Leisure centre redevelopment at Brentwood Centre, Pilgrims' Hatch

What was proposed

The application proposed partial demolition, a new extension, external alterations and comprehensive redevelopment of outdoor sports facilities, parking and landscaping.

“Planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of the Brentwood Centre, including partial demolition, a new extension and external material alterations of the Brentwood Centre alongside a comprehensive redevelopment of outdoor sports facilities (including associated sports infrastructure, parking, and landscaping).”

“The northwestern element of the existing building is proposed to be demolished and replaced with a new extension. The aim is to rationalise the current fragmented arrangement of interconnected buildings and structures with a new entrance and to assist in improving wayfinding for visitors. The proposed new…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site covers about 18.35 hectares and includes the existing centre, car parks, outdoor sports facilities, playing pitches and open grassland within the Green Belt.

“The application site is situated on the eastern side of Doddinghurst Road, immediately beyond the A12 underpass. It extends to approximately 18.35 hectares and comprises the existing Brentwood Centre, associated car parking provision, outdoor sports facilities and playing pitches, together with areas of open grassland.”

“The site is located within the designated Metropolitan Green Belt, as defined in the adopted Local Plan, and is partially situated within the Pilgrims Hatch Critical Drainage Area. Given its role in providing sports and community event facilities, the site is also considered a community facility in accordance with Policy PC10 of the adopted Brentwood Local Plan…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would enhance a community facility, improve sports provision, meet Green Belt exceptions and provide substantial public benefits subject to conditions.

“The proposal would deliver the comprehensive redevelopment and modernisation of a strategically important leisure, recreation and community facility serving the Brentwood Borough. Whilst the development would result in the loss of a limited number of existing facilities and introduce additional built form within the Green Belt, Officers are satisfied that the proposal falls within the relevant Green Belt exceptions and would not result in substantial harm to…”

“Significant public benefits would arise through the provision of enhanced leisure and fitness facilities, three new 3G artificial grass pitches, improved accessibility and legibility, upgraded community infrastructure, sustainability improvements and substantial improvement in a key community asset.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, describing the centre as a key community asset and highlighting modernised facilities, a new 3G pitch and improved accessibility.

The committee vote

All eleven voting members supported approval, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“The officer also explained that the location of the proposed parking works had been influenced by Green Belt constraints and a desire to keep development as close as possible to previously developed land while serving the new facilities. The Chair, having previously moved the officer recommendation for approval, noted the strong support expressed by Members across the Committee.”

“The Motion to APPROVE the application was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

Minutes