Variation of Condition 21 of Planning Permission DCCW0009/0958/F to allow for use of the floodlights to the all-weather pitch only to be extended to Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 0900 and 2000.

Approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor ACR Chappell, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The all-weather pitches would give the local community the opportunity to use the academy’s new facilities.

·         The local community currently has the opportunity to use the academy’s sports hall outside of school times.

·         The lighting is needed to enable the pitches to be hired into the evening.

·         The Academy’s directors were happy with the application.

Members discussed the application and had concerns in respect of the condition allowing the floodlights to be used until 2000 on Sunday evenings. Some members were of the opinion that 1600 or 1800 would be a more acceptable terminal hour. Concern was expressed regarding the possibility of antisocial behaviour occurring as a result of groups of youths congregating in the vicinity. It was felt that floodlighting could exacerbate this issue.

Councillor ACR Chappell was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated her opening remarks and made additional comments, including:

·         The hours requested were reasonable and should be supported.

·         In the Olympic year the possibility of encouraging people to partake in outside sports should be supported.

·         Groups of youths would be welcomed to the site to take part in sporting activities.

RESOLVED:

That condition 21 of the planning permission DCCW0009/0958/F be varied as follows :

1.         The permission hereby granted is an amendment to planning permission DCCW0009/0958/F dated 18 August 2011 and, otherwise than is altered by this permission, the development shall be carried out in accordance with that planning permission and the conditions attached thereto.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to comply with the requirements of Policy DR1 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

2.         The floodlighting hereby permitted for the MUGA shall not be switched on outside of the following times: - 0900 - 2200 Mondays to Fridays nor at any time on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays

Reason: To minimise the impact of the floodlights and to protect the residential amenity of nearby dwellings so as to comply with Policy DR14 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3.         The floodlighting hereby permitted for the All  Weather Pitch shall not be switched on outside of the following times: - 0900 – 2200 Mondays to Fridays and 9.00 and 20.00 on Saturdays, Sundays nor at any time on Bank or Public Holidays.

Reason: To minimise the impact of the floodlights and to protect the residential amenity of nearby dwellings so as to comply with Policy DR14 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.         This permission shall expires on 11 January 2014, after which time, the use of the MUGA and all weather pitches shall refer back to the restrictions imposed by Condition 21 of  Planning Permission DCCW0009/0958/F unless otherwise agreed in writing (planning permission) by the local planning authority.

Reason: To enable the planning authority to give further consideration to the acceptability of the proposed use on Saturdays and Sundays after the temporary period has expired and to comply with Policy DR2 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informative:

1.         N15 Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.