Recreation ground improvements at Granville Recreation Ground, Woodville, Swadlincote

What was proposed

The application proposed pathways, a dog agility area, informal open space and fenced toddler and junior play areas with new equipment.

“This application is to enhance the existing Granville Recreation Ground. Following public consultation it has been proposed for the erection of a dog agility area, informal recreation space and the installation of play equipment. Furthermore, there will be habitat improvements to ensure that a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain is achieved on site as part of the development delivery.”

“The Site is within the defined settlement boundary of the Swadlincote Urban Area as referred to in policy SDT1 and shown on the Settlement Boundary Maps in Appendix A to LP2. The proposal The proposal is for improvements to the existing recreation ground, which includes the creation of surfaced pathways, creation of a fenced area containing Dog Agility Equipment, an area of open space and a secure fenced area of children's play containing a variety of play equipment which…”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified, and the existing play area has been in place for many years.

“Relevant planning history No relevant history Responses to consultations and publicity Tree Officer - No objection…”

“The play area already exists and has done for many years. The local authority are proposing to refurbish the equipment predominantly using their permitted development rights under schedule 2 part 12 Class A of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The limitation of this that the dog agility area does not fall under the permitted development right so planning permission is required.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the scheme acceptable because it would improve a community facility, protect neighbouring amenity and deliver biodiversity net gain.

“Policy BNE3 supports development which contributes to the protection, enhancement, management and restoration of biodiversity and delivers net gains in biodiversity wherever possible. Additionally, schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by schedule 14 of the Environment Act), recently introduced a mandatory requirement for 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).”

“The proposal for improvement to Granville Recreation Ground including the creation of a dog agility facility and erection of play equipment would enhance an existing community facility which would be in accordance with the aims of policy INF6 (protecting community facilities) and acceptable in principle.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Tree Officer and Environmental Health Officer raised no objections, while the Green Spaces Development Officer supported the facilities, accessibility and planting.

“The proposed development will provide much improved facilities for the local community with the design layout offering good accessibility, space for recreation and relaxation and the facilities provided in response to the public consultation. The play equipment proposed offers a play space with both accessibility and inclusivity in mind for a wide age range and the dog agility/exercise area is a unique feature.”

“Environmental Health Officer No objection Relevant policy, guidance and/or legislation Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that applications shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The two local ward members addressed the committee in support, describing the proposal as a valuable provision for residents and children.

Members’ view

Members considered the application and supported the officer’s proposals.

“Members considered the Application and supported the officer’s proposals…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved in line with the officer recommendation, subject to new conditions six and seven.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Executive Director – Place and Prosperity subject to new conditions six and seven.”

Minutes

Additional conditions

The additional conditions require wildlife safeguards during works and an approved habitat management and monitoring plan before development starts.

“Condition seven – “A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) should be submitted to, and be approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development. If the standard HMMP template was not used, the HMMP checklist should be consulted to ensure all appropriate information was included.”

Minutes