Artificial grass pitch and clubhouse at Tornadoes Sports Education And Leisure Pendley Sports Centre, Tring

“Following pre-application advice and subsequent negotiations, planning permission is sought for a revised scheme, with permission sought for the construction of a two-storey changing room/clubhouse facility and for the creation of a new Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP), with associated hardstanding areas, the installation of perimeter fencing and access gates and the installation of eight 16m floodlighting columns.”

“The submitted plans indicate that the new AGP would measure 106m by 79m, (comprising an area of 8,374m 2 ), with lines marking out a variety of different football pitch sizes, (including two 9v9 pitches marked in blue, four 7x7 pitches and four 5x5 pitches marked by yellow lines). The AGP would be surrounded by 4.5m high perimeter fencing, with 1.2m high fencing and gates also installed to formally separate the pitch playing area from goal storage and circulation routes.”

“The site forms part of the Tring Tornadoes Junior Football Club, comprising a group of preserved Horse Chestnut trees, (protected by Tree Preservation Order 569), two green shipping containers, (facilitating equipment storage), and two football pitches. To the south and east are further football pitches, whilst to the north are rugby pitches.”

“The site is bordered by a mature deciduous hedge and trees to its east, beyond which is open countryside comprising the Locally Listed Pendley Manor Park/Garden. The site and playing fields are screened from Cow Lane by a mixed deciduous hedge with sporadic mature trees.”

“Under application 4/0080/18/FUL, planning permission was granted for the construction of a new changing room building, (measuring approximately 14m long and 7.6m wide, with a single storey front projection measuring 6m by 3m), providing a total external floor area of 124.4m 2 .”

“Under the above applications, permission was sought for the construction of a new clubhouse and for the creation of a new artificial grass pitch, with associated floodlighting and ancillary works. Both permissions were however refused, with concerns raised that the following grounds: 1) principle of the development, 2) quality of design/impact on heritage assets and Chilterns National Landscape, 3) impact on existing trees and 4) parking.”

“That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL subject to the conclusion of the ownership notification period (with no new material objections being raised) and to the conditions set out under Section 11 of the report.”

“25/00695/FUL Replacement of grass playing surface with artificial grass surface and construction of two storey changing room and clubhouse facility with associated perimeter fencing and floodlights.”

“The Case Officer, Heather Edey, introduced the report to Members and explained that the application had been referred to the Committee because, in the view of the Head of Development Management, it is of significant public interest.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Maddern and seconded by Councillor Hannell to DELEGATE with a view to APPROVAL. Vote:”

“Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL. RECOMMENDATION That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL subject to the conclusion of the ownership notification period (with no new material objections being raised) and to the conditions set out under Section 11 of the report.”