Clubhouse and food pantry at Pollyfield Playing Field, Bideford

What was proposed

A single-storey clubhouse and community food pantry would provide kitchen, toilet, social and storage areas.

“Proposed Development The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a single storey, clubhouse and community food pantry building. The building will measure approximately 21.1 metres in width by 10 metres in depth with an eaves height of 2.5 metres and a ridge height of 5 metres.”

“The proposed dwelling will be constructed with the following materials: horizontal mid-grey clad elevations; natural slate roof tiles; and mid-grey uPVC windows and doors.”

Officer report

The site

The proposal concerned a small parcel of public open space beside a football pitch, with a footpath nearby and a dwelling 28 metres away.

“Site Description The application site measures approximately 290 square metres and is located within the development boundary of Bideford, which is designated as a ‘Strategic Centre’ in the adopted North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP). The site is not located within any allocated land designation and there are no designated heritage assets within close proximity.”

“The application site relates to a parcel of land which is considered to be Public Open Space, known as Pollyfields. The application site is a small, relatively flat parcel of land within the wider Public Open Space, and is neighboured by a formal football pitch to the north. There is a public access footpath to the southeast of the site and the closest dwelling is located 28 metres (building to building) to the northeast of the site.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the small open-space loss acceptable because the clubhouse and pantry would improve an existing facility and serve the local community.

“The proposed development would result in the partial loss of Open Green Space where there is a general deficiency of open space within the District and there is not a surplus of the vast majority of different types of green infrastructure against the adopted standards at the start of the plan period.”

“Taking account of the above, the proposed development would result in the loss of a relatively small area (approximately 0.95%) of Public Open Green Space within Pollyfield and would provide improvements and enhancements through the delivery of a Clubhouse for Shamwickshire Rovers and a Community Food Pantry, serving the local community.”

Officer report

What residents said

Three objections raised concerns about overdevelopment, green-space loss, need, parking, wildlife, neighbouring amenity and the adjacent site.

“Number of neighbours consulted: Number of letters of support: Number of representations received: Number of neutral representations: Number of objection letters: 3”

“The public representations received are summarised below: Objection Comment - Over development of the site. - Loss of green space. - Lack of need. - Car parking provision. - Untidy use of the adjacent site. - Loss of a view. - Impact on wildlife, namely bats. - Impact on residential amenities.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and the applicant spoke in support, while a community officer raised concerns about green-space loss, facilities, cooperation and a possible pathway.

What members discussed

Members discussed land ownership, application boundaries, opening hours, food-pantry footfall, sustainable energy and possible solar power.

“The Chair opened the item for discussion. Members questioned the blue line around the site on the presentation in relation to land ownership. The Head of Planning & Building Control reiterated that the site, and wider area, is owned by Torridge District Council and that the red line is correct identifying the application site. Councillor Leather moved the recommendation in the report. The Chair expressed support for the application.”

“Members questioned the food pantry opening hours and the Principal Planner suggested that they would likely be normal opening hours. Members discussed this in terms of footfall. The Head of Planning & Building Control outlined that residents would be made aware of opening hours. Support for the application was expressed by Members. It was proposed by Councillor Leather, seconded by Councillor Bushby and – A recorded vote was taken.”

Minutes