Community Centre (Little Buds Pre-School) also on Studlands, and this may suit our
needs, as it is available 8 to 10pm Thursday evenings, accessible for equipment, close to our previous “home”, warm in winter and, most importantly has the right acoustic. We haven’t
completed negotiations here, but it looks promising. If it doesn’t work out, we are back at square one and will be considering options. The main purpose of writing is to let you know
how far we have got in our search for a new home and to thank you and everyone else who has been supporting us with ideas.
Now that the consultation period over the future of the St Felix school site is nearing an end I feel it is time to write to you.
At the two meetings I attended, one at the Scaltback School and the other at the NTC offices in the Memorial Hall, you made it very clear that, although SCC had put forward four
ideas, these were just ideas and not necessarily set in stone and, if the community would like to see other plans for the site, then these would be considered.
My son went to Fairstead House on the Fordham Road. This is an exceptional independent school and he was extremely happy there. The school has three entrances/exits along its’
boundary with the Fordham Road horsewalk/pavement and, sadly, with the increase in traffic and equine movements along the Fordham Road, it has become increasingly difficult to
ensure the safety of children and other pedestrians, motorists, riders and horses.
Over the years, Fairstead House has expanded in order to upgrade its facilities. They have recently put in an application to build more classrooms but, in reality, they do not have the
space to do so if they wish to retain a playground. In addition, there are no sports facilities at the school and, currently, the children are bussed to Exning to play sports on a site kindly
donated by a local landowner.
Having spoken to the representatives from the school, they have indicated that they would be very keen to explore the possibility of relocating to the St Felix school site. It
is ideally situated and has the potential that their current site lacks. It also would alleviate the traffic/horse congestion on the Fordham Road which is only going to become more of a
concern with the completion of a new 100 box yard at the bottom of the Snail well Road.
My feeling is that it would be entirely appropriate to replace a school with a school and that there is no other suitable piece of land for Fairstead House to relocate to in Newmarket. I
would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and look forward to hearing from you.
Pupil forecast data indicates that we will need to provide additional primary school places in Newmarket from September 2013 and beyond. A number of options are being explored
with head teachers and governors in the area including the re-location of an existing primary school onto the Scaltback Middle School site. These options will then be developed into
firm proposals for further consultation in the wider community.
Proposals for the St Felix School Site – Newmarket
ACS has a group of 12 people identified who require housing in the near future. Some people are living with older carers who are struggling to cope and some are in expensive out
county residential care. Of the 12, 6 are already in receipt of significant care packages or their eligibility for new revenue funding has been agreed in principle. ACS also has some
capital that it could contribute to the development costs.
 The scheme will need to be for shared ownership
 5 self contained units plus a central hub that can provide communal space and a base for the staff team/sleep in room. The communal space will need to facilitate easy access to
each of the other properties
 3 properties will need to be fully to wheelchair standard including wet rooms, but 2 properties could be houses
 Each property will need a small self contained garden preferably backing onto open space as at least 2 of the customers can be noisy
 A mixture 1 and 2 bed units
 The 1 bed units to be a minimum of 55sq metres
 The communal space to be a minimum of 40 sq metres
 Parking for a minimum of 8 cars
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
There will be specific design features required
 Soundproofing
 Separate kitchen from living room
 Robust fixtures/fittings that can be secured to the floor/wall
 Recessed light fittings etc
In addition to the above - and in an ideal world, there is also the need for 2/3 “general needs” flats near by for people who need low level support but due to vulnerability issues need to
live in a “safe” environment where additional support could be easily facilitated. ACS does not have any capital contribution for these units.
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