Serving up a new future for tennis courts

Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) have agreed to the disposal of two tennis courts on land at Crosses Penn, Burnham-on-Sea to the Crosses Penn Community Sports Trust on a 25-year conditional lease. to facilitate the development of two multi-use game areas (MUGA’s) to include a tennis court, a five-a-side pitch, netball and basketball courts, plus an exercise track around the perimeter.  

The land is next to Chichester Close, which is a social housing development looked after by Homes in Sedgemoor for the district council. 

The tennis courts are in need of investment to bring them back up to an acceptable standard. The proposed new facilities will only take up a slightly larger area than is currently used within the site, so the surrounding grassed area will remain untouched. There has been a long-standing problem with anti-social behaviour in the area and SDC has been working closely with the Police and Burnham on Sea and Highbridge Town Council to address the problems.   

Objections have been received regarding potential glare from the sports court, but the Executive were assured that any floodlighting will be subject to a planning application where issues relating to light pollution would be addressed. 

A planning application will allow further consultation with residents.  

The children’s play area at Crosses Pen has recently been upgraded and has received many compliments from families living nearby.