New petition launched over Langland tennis court developments

Residents have reacted to the development of a prime location at Langland Bay.

Swansea Council said last week that property consultants working for them had received enquiries from developers about how the 0.77-acre site could be used.

The site is currently occupied by three of Langland Bay's six tennis courts, as well as a St John Ambulance base.

A new petition to stop the tennis courts under tender from being overdeveloped was started last week, and currently has 732 signatures.

"This petition is to show the relevant authority that you do not want development on the sheltered courts of Langland Bay, but want a place for the people that everyone can enjoy, which in turn will keep intact the very fabric of Langland Bay, a place to go for locals and visitors, away from the hustle, bustle and overhanging buildings, a place to relax, walk, surf or chill, in short an escape," Michael Eames, who started the petition, wrote.

Councillor Will Thomas also launched a petition, which currently has 1,635 signatures, three months ago to save tennis court number four at the site.

Cllr Thomas said that he previously submitted a bid for Mumbles Community Council to take over the lease of the area from Swansea Council, however, it was turned down.

"I understand Swansea Council wanting to try and improve the area, although I found it disappointing that we weren't able to take on all the courts at Mumbles Community Council," Cllr Thomas told Nub News.

"When this extra court got added, I thought it was a bridge too far and we should protect recreational space in the area. The loss of two tennis courts is bad enough, the loss of three, in my opinion, was too much and that's why I started the petition."

The site being offered for lease originally included two tennis courts, but was later extended to include a third tennis court, court four.

Swansea Council said that the courts had been under-used, however supporters of the tennis courts argue that this is due to a lack of upkeep.

"I'm quite hopeful that something good for the community will balance what is essentially going to be a commercial development but I'm doing the best I can to make sure there are as many community benefits as possible," Cllr Thomas continued.

"What I hope is achieved is that firstly they step away from court four and give that to Mumbles Community Council. If that court is needed to be used as a depot for the build, that's what life's about – compromise – so that's obviously acceptable to myself.

"But what I hope is that in the long-term Mumbles Community Council is given the four courts to manage and not just the three."

Swansea Council is in the process of agreeing a lease on a peppercorn rent for Mumbles Community Council to manage the remaining three courts.

"The second thing is that we need to get as many community benefits from this development as possible and hopefully the council can see how passionate local people are about this site, and they see the response and therefore are more inclined to go with a smaller sensitive development that has community benefits rather than something just for profit," Cllr Thomas continued.

Swansea Council has said that it wants any development to provide leisure and public toilet facilities that would improve services for the public and be sympathetic to the environment.

Potential uses of the site include a restaurant, café, shop, gallery, training centre, gym, or sports facility.

In a statement, Robert Francis-Davies, the council's cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: "It's encouraging that developers are interested in this spectacular destination and improving leisure facilities for the Swansea public.

"There's a wide range of possible uses, with a strong preference to include new community provision.

"Any scheme must be top class and those operating it will be required to provide, run and maintain new public toilets.

"The public want more facilities along the seafront. They regularly mention attractions such as coffee shops, restaurants and other facilities. Business is clearly of the same opinion.

"We asked the public and local organisations what type of considerate development they thought would maximise the potential of this site to best serve future generations.

"The feedback was considered and now, before anything comes to fruition, there'll be the normal rigorous planning process. We want something in keeping with the immediate local environment – so no high-rise developments.

"We want another jewel to attract, entertain, retain and employ people. The lease will also help the council to cover major losses in central government funding."

Residents have had mixed reactions to the development.

In a response to a Facebook post from Swansea Council about the development last Thursday, Sam Ward-Jones wrote:

"The Langland tennis courts aren't under-used, they're just badly maintained. Last year when sport was allowed, the courts were regularly very busy & on occasion you were waiting for a court to become free."

Another response from Beverley Richards read: "Should be kept for outdoor family exercise. Could have facilities for table tennis, basketball, football etc."

Those interested in leasing the site have until 12 February to submit bids.

For more information, click here.