Sports centre refurbishment at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Anerley, London SE19

What was proposed

The scheme would refurbish the sports centre and stadium, replace the indoor pool, improve sports facilities, add an accessible walkway and reduce parking.

“Full planning application (reference number 26/00738/FPA): Full planning application for the refurbishment and enhancement of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre comprising: Demolition of the 25m Pool Building, Lodge Tower and Lower Buildings; Refurbishment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (Main Building), including external alterations; reprovision of an indoor 25m length swimming pool, provision of a replacement energy centre, improvement and enhancement of…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 15.47-hectare sports centre lies within a Grade II* listed park and conservation area, with listed, locally listed and ecological designations.

“The site is located within Crystal Palace Conservation Area and an area of archaeological interest (Tier 2). The Park is a Grade II* listed park on Historic England’s 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England'. Part of the site is designated as a Borough Grade I Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).”

“Bust of Sir Joseph Paxton at Crystal Palace Park Date first listed: 08-Nov-2001 1389535 The Upper and Lower Terrace of the Crystal Palace Gardens Date first listed: 01-Sept-1953; 1064352 North and South Railings, Walls and Boundary Marker Date first listed: 03-Feb-2010; 1393659 Cast-iron column from the Crystal Palace Date first listed: 10-Jul-2020 1470528 Base of the southern water tower to the Crystal Palace including attached low walls, brick-lined trenches and pipework…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and applications

Earlier decisions included permission for a temporary fence, demolition of the Green Keepers Compound and a wider park regeneration scheme allowing demolition of the Lodge and Tower.

“Comprehensive phased scheme for landscaping and improvement of Park comprising demolition of and alterations to existing buildings and structures including removal of existing hard surfaces; changes of use including of part of the caravan site to public open space and museum to park rangers base; erection of new buildings and structures for various uses including museum/ park maintenance facilities/ community facility/ information kiosk/ greenhouses/ retail kiosks/…”

“N.B. The demolition of Locally Listed buildings (The Lodge and The Tower) was accepted under the approved permission Ref: 07/03897/OUT. For a full list of planning applications include wider development within Crystal Palace Park, please refer to the Council’s website…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would improve sports provision, accessibility, heritage, landscape, sustainability and public benefits, subject to conditions.

“The proposal is sensitively designed to respond positively to the significance and setting of the identified heritage assets, including the non-designated heritage assets within the site and the wider park. The design and heritage innervations are good quality aiming to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose sports facilities as well as balancing the conservation of the built, historic and cultural heritage significance of the site.”

“The scheme would secure significant public benefits, including the refurbishment of the Grade II* listed National Sports Centre, improvements to the athletics stadium and associated facilities, enhanced landscape and biodiversity provision, and the continued operation of a strategically important sporting venue.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A climbing-centre representative objected, while the applicant supported the scheme and answered questions about pools, athletics, heritage, climbing and construction.

What members debated

Members supported the investment and accessibility improvements, while concerns were raised about parking and the availability of football and hockey pitches.

“The Chairman invited Councillor and Ward Member Ruth McGregor to open the debate. Councillor McGregor welcomed the application and the significant investment proposed for Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.”

“The Chairman also expressed her support for the planning application. She acknowledged the concerns about parking provision but considered that the overall benefits of the scheme outweighed these concerns, particularly as the site was well served by public transport, including numerous bus routes and Crystal Palace railway station.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Ruth McGregor moved approval, Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross seconded it, and the motion was carried unanimously.

“Councillor Ruth McGregor moved that the planning application and Listed Building Consent be approved as recommended. The motion was seconded by Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross, put to the vote and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to a section 106 agreement and conditions, and listed building consent was granted subject to conditions.

“1) That PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended, subject to the completion of a S106 Legal Agreement and planning conditions for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning; and…”

“2) That LISTED BUILDING CONSENT BE GRANTED as recommended, subject to planning conditions for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.”

Minutes