Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

 

The Committee considered application 3/20/0499/FUL for the erection of a multi-use games area (MUGA) comprising synthetic surface, 3m high perimeter ball stop netting and 8 x 8m lighting columns (additional and amended documents rec'd 6/7/20) at St Ives Primary and Nursery School, Sandy Lane, St Leonards and St Ives,

 

Since the application was deferred from consideration at the September

Committee meeting, amended plans had been submitted which had repositioned the proposed MUGA 3m east of its original proposed location.

 

With the aid of a visual presentation, officers provided context of what the main proposals, principles and planning issues of the development were; how these were to be progressed; how providing such a facility would benefit the school and the community as an option for exercise, health and well being; and what this entailed  - the pitch providing the means and flexibility for the community to benefit from it throughout the year, in all conditions.

 

Plans and photographs provided an illustration of the location and appearance of the MUGA; its design and what sports it could be used for; landscaping, access and parking arrangements; its relationship with the school, local amenity and neighbouring residencies and its setting within St Leonards and St Ives and the wider landscape. It was proposed to be available for use between 9:00am and 8:30pm, Monday to Sunday. During school hours it was anticipated that the MUGA would be used by the school but, outside of those hours, it would be made available for hire by third parties, with conditions applying to ensure that use was reasonable and acceptable.

 

In accordance with the Council’s responsibility for promoting health and wellbeing and the reduction of health inequalities across the county, the potential impact of the proposal on general health and wellbeing was seen to make a positive contribution by facilitating outdoor sport and increasing opportunities for physical activity which was important for the health and well-being of communities and in providing a community asset. As the site was located within a residential area, the amenity of neighbours and third party representations had been taken into account as part of the planning

appraisal, which had adjudged that the development was acceptable in planning terms, subject to conditions.

 

In summary, officers planning assessment adjudged that the merits of the application were that it was an acceptable facility within an urban area; being able to facilitate sport throughout the year and improving sport facility provision and opportunities. Whilst the increased intensity of use of the school field and the introduction of lighting would alter the character of the area, it was considered that the harm would be limited. Only a minor change to noise levels was anticipated and the design of the MUGA would limit light spill and noise levels to appropriate levels within the residential area. The proposed management plan to be implemented by the school in relation to third party users of the MUGA would regulate what could be done and when. All this formed the basis of the officer’s recommendation in seeking approval of the application.

 

Formal consultation had seen St Leonards & St Ives Parish Council object to the application on the grounds that the impact on local residencies caused by nuisance and disturbance from noise and lighting was unacceptable, particularly in relation to the hours of opening and number of days of use. A number of objections had been received from local residents too, citing concern at nuisance and disturbance from activities associated with use of the MUGA, as well as the loss of open space.

 

Sport England supported the application on the basis that it would bring benefits to school pupils, staff and the local community. As there was a shortage of this type of MUGA in Dorset, it would enable the delivery of central government objectives of schools being central to local communities and in providing opportunities for facilitating healthy active lifestyles for local communities.

 

The Committee were notified of written submissions received and officers read these direct to the Committee – it being appended to these minutes. Having heard what was said, officers responded to some of the pertinent issues raised, being confident that each one could be addressed by the provisions of the application.

 

Both local Ward Members - Councillors Barry Goringe and Ray Bryan - considered the application to be unacceptable in terms of the nuisance and disturbance that would be caused to local residents. Intermittent and irregular noise was a particular concern, as well as the extensive hours of operation proposed.  On that basis, and the number of local objections generated, they considered the application should be refused.

 

The opportunity was given for Members to ask questions of the presentation

and what they had heard, in seeking clarification of aspects so as to have a

better understanding in coming to a decision. Particular issues were raised about the potential for nuisance and disturbance to the amenity of local residencies arising from the noise associated with certain ball sports i.e. hockey and basketball. Intermittent and irregular noise from whistles and cheering was of obvious concern too. How the site was to be screened whilst maintaining an open aspect was also considered an issue.

 

Having heard what was said, officers responded to some of the pertinent issues raised, being confident that each one could be addressed by the provisions of the application. Given what was proposed, there would not be provision for basketball to be played. Noise assessments made adjudged that other proposed sports would be permissible and acceptable, especially as it was located with a school setting, whereby a certain level of noise would be generally expected in any event.

 

Arrangements would be made so that timings suited certain sports and that late afternoon and early evening sessions by third parties would be encouraged wherever practicable. However, reservations remained amongst members at the hours of operation and especially its use on Sundays. Whilst it was recognised that for the MUGA to be effectively used by third parties and remain viable it would need to be available for the optimum period of time, - in being proposed by Councillor David Tooke - members agreed that times of activity should be modified and limited on Sundays, between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. Officers saw this to be an acceptable modification and could be conditioned in any grant of permission.

 

The proposal was designed to encourage more local people to take the opportunity to have a more active lifestyle and the convenience of having this facility at hand meant there would be little need for travel to facilities elsewhere. It was considered that participation in use of the facility would benefit all in society, not necessarily just the young, being seen as a community asset that was likely to prove very popular.

 

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, having understood what was being proposed and the reasoning for this; having taken into account the officer’s report and presentation, what they had heard at the meeting, and having received satisfactory answers to questions raised, the Committee were satisfied in their understanding of what the proposal entailed and the reasoning for this and, on that basis - in being proposed by Councillor Shane Bartlett and seconded by Councillor John Worth - on being put to the vote, the Committee agreed - by 8:2:1 - that the application should be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the paragraph of the report relating to this and to the hours of operation being limited on Sundays between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm.

 

Resolved

That planning permission for application 3/20/0499/FUL permission subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report and with the amendment to Condition 7 so that the hours of operation be limited on Sundays between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm.

 

Reasons for Decision

• The development of a new sports facility will enhance opportunities for sport on the school site within the urban area where the principle of development is

acceptable

• The limited harm arising from the changed character of the school site will be outweighed by the benefits

• Conditions can be imposed to mitigate the impacts arising in relation to noise

and lighting to acceptable levels and assessments demonstrate that the

proposal will not result in harm to neighbouring amenity

• Adequate parking provision is available for users of the facility outside school hours