Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal: Full planning application for proposed artificial grass pitch with flood lights.

Applicant:  Wokingham Borough Council

The Committee received and reviewed a report regarding the application set out in agenda pages 137 to 162.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         Amendment to condition 5 regarding noise management.

·         Amendment to paragraph 20 to include the words ‘and rugby.’

Kevin Morgan, Wokingham Town Council, spoke in objection to the application.  He stated that the hours of operation should be reduced.  The site was closer to residential properties than other 3G pitches in the Borough but had proposed longer hours of operation.  He went on to state that the noise assessment had not taken spectators, multiple matches being played at the same time, ball catch fences and traffic levels, into account.  Guidance stated that the level at which noise was considered annoying was 35db to 40db, a reduction on 50db.  Kevin Morgan also expressed concern regarding flooding and indicated that the site was on a flood plain.  Run off water from the Matthewsgreen development would also drain into the Emm Brook.  Increased traffic as a result of players and spectators travelling to matches and parking on the site was also highlighted.

Bob Millen, resident, spoke in objection to the application on behalf of Emmbrook Residents Association.  He stated that the extended hours of operation would have a negative impact on neighbouring properties.  He also expressed concern regarding the noise monitoring report which had not included full, competitive games.  Bob Millen also commented that the noise management plan was vague and questioned how noise levels would be monitored sufficiently.  He felt that there should be conditions about minimising the number of activities. 

Paul O’Neill, applicant, spoke in support of the application.  He was of the view that the proposal would be of benefit for young people and other members of the local community.  Young people’s health and wellbeing was important and the proposal would enable the offer of high quality sporting activity.  He clarified that the pitch would be used by the school in particular between 7.30am and 5pm. 

A Member questioned who would manage the site after 5pm.  The Case Officer indicated that it would be managed by an external management company.

The Committee asked about the hours of operation, the impact of noise on residents and how noise levels would be monitored.  Kate Powell, Environmental Health, confirmed that noise levels had been compared against 35db and she was satisfied that levels would not be unacceptable. She also commented that complaints tended to be around activities such as altercations and use of offensive language rather than noise levels.  With regards to noise monitoring, the Planning Specialist indicated that there was a condition which required a noise monitoring supervisor.  They would liaise with Environmental Health and neighbours over any issues and advise any particular teams if complaints had been received about their noise levels.

In response to Member questions regarding spectator numbers, the Case Officer indicated that large numbers of spectators were not anticipated.  The Lead Specialist, Transport, Drainage & Compliance commented that the school would be using the site between 7.30am and 5pm and that it was anticipated that the car park could accommodate those parking outside school hours.

In response to Member questions regarding the potential risk of flooding, the Lead Specialist, Transport, Drainage & Compliance commented that a Flooding Risk Assessment had been submitted and reviewed.  In addition proposed condition 7 related to drainage matters.

The Committee were of the view that during the evening the site would primarily be used by adults.  Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey proposed that activity be restricted to non-competitive matches between the hours of 8pm and 10pm in order to reduce the noise impact on nearby residents.

Angus Ross questioned whether the hours of operation could be reviewed after a year to ascertain the impact on residents after 8pm.  The Planning Specialist commented that an hours of operation management plan could be put in place.  Angus Ross proposed that condition 3 be amended to require an hours of operation management plan.  This was seconded by Malcolm Richards.  This was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:  That application 181565 be approved subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 138 to 140, amended condition 5 as set out in the Members’ Update and amended condition 3.