West Berkshire Council plans a 35 per cent rise to peak-time hire charges for the artificial pitch at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, though it says the increase will be softened to 10.5 per cent over three years.
The change would bring in roughly £32,600 a year after a benchmarking review.
A public consultation showed strong opposition, with respondents warning of reduced access for children and low-income families, extra strain on clubs and harms to health, wellbeing and community cohesion.
Newbury and Thatcham Hockey Club said the changes would raise its costs by about £20,000, with nearly 40 per cent caused by Sundays being reclassified as peak time. It warned the club may have to cut services, hike fees or relocate.
Because Sundays are mainly for junior and disability sessions, the club says the reclassification risks pricing out families and putting young players off.
Respondents also questioned transparency and fairness, noting grass pitch fees would stay the same.
Suggestions to ease the impact included smaller or phased rises, targeted subsidies for juniors and disability sessions, block-booking discounts and loyalty schemes.
Other ideas were using advertising, charging higher rates for non-local users, boosting community fundraising, and finding new income from services and better use of facilities, such as a weekend café or food stalls.
But the council rejected the catering idea. "While the idea of providing a café or food vans to generate income is understandable, there are several practical challenges," it said in response.
"These include the need for appropriate infrastructure such as power and water supply, compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations, and the cost of managing or contracting the service.
"Additionally, demand can be highly seasonal and unpredictable, making it difficult to ensure consistent revenue.
"Introducing food vending could also require additional staffing and oversight, which adds to operational complexity."
The council received 103 responses to the consultation.
Henwick Worthy Sports Ground has a floodlit artificial pitch available daily from 10am to 10pm for half or full pitch bookings. The site is owned and managed by West Berkshire Council and maintained by Krinkels UK Ltd.
From 1 October 2024 to date the pitch has been booked 1,429 times, generating £86,663. In 2024/25 the council spent £262,479 on the facility and total income was £176,886, from bookings, grants and contributions from Thatcham Town Council and rental payments from local sports clubs.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
