Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

Mrs Mills addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Mr Murdock spoke for the application.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/15/1957/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

The Head of Planning and Building Control referred to a balance of considerations for a site that was located in the Green Belt.  He stated that development for sports and leisure provision would be inappropriate and should normally not be permitted unless there were benefits of the proposals to which such weight could be assigned such that very special circumstances were demonstrated.

The Head explained that few modern outdoor sports facilities with floodlighting and pre-construction levelling would be judged as appropriate.  He commented that a loss of openness had been given less weight by Officers due to the backdrop of existing trees and other planting around the site.  Members were reminded that some mature trees would be lost if this development were permitted. 

Members were reminded that the key policies stipulated that a balanced decision had to be reached.  The Head referred to the benefits of the provision of new sport and leisure facilities in a convenient location with further benefits in terms of a cohesive use of the facilities that helped to meet the demand in Bishop’s Stortford.

The Head referred Members to the matters detailed in the additional representations summary.  Councillor T Page stated that Members had a simple task of judging whether the open space known as Ash Grove should be enclosed.  He stated that he was unaware of any special circumstances whereby the benefits of the scheme clearly outweighed the harm.

Councillor T Page commented that the need did not clearly outweigh the benefits and he was concerned regarding the impact of the proposed fencing and floodlighting.  He felt that keeping Ash Grove open and accessible would benefit the significant numbers of new residents who would live close to this site in future.

The Head stated that there had been a good articulation of the issues by the speakers and in the submissions Members had received and there had to be a balance between the appreciation of openness and the needs of those who wished to play formalised competitive sport.

Members were advised that there was an identified need for hockey pitches and the facilities might very well be used into the evenings and at weekends.  The Head stressed that although the facilities would be seen, they were located in amongst a range of other facilities and structures on the site.

Councillor K Warnell referred to a number of substantive points.  He felt that the identified need could not outweigh the fact that the application was contrary to a total of 19 policies from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 and the Silverleys and Meads Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor J Kaye commented on his concern over the harmful impacts to openness and whether the multi-use games area (MUGA) would be available to the wider community.  Councillor P Ruffles expressed concerns regarding the loss of Green Belt and although he supported the provision of sports facilities, he was inclined to vote against this application.

Councillor D Oldridge stated that he felt that the application would further enhance facilities to the wider benefit of the whole community of Bishop’s Stortford.  He felt there would be more benefit than loss and facilities were needed for the health, enjoyment and community spirit for the future new residents of the town at Bishop’s Stortford North.

The Head responded to a number of minor further queries and comments from Members.  He responded to an earlier query from Councillor T Page by stating that the grant of planning permission would secure the Sport England funding of £500,000 and this issue should not be dismissed entirely in the consideration of the matter.  The Head confirmed that this funding came with conditions which sought to encourage youth and disability participation in sport.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the Committee accepted the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control as now submitted.  Councillors T Page and K Warnell requested that their votes against this application be recorded.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/15/1957/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.