Bike tracks and cycling hub planned for popular park in Sheffield

Access Sport wants to build bike tracks in Hillsborough Park near the existing tennis courts.

It is part of its Making Trax Programme to create a network of inclusive community cycling clubs with facilities across the country.

If approved by Sheffield Council, the area will be lit by floodlights and include a main pump track, a beginner's pump track, a 'learn to ride' area and two shipping containers to store equipment.

Access Sport also want to develop a volunteer-led community club which will be based at the park and provide coaching sessions.

The plans include bird and bat boxes and additional tree planting to boost biodiversity and mitigate flood risk.

In their application statement, they said: "Access Sport intend that the track will be an open access, all ages and all abilities facility and aim to develop a club, based at the track, with storage facilities for equipment and regular coaching sessions."

During a consultation phase, Access Sport and Sheffield Council carried out an online questionnaire, of which 868 were completed, and workshops with stakeholders to gauge the acceptability of the plans.

They said overall the results of these were 'very positive' and there was a 'high level of enthusiasm' for the proposals.

But on the council's planning portal, public opinion was more divided.

So far 23 people have written to the council to object and 33 in support.

Nearby residents raised concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour, harm to wildlife and that it could be an eyesore.

While those in support say it could benefit health and wellbeing and potentially decrease anti social behaviour.

To comment on the plans, go to https://planningapps.sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=Q8XWP5NYJUQ00

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