Sports centre plan for eyesore plot

The centre and Multiple Use Games Area (MUGA) would be the first facility of its kind in Scout Hill, at the site between Craven Road and Mavis Street.

The land has become a hotspot for dog fouling, fly tipping, and drug and alcohol abuse. It has also been used as quick getaway for burglars escaping to the railway line, according to documents submitted to Kirklees Council by architect Stuart Hartley.

There have been several planning applications lodged for the site, including housing and business use, but all have been refused.

Mr Hartley said: “Currently the site is overgrown and desperately in need of some form of regeneration.

“There are no provisions whatsoever for young people and there have not been any for 20 years despite numerous promises from previous political parties. There is an obvious lack of funding for investment into youth provisions.

“The complex will not only target the young, but people of all ages promoting healthy living. There will also be scope to have a sports cafe serving healthy light snacks and refreshments catering to the sports enthusiasts, with live sporting events being shown such as football fixtures and boxing matches.”

The sports centre and courts would be protected by a 2.5 metre high security fence.

There would be 42 car parking spaces and three disabled spaces at the site and local residents would be allowed to park there out of hours.

The landowner is Camran Ishaq, of Stoney Bank Street, Scout Hill. Members of the public have until Tuesday to comment on the proposals.