Air source heat pumps at All Seasons Leisure Centre, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought external air source heat pumps, air handling units and associated boundary treatments, covering approximately 500 square metres.

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection and installation of external air source heat pumps and air handling units with associated boundary treatments. The proposed would have a footprint of approximately 500sqm and would be located to the south of the leisure centre building and to the north of the Halfords building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a large sports centre with parking and hardstanding, between commercial premises, a railway line and more distant homes.

“The application site is located within the settlement area of Chorley as defined by the Chorley Local Plan 2012-2026 on the eastern side of Water Street. The application site contains a large, detached sports centre, known as All Seasons Leisure Centre, with associated parking and other areas of hardstanding. The application site is bounded by Water Street to the west, home bargains to the north, railway line to the east and a Halfords and Asda to the south.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding the development would not significantly harm the site, surrounding area, neighbours or highway safety.

“The proposed development is acceptable in principle and would not result in any significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing site or the surrounding area, nor would it cause any significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents or highway safety. It is, therefore, considered that the development accords with the National Planning Policy Framework and policy BNE1 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 – 2026.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental health raised noise concerns, while highways reported no significant impact; several consultees submitted no comments or said consultation was unnecessary.

“Chorley Council’s Environmental Health Officer – Commented stating that there is no information provided relating to noise of the air source heat pumps and air handling units, and there are residential properties not very far behind, be it that they are separated by the railway line, but the noise from the railway will be intermittent and the proposed pumps and air handling units may be operating at night when background noise levels are lower.”

“Lancashire County Council (LCC) Highway Services – commented stating that the proposed development would not have a significant impact on highway safety, capacity or amenity in the immediate vicinity of the site.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

No representations had been received when the officer report was prepared.

“No representations have been received at the time of report preparation.”

Officer report

Public speakers

There were no public speakers.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission, proposed and seconded by councillors.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Chris Snow, seconded by Councillor Alex Hilton and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions outlined within the officers’ report.”

Minutes