Leisure centre energy works at Leiston Sports Centre, Leiston

What was proposed

The application proposed water, bin and battery compounds, acoustic fencing behind the leisure centre, and solar panels on the existing roof.

“The applicants have sought planning permission for the installation of a domestic water service, bin and battery external compound layouts and acoustic fencing to the rear of the leisure centre as well as proposed solar panels to existing roof.”

“The proposed external plant, bin store and batteries will be located to the north of the centre. The proposed external plant, batteries and bins will be surrounded by acoustic fencing, Armco protection barriers as well as pedestrian and vehicular gates.”

Officer report

The site

The leisure centre lies just outside Leiston’s settlement boundary, with a modern building and car park around it.

“Leiston Leisure Centre is located just outside of the Leiston settlement boundary to the south of Alde Valley Academy. The building itself is of modern design with panelling, brick and glazing. A car park wraps around from the south-west to the north of the Centre.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Rights of way, environmental protection, ecology and highways consultees raised no objections, while the town council made no comments.

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received East Suffolk Environmental Protection 29 January 2026 17 February 2026 Summary of comments: No objection.”

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council 29 January 2026 No response Summary of comments: No comments received.”

Officer report

Public comments

No third-party comments were received.

“No third-party comments have been received.”

Officer report

Presentation to members

The planner presented the site, existing and proposed plans, photographs, solar panels, heat pump, fencing, ancillary structures, battery and bin compound.

Members’ discussion

A councillor asked whether protective barriers addressed safety risks from heavy batteries and vehicles, and the planner confirmed this was their purpose.

“Councillor Hammond asked the Planner to confirm that the protective barriers were there for safety reasons due to the heavy batteries and the potential fire risk. The Planner confirmed that was correct, they were in place as it was a car park and the barriers would prevent any accidents from vehicles running into them occurring.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The application was proposed and seconded before the committee resolved to approve it.

“On the proposal of Councillor Ashdown, seconded by Councillor Hammond.”

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering the time limit, approved plans and removal after the use ends.

“Time Limit 2. Plans 3. Removal upon cessation of use…”

Minutes