Campaign launched to save Brentwood dry ski slope from housing development
Dry ski slope threatened by planning application to build 13 luxury houses on their site launches campaign to save their slope
Dry ski slopes are the roots that underpin much of the UK ski scene. They’re not just a place to go and slide around in between trips to the Alps and beyond, but legitimate hubs that keep the community together, growing, and raising the next generation of British snow sport athletes.
Some of the UK’s best skiers, from up and coming racers to the likes of freeski legends like Paddy Graham and James, cut their teeth on dry slopes before their rise to fame – they’re an essential grass roots training facility that keeps the fire for UK snow sports burning year-round, whatever the weather. Watch Ski The Kingdom’s fantastic movie ‘God Save The Scene’ if you don’t believe us!
It saddened us to hear recently that Brentwood Park Ski and Snowboard Centre is threatened by an application to build 13 luxury houses on the site the dry slope (and other leisure businesses) are currently located.
They’ve launched a campaign to try and save the dry slope, stating:
“A recent planning application has been made to Brentwood Council outlining the potential for the Brentwood Leisure Park site to be used for the building of new homes. This would result in the loss of 4 leisure businesses, including Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre. There are limited outdoor ski slope facilities in the UK and we need to ensure that these are kept for the future of snowsports and the wider community. If the application is successful then not only will Brentwood lose vital outdoor leisure activities but it will lead to significant job losses. With your help we can show the Council how important Brentwood Park is to Brentwood, Essex and the wider community.”
13 luxury houses vs a grass roots training and competition facility used by thousands of athletes each week? We urge you to sign the petition to save the ski slope HERE.
Stephen Cis, who’s father built the slope in 1974, said:
“We have 150 schools that come here [to use the slope], not just before going on trips but as part of their daily curriculum. We also have special needs groups and youth groups that come here. There are also two members of the Great British team who used to train here and two people who are in the England team.”
More information can be found on Brentwood’s website and Facebook page.
