BHASVIC field to have an area set aside for dog walking

BHASVIC field is to have an area set aside for dog walking as part of a compromise proposal being considered by councillors.

Plans to build on the Cardinal Newman and BHASVIC playing fields were dropped after the Hove v Gove campaign

Dogs will be banned from the rest of the playing fields which will be closed to the public during the school day.

Brighton and Hove City Council said that the “access deal proposed for BHASVIC playing field” would go before councillors next week.

Members of the Policy and Resources (P&R) Committee will have the chance to debate and vote on the attempt to resolve a long-running wrangle.

And it follows a campaign – known as Hove v Gove – to prevent a new school being built on the field. The idea was suggested when Conservative Justice Secretary Michael Gove was Education Secretary.

The council said: “Proposals to resolve issues around access to land off the Old Shoreham Road in Hove, known as the BHASVIC playing field, are due to be considered by councillors.

“The field is educational land that is primarily for use by local schools. It is not and has never been a public park.

“A minority of aggressive dogs and unhelpful dog walkers have caused health and safety issues that have impacted on the ability of schools to deliver their lessons and activities.

“The proposals are to

• allow responsible access to the field for members of the public – but not dogs – outside normal school hours, provided that the fields are not required by the schools
• fence off an area at the western end of the field for permanent use by dog walkers

“It is envisaged that the fenced off area for dog walking would be created in such a way as to provide access through to the adjacent Dyke Road Park.”

Councillor Warren Morgan

Council leader Warren Morgan, who chairs the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “We are committed to ensuring public access to the field and to meeting the aspirations of the wider community while ensuring that the schools are able to use the fields safely and without disruption by dogs.”

Councillor Morgan added: “We have been engaged in constructive dialogue with the Friends of the Field and the schools involved for some time now regarding access to the field.

“We hope these proposals will resolve the access issues to the satisfaction of all parties.”

The P&R is due to discuss the matter next Thursday (15 October). The meeting, which starts at 4pm at the Brighthelm Centre, is open to the public.

The playing field is owned by Brighton, Hove and Sussex VI Form College (BHASVIC) and the council.

It is used by BHASVIC, Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Stanford Infant School and Stanford Junior School.