Agenda item

The Planning Manager:

a)    Advised that the application sought permission for an artificial grass pitch to accommodate an 11 aside football pitch which would measure 106 metres in length and 70 metres in width.

b)    Reported that the pitch would be capable of accommodating a combination of youth football pitches, mini soccer pitches and training areas.

c)    Reported that the proposal also sought the installation of associated fencing to include 4.5 metre high ball stop fencing to the artificial grass pitch perimeter and a 3.5 metre acoustic fence.

d)    Advised members that the site was located on an area of grassed playing field and that residential properties adjoined the site to the north, south and east.

e)    Reported that a former airstrip ran along the north western boundary of the site.

f)     Highlighted that the application was brought before the Planning Committee as the applicant was the City of Lincoln Council.

g)    Provided details of the policies pertaining to the application as follows:

·         National Planning Policy Framework;

·         Central Lincolnshire Local Plan;

·         LP23 – Local Green Space and other Important Open Space;

·         LP26 – Design and Amenity.

h)    Outlined the responses made to the consultation exercise.

i)     Advised members of the main issues to be considered as part of the application, as follows:

·         Impact on Neighbours;

·         Visual Amenity.

j)     Concluded that the proposed artificial grass pitch would be located on an area of grass which was currently used for informal playspace. The proposal formalised the space with an all-weather pitch and associated infrastructure which meant it could be used all year round. Appropriate measures had been taken to mitigate the impact on adjacent neighbours and it was considered that the use was appropriate given the surrounding context of existing sports uses.

Simon Colburn, representing the applicant, spoke in favour of the application and made the following points:

·         in reference to the 98 hours per week operating hours, it was noted that in reality the facility would not attract anything like that amount of demand;

·         lighting would be turned off at 10pm and no league matches would be played at that time of the night, meaning that there was no risk of matches overrunning;

·         despite being allowed to operate until 10pm, the majority of clubs would not opt to use the facility at this time of night;

·         management plans would be in place to ensure responsible use of the facility;

·         anchor clubs using the facility would be signed up to the Football Association Charter and there would therefore be an impetus for those clubs to ensure that the facility was used sensibly;

·         a communications strategy and management plan was in place and contact details would be provided for people to be able to contact the facility’s management should any issues arise.

Members discussed the content of the report in further detail.

A member had spoken to residents regarding this proposal who had raised concerns in respect of lighting, litter and people urinating in public places. There was also uncertainty in the community as to whether Sunday league football could take place at the facility. Having attended the consultation meeting the issue in respect of lighting had been addressed and good management of the facility would relay the other concerns that had been raised. It was noted that the facility could be used for Sunday league football.

A member was pleased to see that the acoustic fencing was in a strategic place to protect the residential area closest to the site.

A member emphasised the importance of providing people with feedback, particularly those who had provided comments as part of consultation.

The Planning Manager explained that whenever a decision was made on a planning application a letter was sent to any individual who had submitted comments as part of the application’s consultation process to explain the decision. He agreed to consider reviewing this letter to potentially include further details or signposting for residents should it be necessary.

RESOLVED that the application be granted conditionally.

Conditions

·         Development to commence within three years;

·         Development to be carried out in accordance with the plans;

·         Contaminated land – unexpected contamination;

·         Carried out in accordance with noise assessment;

·         Carried out in accordance with lighted details;

·         Hours of construction;

·         Hours of operation.