External leisure-centre signage at Runnymede Leisure Centre, Kiln Road, Thundersley Benfleet
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Castle Point Development Management Committee on 9 Jun 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought external signage comprising four advert boards, two fixed signs and two changeable banner signs.
“That planning permission be granted. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 The application concerns Runnymede Leisure Centre, a Council owned building serving the community of Castle Point. The application seeks permission for external signage to install four advert boards, two fixed signs and two changeable banner signs. The matter is presented to the Committee as the Council is the applicant.”
Officer report
Earlier permissions
Earlier permissions covered a non-illuminated fascia banner, a roof-top acoustic barrier amendment and a leisure-centre extension with a new car park.
“Advert details • Advert details with photo montages 5 RELEVANT HISTORY 5.1 18/0527/ADV – Permission sought for non-illuminated fascia banner on a banner pole system – Approved 08 August 2018. 5.2 17/0522/NMA – Permission sought for non-material amendment of permission 17/0047/FULCLC to amend roof top acoustic barrier – Approved 12 July 2017.”
Officer report
Why officers recommended approval
Officers considered the signage proportionate, visually acceptable, free from clutter and safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
“Policy S13 of the Council’s Adopted Local Plan states that a proliferation of advertisements should be prevented, especially above the ground floor level or retail or commercial premises and at petrol filling stations. The proposed adverts and signage are not considered to appear out of scale within the context of the site, nor would they give rise to advertisement clutter on the frontage upon which they are to be displayed.”
“Officers have had due regard to these matters when assessing this application and have concluded that neither the granting nor the refusal of this application would be likely to have an impact on protected groups and that therefore these considerations would not weigh in favour of or against the application.”
Officer report
Consultation responses
Essex Highways raised no objections, while no neighbour responses had been received.
“9 CONSULTATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS Legal Services 9.1 No response received as of 7 May 2026. Essex Highways 9.2 Response received 24 April 2026 with no objections raised. Neighbour Notification 9.3 No responses received as of 7 May 2026. EVALUATION OF PROPOSAL 10.1 The main discussion with this application is the visual impact on and safety of the area.”
Officer report
The committee vote
A motion to grant planning permission was agreed unanimously on a show of hands.
“25/0506/ADV – RUNNYMEDE LEISURE CENTRE, KILN ROAD, THUNDERSLEY, BENFLEET The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Director Development Services regarding an application for external signage at the Runnymede Leisure Centre, Kiln Road, Thundersley. A Motion moved by Cllr K Bowker and seconded by Cllr R Lillis that planning permission be granted was agreed unanimously on a show of hands.”
Minutes
The decision
Planning permission was granted for the external signage.
“Resolved (1) That planning permission be granted…”
Minutes
Sources
- Castle Point Development Management Committee minutes, 9 June 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Castle Point's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Castle Point
- Date
- Tuesday 9 June 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Vote
- Unanimous
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Castle Point committee decisions →
This committee's year
5 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.