THE ill-fated sports pitches at Broadmeadow could be turned over for industrial units.
The former landfill site has been closed for some years because of contamination fears. It is estimated that bringing it back to use will cost £2.5 million. Now, Teignbridge Council is looking at alternative sites for much-needed sports facilities for the town. The council would have to declare Broadmeadow 'contaminated land', to attract Defra funding for remediation. But that would impact on nearby properties. The council is considering six sports fields at Bishopsteignton for the town's main teams, with limited provision in the town. Options include Hazeldown sports field and retention of one pitch at Broadmeadow. Industrial units on the Broadmeadow site will provide much-needed economic development for the town. But the plans are snagged by planning issues, including Bishopsteignton's status as a coastal preservation area and part of Broadmeadow's great landscape value. At an informal meeting of the authority's overview and scrutiny meeting in February, members considered the shortfall of playing pitches in the town and the need for more units for small businesses. An appraisal is being carried out to look at turning the lower pitch over to incubator units and provide pitches elsewhere. Teignbridge officers have been asked to keep in mind planning issues through the appraisal to avoid 'hiccups', in applying for permissions. At a meeting of the town council's finance and general purposes committee, Cllr David Cox said: 'We want adequate playing field provision for Teignmouth and if Broadmeadow is going to take too long then we need to look at alternatives. 'What is important is that we get good pitches for Teignmouth.' Mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon said: 'I can see it happening that they will sell off the land at Broadmeadow for development while they try and look for somewhere else for playing fields. 'But we need more playing fields in addition to Broadmeadow and not instead of,' he said. Cllr Fred Tooley said that problems had been foreseen with the refuse landfill site. 'I said 26 years ago that this was going to happen because they did not line the tip.' Former users of the Broadmeadow site, The Teignmouth, Shaldon and Broadmeadow Club, have been playing at The Den since the closure. They are meeting with the district council about the plans.