Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal: Full application for the proposed construction of a reduced size multi-use synthetic turf sports pitch with a 3m-4.5m high fence and 6no 12m column floodlights.

Applicant: Mr Norman Patterson.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 185 to 222.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Clarification of timings related to Condition 12;

·           Clarification regarding questions raised by Members during their site visit.

Mike Sheldon, resident, spoke against the application. He stated that he was speaking on behalf of the local residents association and that in their opinion they were astonished with the lack of detail and numerous inaccuracies contained within the report. He added that the plan and design statement stated that the proposals would be screened from residential properties via retention of trees. Mike referenced an image from a resident’s garden which showed a low level of screening from the proposed site. Mike was of the opinion that the view from Denby Close had been grossly misrepresented, and that a significant loss of privacy for residents would occur if the application was approved, in particular as the position of the pitch would allow teams and coaches or trainers to be grouped on the west side of the pitch near Denby Close. Mike was of the opinion that the 51m separation distance from the nearest residential property to the proposed site was incorrect, with the real distance being closer to 30m. Mike stated that the bat report had included a light spillage assessment but had not referenced issues surrounding noise. Mike was of the opinion that the noise impact assessment had been undertaken using a computer model which had been modelled from a further corner of the proposed site away from residential properties, and therefore it did not accurately account for the noise of a whistle or a hockey ball hitting a back board.

Maria Gee, Ward Member, submitted a written statement which was in opposition to the application. In her absence, Chris Bowring read out the statement. Maria stated that this application differed from similar local applications such as that of Emmbrook School due to the location of the sports facility to nearby residential housing. Maria added that there was no existing sound barrier to houses in Denby Close, and that the noise impact assessment was not, in her opinion, convincing and urged the Council to undertake its own assessment. Maria asked that should the application be approved that local ward Members be involved in developing a noise management scheme. Maria stated that the assessment of effects on bats, a protected species, had only considered light and omitted noise. Maria asked that an additional assessment of the effects of noise on bats be carried out before the application could be considered. Maria cited safety concerns for school boarders and local residents due to the proposed extended hours and the open planned nature of the existing site, as stated that it was essential for a risk assessment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92