Agenda item

Application No C23/0891/22/LL Talysarn Celts FC, Talysarn, LL54 6BY

Meeting of Planning Committee, Monday, 5th February, 2024 1.00 pm (Item 12.)

Creation of new football pitch and erection of new storage shed.

Local Member: Councillor Peter Thomas

Decision:

DECISION:

To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of Environment Department to approve the application subject to completing discussions regarding archaeology as well as relevant planning conditions relating to:

1. 5 years

2. In accordance with plans and documents

3. No containers or other equipment to be kept outdoors

4. ⁠No lighting on the site without agreement

5. Landscaping

6. Landscape maintenance

7. Welsh / bilingual signs

8. Provision of disabled parking spaces

9. Additional car parking spaces to be completed before the new pitch is used

10. Contaminated land survey work condition

11. In accordance with the noise management plan

12. Archaeological survey work condition

Minutes:

Creation of new football pitch and erection of new storage shed.

a) The Planning Manager highlighted that this was a full application for the creation of a new football pitch and the erection of an additional storage shed adjacent to the existing football pitch. The football pitch would be slightly smaller in size than a full-sized pitch, and it was not proposed to install any floodlights. ⁠

A revised site plan was submitted, highlighting existing parking along with a land drainage system.

The site was located outside the Talysarn development boundary, but on the outskirts of the village inside a Special Landscape Area, Landscape of Special Historic Interest and Wildlife Site and the site was served by an existing entrance and access road to a nearby class 3 and unclassified county road.

It was explained that policy ISA 2 Community Facilities applied to this application and aimed to protect existing community facilities and encourage the development of new facilities where appropriate. Although the application does not propose new facilities (in terms of land use), it would significantly improve and enhance the existing facilities and was likely to benefit the school and the wider community. It was reiterated that the site was easily accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport, and it was considered that the scale and type of proposal was appropriate in terms of size, character and function of the settlement. The proposal was therefore considered acceptable in principle and was in compliance with policy ISA 2. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

In the context of visual, general and residential matters, it was noted that the site was located adjacent to an existing football pitch with associated activities already on the site. However, it was considered that the current use of the application site was occasional and informal and did not include full football matches. Although the site backed onto a residential area, it was not considered that the proposal would have a different impact to what already existed. The site was associated with several amenity paths which were regularly used by the public and it was considered that the use of the site as a whole would be more intense as a result of the site's development. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

Comments had been received from Public Protection recommending that the applicant submit a Noise Management Plan that covered matters such as hours and days of use, community liaison, complaints procedures and the required response/timescales, and prevention of unauthorised use. In addition, it was suggested that a condition be imposed to manage the development hours, and also a condition to manage the noise level emanating from the site were included when it was operational to ensure that the proposal met with the policy requirements of PCYFF 2.

Comments received in objection to the proposal were acknowledged, however, it was not considered that the proposal, with appropriate conditions, would cause significant adverse disruption to the residential amenities of nearby dwellings, and would not alter public use of the nearby footpaths.

In the context of Biodiversity matters, it was noted that recent changes to Planning Policy Wales (PPW) had been considered along with the comments from the Biodiversity Unit. There were no new matters that would have any material influence on the decision, and it was considered that the contents of the ecological report along with the ability to impose conditions to secure mitigation measures and enhancements to biodiversity were sufficient to satisfy the requirements of PPW. ⁠

In the context of linguistic matters, it was made clear that the application was to improve community facilities that would be used by the local community. A statement was received from the applicant stating, "The project and the club's language policy address many elements of the 2023-28 Gwynedd Plan including the priority of "Gwynedd Gymraeg". It was added that "the club's activities are operated entirely / a large majority through the medium of Welsh which allows all children (first and second languages) to be able to use Welsh naturally in a social / sporting setting which is such an important foundation to protect and develop the language in our communities in the future." ⁠ ⁠

It was also noted that the football club's website was bilingual and messages on social media prioritised the Welsh language which showed that the club was committed to the language, and supported the above statement.

In the context of archaeological matters, it was noted that GAPS stated that the archaeological potential of this site arose from the Coed Madog historic slate quarry that covered the entire footprint of the football pitches. It was explained that evidence indicated that the site was landscaped some years ago however, it was unclear to what extent any historic structural material had been removed. Despite the possibility that archaeological remains survived beneath the surface, groundworks to varying depths could disturb any remains, however, conditions could be imposed for a programme of archaeological work to be agreed to address this.

b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

· Talysarn Football Club would celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.

· The current field was provided for the purpose of 1 men's team.

· There were now children's, youth, women's and men's teams in the club with a waiting list due to the lack of space.

· The application was in response to the challenge of extending opportunities to the youth and funds had been raised locally for the enterprise.

· The need and potential had been identified - this was an opportunity to create more facilities and plan ahead so that more of the local community could get involved.

· Long-term lease (25 years) agreed with Cyngor Gwynedd for the land with grants received from Football Wales and Cyngor Gwynedd (depending on the Committee's decision).

· It was not just a Club for the village - several nearby villages used it.

· The Club was a hub for community events.

· The provision would make a difference – the plan was fair and responsible, with the community benefiting from the scheme in the future.

· Gratitude was expressed to the Chair of Talysarn FC and the local community for bringing the application together.

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

RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of Environment Department to approve the application subject to completing discussions regarding archaeology as well as relevant planning conditions relating to:

1. Five years.