Agenda item

Formation of a full size 3G sports pitch with associated 4.5 metre high fencing, 4 metre high acoustic barrier, 6 x 15 metre high floodights, teams shelters, hardstanding,and landscaping bund with planting

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Ioan Thomas

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION:

To approve – conditions:

1.         Commence the work within five years.

2.         Cut opening hours to 21:00.

3.         Landscaping.

4.         Agree details of players' shelters.

5.         Archaeological details.

6.         In accordance with the plans along with technical documents.

7.         Agree on the location of the storage container.

Formation of a full size 3G sports pitch with associated 4.5 metre high fencing, 4 metre high acoustic barrier, 6 x 15 metre high floodlights, teams' shelters, hardstanding and landscaping bund with planting

a)    The Planning Manager highlighted that it was a full application to develop the full size 3G playing field on school grounds and within the town's development boundary. The location of the 3G pitch would border the school building to the south-west and face a separate row of houses and a residential area to the west. The eastern side of the pitch would border the existing playing field and the eastern side would face the Arfon Leisure Centre building.

It was reported that additional justification and information had been submitted with the application which outlined the significant contribution the proposal would make in developing football facilities in the community and the region.

The application was submitted to the committee as the size of the site was greater than half a hectare.

Attention was drawn to the observations of the Public Protection Unit which had stated some concern about the proposal but there was no objection to the proposal subject to conditions. The Planning Service also received correspondence from local residents objecting to the application mainly due to the impact of increased noise and light installation. Furthermore, a statement was received from the applicant offering to reduce opening hours to 21:00 instead of 22:00 during the week and it would be possible to include an appropriate condition should the application be approved. Although recognising the observations received, it was not considered that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on residential amenities and, therefore, with conditions the proposal satisfied the requirements of policy PCYFF 2.

Attention was drawn to the observations received from the Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service on the proposal noting that the development would entail work that would disturb undeveloped land and in a landscape where there was good potential for historic remains. Any archaeological remains would improve the wider understanding of the area especially in relation to the early occupancy of the area and the environs.   The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service therefore recommended imposing a condition regarding a programme of archaeological work for the entire development and in doing so the proposal would be acceptable in terms of Policy AT 4 of the LDP.

Given the relevant planning matters in this case, it was considered that the proposed development met the objectives of the LDP by proposing a development of high-quality, modern and suitable design, that would make a substantial contribution towards improvements for local sports facilities. The concerns about the proposal were acknowledged; however, the specialist evidence indicated that the impacts would not be substantially detrimental and the applicant had submitted mitigation measures as part of the application.

b)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

c)    During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·         There was a need for modern facilities for the area's children

·         A full-sized pitch was needed - would be an asset for the school and the local area

·         Need to consider the significant impact of the floodlights

·         Needed to ensure that the shock absorbers on the fencing (between the fence and the pole) were monitored regularly - the noise, without the shock absorber, could disturb nearby residents.

In response to an observation regarding noise, it was noted that the Public Protection Service had powers to manage noise should the proposal cause public nuisance.

RESOLVED: To approve

Conditions:

1.         Commence the work within five years.

2.         Limit opening hours to 21:00 hours.

3.         Landscaping.

4.         Agree details of players' shelters.

5.         Archaeological details.

6.         In accordance with the plans along with technical documents.

7.         Agree on the location of the storage container.