Leisure centre changes at Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend

What was proposed

The application sought changes to approved plans and several conditions for a new leisure centre, including removing the play equipment condition.

“This application seeks a variation of condition 2 (Approved Plans), condition 10 (Noise Assessment), condition 19 (Soft Landscaping Scheme) part iii, condition 34 (Energy Efficiency) and removal of condition 13 (Play Equipment) attached to planning permission reference number 20221293.”

“The permission granted under 20221293 is for Demolition of the existing Cascades Leisure Centre and public house and redevelopment of the site to provide a new leisure centre with community pool, leisure water, cafe, soft play, 'clip n climb' facility, a six court sports hall, fitness suite, spin studio, 2 no. fitness studios, 2 no. squash courts, a new tennis/netball court, improvements to the existing play area, landscaping across the site and associated car parking.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 4.5-hectare site contains a leisure centre, car park, play area, sports areas and surrounding countryside, woodland and leisure uses.

“The application site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, beyond the urban area boundary as shown on the Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy Policies Map (2014). The Riverview Park Estate lies to the west and open countryside to the east and south. Vehicular access to the site is via Thong Lane. The Thong Lane Conservation Area lies around 650 metres to the south, which includes within its area Whitehorse Cottage, which is Grade II Listed.”

“Adjacent to the site to the north is the Gravesend Golf Centre and the Gravesend Model Marine and Engineering Society Amusement Park Ride (a model railway). Immediately to the west is the Legends Sport Centre, which houses the Riverview Football Club and the Record Tennis Centres. To the south of the site is the now closed Southern Valley Golf Club.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Permission was granted in March 2023 for demolishing the existing leisure centre and public house and building a new leisure and community facility.

“Reference Description Decision Decision Date 20221293 Demolition of the existing Cascades Leisure Centre and public house and redevelopment of the site to provide a new leisure centre with community pool, leisure water, cafe, soft play, 'clip n climb' facility, a six court sports hall, fitness suite, spin studio, 2 no. fitness studios, 2 no.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the amendments minor and acceptable, with no detrimental effects on character, neighbouring amenities, landscape, parking or highway safety.

“The proposed changes are not considered to have any detrimental impact on the surrounding landscape, character of the area, amenities, parking or highway safety and therefore accord with the Development Plan and material considerations, and the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard two speakers in favour, including a representative of the applicant and a designer, and heard from the Council Leader.

Committee discussion

Members received an overview, asked clarification questions about consultation and design, and discussed the application further.

“The Chair invited questions for clarification form the Committee and non-board Members, in which Members were informed that:”

“Section 5.1 of the report outlined the further consultation with 41 surrounding properties and publicity responses to the application. The Planning Authority had provided the necessary engagement with local residents, and it was the responsibility of the applicant to conduct wider consultations were considered necessary. • Design and materials were approved previously in a previous application and there were no changes to previously agreed materials.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted subject to the report’s conditions, with delegated authority for the Head of Planning to modify, delete or add conditions.

“RESOLVED that PERMISSION be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report, with delegated authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chair to make any necessary modification, deletion or addition to the proposed conditions.”

Minutes