Clubhouse expansion and cafe at Former Sports Pavilion Recreation Ground Hill Barn, Worthing

What was proposed

The application proposed enlarging the clubhouse with containers, adding a café, storage enclosure, roof changes, and improved paths and access.

“Proposal: Alterations to clubhouse to increase the footprint with additional containers; alterations to roof, fenestration and materials; new gates and fence to provide external storage area; alterations to footpath and access ramp to building. Change of use of part of the clubhouse to provide a cafe (Use Class E).”

“This application seeks full permission for changes to the shipping containers previously approved as the replacement clubhouse situated on the western side of Hill Barn Recreation Ground. There will be additional containers provided including to provide a cafe / snack bar and internal storage space for the lawnmower and other equipment. The new space created will be 381 square metres in total (an increase in 76 sqm above the existing).”

Officer report

Site and surroundings

The clubhouse is on the western side of a recreation ground near Hill Barn Lane, with homes across the road and a car park nearby.

“The application site is on the western side of Hill Barn Recreation Ground close to Hill Barn Lane itself with intervening boundary screening. Hill Barn Lane is narrow at the point it passes the subject building and the nearest residential properties are in Sanditon Way and Mansfield Court across the road to the west. Worthing College is to the south of these residential buildings.”

“A car park serves the recreation ground to the north and there are properties in Fairway Close to the east of the car park, about 120 metres from the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

Permission was granted in 2024 to demolish the existing pavilion and replace it with a new clubhouse.

“AWDM/0701/24: Demolition of existing pavilion and replace with new clubhouse. Permitted 30/08/2024”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would enhance the sports club, while conditions would control café hours, drainage, access and environmental effects.

“Part of the building will be used as a cafe to provide tea and coffee. There are other examples of cafes operating as part of sports clubs in parks across Worthing and Adur. The intent of the cafe module is described in the design and access statement as “it will enable the club to become self-sufficient and be able to invest future funding into improving the pitches and sports provision”.”

“The proposal enhances the existing units which provide revised club rooms following the removal of the previous club house. This application seeks to further enhance the facilities with a small cafe. The overall scheme is considered to enhance the use as a sports club and the additional scale and facilities above the previous consent are considered acceptable. Effects in relation to the cafe can be adequately mitigated through conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor raised concerns about the unfinished appearance, food, rats and a badger sett; supporters described community and football benefits.

Members’ debate

Members sought flexibility for café opening hours and more detail about lighting, ventilation, heating and the meaning of primary cooking.

“In response to questions from Members it was confirmed that to account for other times the cafe might need to open (such as tournaments) a management plan could be agreed. Ventilation was not required because there would be no primary cooking and that the Committee could consider natural lighting. Members were also given clarification about the Bio Net Gain condition, access and the definition of primary cooking.”

“Members debated the application and concurred that there needed to be some flexibility around the opening hours of the cafe, that more thought was needed on light, ventilation and heating conditions, and that this could be delegated to officers and that more clarification on the definition of what primary cooking meant.”

Minutes

Final decision

The committee approved the application, adding natural lighting, ventilation, heating, a management plan, revised café hours and a clearer cooking restriction.

“A proposal was put to accept the officer’s recommendation and approve the application with amended conditions relating to natural lighting, the hours of operation of the cafe and a more detailed definition of primary cooking.”

“Approved Plans 2. Time limit 3. Materials as approved 4. Details of fencing 5. Details of signage 6. To include natural lighting, ventilation and heating details 7. To include a management plan and hours of operation of cafe - management plan to be agreed with officers in writing in consultation with the ward member 8. BNG Plan 9. Surface water run off disposal 10. Trade effluent consent 11. Cycle parking to be installed 12.”

Minutes