Agenda item - BH2018/02918 -Portslade Sports Centre, Chalky Road, Portslade -Full Planning

Replacement of existing artificial grass surface and associated works including replacement floodlights, fencing, hard standing areas and installation of equipment storage.

RECOMMENDATION – MINDED TO GRANT

Ward Affected: North Portslade

              Replacement of existing artificial grass surface and associated works including replacement floodlights, fencing, hard standing areas and installation of equipment storage.

              Officer Presentation

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Maria Seale, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to photographs, site plans and elevational drawings detailing the proposed scheme. It was noted that confirmation had been received that Sport England had not objected to the proposed development.

(2)          It was noted that the main material planning considerations in respect of this application were the principle of the development proposed, its design and appearance and the impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties. Impact from the proposed floodlights had been considered in detail as part of the applicant’s Design and Access Statement and a separate lighting report. Light spillage would be kept to a minimum, would be below the threshold for an Environmental Zone E2 (a village or relatively dark outer suburban location) and the proposal was therefore in accordance with policy QD26, subject to conditions controlling its installation and hours of use. The proposed replacement pitch would be unsuitable for hockey, but in view of the fact that an excess of hockey pitches had been identified this loss was considered acceptable, particularly when set against the gain in footballing provision which would result. Overall, the proposed development was considered to be acceptable and approval was recommended.

              Questions of Officers

(3)          Councillor Littman sought confirmation regarding the location of the three other hockey pitches in the area and it was explained that one was located near Horsham, in Southwick and at the University of Sussex.

(4)          Councillor Morgan enquired whether it was possible to determine the materials to be used for surfacing the pitch. It was explained that they could not, it was understood that all Football Association technical requirements had been met and that no objections had been raised by the relevant technical officers.

(5)          Councillor Gilbey stated that she was not aware that the existing hockey pitch was used by local groups, those using the current facility travelled some distance in order to do so, whereas improved football facilities would answer a local need.

(6)          The Chair, Councillor Cattell, noted that 107 letters of support had been received welcoming improved footballing facilities stating that she was in agreement with the officer recommendation.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(7)          The Committee then moved directly to the vote and the 10 Members present voted unanimously that planning permission be granted.

77.4       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves TO GRANT planning permission subject to the Condtions and Informatives also set out in the report.

              Note: Councillor Hyde was not present at the meeting during consideration or determination of the above application.