Plans submitted for new changing rooms in Rothamsted Park

The plans would see two currently empty pavilions demolished to make way for a new single pavilion that would house changing rooms, toilets and showers for the nearby sports teams, including Harpenden's two football teams.

The pavilions had previously been used by Harpenden cricket and football clubs but have fallen in disrepair and currently lie vacant, with Harpenden Town Council arguing they are "no longer fit for purpose".

The buildings are currently boarded off and deemed 'unsafe. Orchard pavilion has been out of bounds for ten years as a result of structural weaknesses and a build up of asbestos, rendering the former site uninhabitable.

Developers insist that the work is necessary as the new facilities will be able to comply with Sport England regulations and provide the park with four changing rooms, a tearoom and lobby area, a storage area and specialist disabled changing facilities.

The plans are currently at an early stage (Image: St Albans City and District Council)

While portable toilet facilities do currently exist in the park, the lack of adequate changing facilities have led many sports clubs and teams to turn their back on the park and seek other venues in the area.

The park hope that these facilities will bring local teams back to the site.

Notice of the plans have been given to neighbouring residents, who have until June 24 to respond.

It has been acknowledged that the proposals do mark a departure from the UK Government's Development Plan, as the demolition and rebuilding would take place on Green Belt land

The plans are currently at the consultation stage and the public have until June 28 to comment or make any objections to the proposals.

To view the plans in full and submit your comments go to  www.stalbans.gov.uk  and enter the reference number 5/2024/0602.