Football ground amendments at Recreation Ground, Old Barn Way, Southwick

What would change

The application changes the approved pitch position, reduces and reconfigures the clubhouse, alters levels and adds two access ramps.

“Proposal: Application to Vary Conditions 1 (Approved Plans) and 22 (levels) of previously approved AWDM/1217/23. Amendments: Repositioning of pitch; reduction in clubhouse size and alterations including relocation of main entrance; formation levels change and two new access ramps ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: Redevelopment of the Former Southwick Football Club, comprising the replacement of existing turf pitch with 3G pitch and replacement floodlights, demolition of existing…”

Officer report

The site and existing permission

The former football club site lies beside recreation and leisure facilities, and permission was previously granted for a 3G pitch, clubhouse and spectator stand.

“The application relates to the site of the former Southwick Football Club which is off Old Barn Way to the east of Southwick Recreation Ground and the indoor bowling green and to the south west of Southwick Leisure Centre. There is a motorcycle training facility directly to the north with the leisure centre car park beyond that. There are residential houses further to the north and to the east. To the south is the south coast railway line.”

“Planning permission was granted in October 2024 for the demolition of the derelict clubhouse on the east side of the site and the construction of a new single storey clubhouse with changing rooms, bar, kitchen and a flexible space for health/wellbeing uses in broadly the same location.”

Officer report

Why changes were needed

Underground infrastructure required the pitch to move north, reducing clubhouse space; level differences also led to the proposed ramps.

“During detailed design development it became clear that the originally approved clubhouse building footprint could not be accommodated following the need to alter the pitch position. The pitch position has been forced to move slightly further north…”

“Other changes have arisen as a result of a difference in ground level between the clubhouse and the pitch of almost 1m. A ramp has therefore been incorporated connecting the site entrance at footpath level with the pitch level. A second ramp is also proposed to provide dedicated access for players between the clubhouse and the pitch.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the amendments acceptable because they would support community football, improve accessibility and avoid significant visual or residential harm.

“In this case the proposal seeks to upgrade facilities at an existing football ground, providing a pitch that can be used all year round plus new clubhouse facilities with improved community use. The Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy Needs Assessment Report (December 2019) identifies that a substantial and growing number of clubs use, or would like to use, 3G artificial grass pitches (AGPs) for training.”

“The new boundary treatments, including a 4.5m ball stop fence (which will enclose the pitch, partly following the site boundary and partly the pitch), and where appropriate a 8m ball stopping net (along the eastern boundary and southern boundary to protect adjacent residential properties and the railway) are also not considered to cause significant visual harm.”

Officer report

Consultation and public comments

Consultees raised no objection to the amendments, while one comment expressed concern about increased traffic, speeding and parking.

“West Sussex County Council: No objection to the proposed amendments from a transport/highways aspect.”

“We already have a huge issue with speeding cars going to/from the leisure centre. How is this going to be managed with more cars and the addition of a clubhouse that will involve alcohol? I suggest speed bumps and a reduction to the speed limit to 20mph. Traffic increase will be a problem…”

Officer report

What supporters said

Two speakers said the facility would support health, wellbeing and wider community use, with many users walking and better signposting to public transport.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the project beneficial to the community and found the variation understandable after the discovered site constraints.

“There were two speakers who gave representations in support of the application and spoke on behalf of the Russell Martin Foundation explaining that the facility was a flexible space for health and wellbeing and was not just used for match days. With regards to parking at the site, the speakers explained how the majority of members of the public who used the facility were local residents within walking distance.”

“Members concurred that this was a good project for the community and the variation was understandable. A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation and approve the application. This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

The application was approved subject to a deed securing travel-plan monitoring and a fee, together with conditions controlling use, access, lighting, drainage and construction.

“Subject to the completion of a Deed of variation to the original s106 Agreement to secure Travel Plan Monitoring and a Fee of £3815, and the following conditions:-”

“No part of the development shall be first occupied until such time as a Travel Plan Statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan Statement shall be completed in accordance with the latest guidance and good practice documentation as published by the Department for Transport or as advised by the Highway Authority.”

Minutes