Popular Derbyshire village play area bulldozed after five-year court dispute over children playing football
A Derbyshire village's play area in Chapel-en-le-Frith was demolished following a court ruling on noise complaints by residents.
A popular village play area in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, has been demolished after three homeowners won a legal battle over noise from children playing football.
The multi-use games area (MUGA), built in 2010 following a community fundraising drive, was bulldozed last week after Chapel Parish Council lost a five-year court fight.
Residents Dr Merren Jones, Stephen Covey-Crump and David Howe sued the council, claiming the sound of bouncing balls hitting the metal fencing caused a “statutory nuisance.”
A district judge initially dismissed the case in 2021, calling the complainants “hypersensitive to noise,” but the High Court overturned that ruling in 2022. The parish council was then served with an abatement order requiring the pitch to be closed or relocated.
Facing six-figure legal fees that forced an 86% rise in council tax, officials opted to remove the facility.
The decision has angered many locals. Parents described the demolition as “heartbreaking” and “a loss for the community.”
“It was a shock to see the bulldozers tearing it up,” said Sarah, 51. “It’s yet another place where kids can’t go.”
Other residents called the court victory “petty,” noting that at least one complainant has since moved away.
The council said the removal was “a difficult but necessary decision” to end the costly dispute.
Richard Buxton Solicitors, representing the homeowners, said the council had simply “installed the MUGA in the wrong place to begin with.”
The once-bustling pitch, fitted with football goals and basketball hoops, now lies in ruins—leaving parents and children wondering where they can play next.