Leisure centre redevelopment at Manor Leisure Centre, Whittlesey, Peterborough

What was proposed

The application proposed redeveloping and expanding the leisure centre, with new facilities, covered padel courts, a relocated skate park, landscaping and more parking.

“This includes refurbishment, partial demolition and extension of the existing main leisure centre building in order to consolidate the existing wet-side and dry-side leisure facilities into a single leisure complex. The development would retain and refurbish the existing swimming pool tanks and associated plant areas, whilst demolishing the remaining outdated structures and constructing new wet and dry leisure facilities around the retained pool hall.”

“Externally, the development would provide an upgrade to the existing outdoor recreational facilities including new covered padel courts, a relocated skate park and associated external activity spaces.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains existing leisure, sports and recreational facilities beside residential areas, open land, mature vegetation and the Briggate River.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1. The application site comprises the existing Manor Leisure Centre and associated recreational facilities located on Station Road, Whittlesey, on the southern edge of the town. The wider site currently accommodates separate wet-side and dry-side leisure centre buildings, together with associated recreational uses including playing fields, cricket facilities, tennis courts, bowling green, MUGA, skate park and children’s play area.”

“The site is bounded by recreational land to the east and west, with mature trees, hedgerows and the Briggate River forming the southern boundary beyond which lies agricultural land. The surrounding area to the north is predominantly residential in character, comprising mainly two-storey detached and semi-detached dwellings associated with the edge of the town centre.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered fencing and storage, banners, a playzone court, cricket facilities, a dwelling, solar panels, floodlights and a gymnasium.

“SITE PLANNING HISTORY F/YR25/0696/FDC Erect 3m high (max) fence and gate and siting of storage container Manor Field, Station Road, Whittlesey Granted 18.11.2025 F/YR25/0661/A Display of 14 x non-illuminated fence mounted vinyl banners Granted 14.11.2025 F/YR25/0660/FDC Erect a Playzone court with 4 x floodlights on 8.0m high poles Granted 13.11.2025 F/YR22/1404/F Erect 1 x dwelling (2-storey, 2-bed) and a single-storey garden room Land East Of 50 Station Road, Whittlesey…”

“F/YR09/0211/F Siting of 1 metal storage container for use by Whittlesey Cricket Club Granted 13.05.2009 F/YR05/1042/FDC Erection of 4 x 8.0 metre high floodlighting columns to multi games area Granted 14.11.2005 F/YR02/0411/FDC Erection of gymnasium Granted 10.06.2002”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme sustainable because it would improve leisure facilities and public spaces, while technical impacts could be controlled through conditions.

“Technical assessments confirm that impacts relating to highways, drainage, flood risk, residential amenity, ecology and lighting can be satisfactorily mitigated through planning conditions, consistent with Policies LP14, LP15, LP16 and LP19.”

“The proposal is considered to represent sustainable development in accordance with the Development Plan and the NPPF, with the substantial public and community benefits outweighing the limited identified harm. Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Whittlesey Town Council member supported the application, describing it as a way to modernise the facility and improve benefits for local and wider users.

What members discussed

Members welcomed the project, its consultation and improved facilities, describing it as an important opportunity for Whittlesey and Fenland.

“Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows: • Councillor Mrs French congratulated the town of Whittlesey and thanked the officers on their hard work on this project so far. • Councillor Gerstner stated that he would also like to thank the officers and the Head of…”

“Leisure for their time and their engagement and consultation with the public, which has gone through due process and for the work which has gone into the planning application. He added that on behalf of his Whittlesey residents he would like his thanks noted.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Gerstner proposed approval, Councillor Mrs French seconded it, and the committee agreed to grant the application as recommended.

“Proposed by Councillor Gerstner, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes