Oaklands College development proposed......

[AFF]

According to the St Albans Observer this morning, plans for a £100 million development in the Green Belt on the Smallford campus at Oaklands College are to be submitted to St Albans District Council by mid June.

 

According to the newspaper, the development comprises a brand new college at the Smallford site 'which will also be great for the community' and involves information technology facilities, extensive sports grounds and a new equestrian centre. The scheme will be part funded by the building of 100 new homes on what is now the agricultural site.

 

It says 'Rumours that St Albans City Football Club has plans to build a stadium on the site were neither confirmed or denied by the college which already runs a training academy (sic) with the club.

 

A spokesman said "We will continue to work closely with the football club."

[Laz]

Hmm!

 

Isn't the point of the green belt to stop this kind of thing happening?

 

Why do Oaklands need a new college when they have a perfectly good site in the City Centre that is close to public transport links and all the facilities there?

[AFF]

The law relating to development in the Green Belt is very complex, Laz. Certainly, there is a presumption against development generally, but there is provoision in the Act for certain development of low density.

 

As far as the City Centre campus is concerned, I think you will find that most of it was sold for residential development a year or so ago. It's intended top be 800 flats or something.

 

I blame that lunatic Blair, myself.

[Laz]

So they need a new college because they've sold their old one, no doubt for a huge profit.

 

At least the Oaklands area is served by some public transport so it's a step in the right direction, not that those involved are at all bothered.

 

 

[Hatboy]

The application goes in in mid June.

[Northern Monkey]

Is this the same area where there are already sports pitches at Oaklands Agricultural College site (ish) Just think Brewers Fayre as pre match refreshment.!

[Wilf Woodend]

A quick scan of the HA finds no mention of any scheme. The application date fits my recollection of the chairman's advice at the forum that he hoped we would hear more on this in 3-6 months from then, mid December. If there is to be a new ground then I would hope it is built more like Burton than Bishop Stortford.

 

On the football front in both locals RH advises that Davis is able to talk to other clubs, a fee will be involved, enquiries have been made and an offer received but this was well short of the valuation, per HA. He will not leave for another CS club and if he does it has to be "right for the club". Elphick will only leave for a league club and RH rates him highly.

 

RH has attended EXIT trials for players who have been released from "big clubs", has had "tons of calls, texts, faxes & emails" since he got the job from players looking to come to City.He again mentions the June 1 list of released players. He has spent the last week "going around the businesses in St Albans to see if they want to advertise or sponsor the club." He is arranging PSF's. He is meeting players this week.

 

In the HA there is an interview with Bastock who compliments the club and fans as well as encouraging Perks.

 

This week is the last edition of the SAO and its an all singing and dancing Review henceforth which will be "first for sport". You heard it here first.

[Laz]

Full marks to the guy for trying to raise some sponsorship in the City!

[Hatboy]

From what he said at the supporters club AGM and what he is doing at the moment there is potential there.