All-weather sports pitch at Brighton Hove And Sussex Sixth Form College, Hove

What was proposed

The application concerned an all-weather pitch for college and community use, with measures intended to manage noise and other impacts.

“William Baldwin of BHASVIC, stated the college wanted to be a good neighbour; however, they feel that the students are getting a poor deal with the lack of sports facilities. There is only a field at this time, which is not good for sports students. Currently the female football team travel to other pitches to train. The proposals are for the school and community use. The site has hosted a soccer camp each summer in that location for a decade and received no complaints.”

“Councillor Fishleigh was informed by the agent that other materials were considered however, the alternatives like corn husk and cork are being tested and have been shown to degrade quickly, be less reliable and require a lot of maintenance, and are very expensive. Crumb is considered the best material, supported by Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Sports England, subject to the containment measures secured by condition.”

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The site and ownership

The proposed pitch would occupy land owned by the college, while the remaining field is council-owned.

“Councillor Shanks was informed that the site outlined in the application was the area under BHASVIC ownership. The remainder of the field is owned by the council, who is not willing to sell any more land to the college. William Baldwin considered the asset needed to be regulated. The proposed pitch would be bookable and managed by the venue hire team. The college were not looking for a revenue stream.”

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Concerns and support

Concerns focused on noise, cultural performances, lighting, ecology and public space, while support focused on sport, health and community use.

“Neighbouring Ward Councillor Muten stated that many residents have contacted them regarding this application and the impact on BOAT, which is a very successful venue. Residents are concerned at the noise impact from the proposed pitches would undermine the performances. The loss of public space is not good; the proposals represent development creep. The benefits do not outweigh the adverse impacts.”

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Who spoke

Representatives of the theatre, park association, college and applicant, together with three ward councillors, addressed the committee.

Members debated the impacts

Members considered the conflict between the pitch and theatre, surface materials, public space, conditions, sport and community benefits.

“Councillor Sheard considered the proposals were advantageous to the community and the conditions would result in minimum impact. The councillor supported the application.”

“Councillor Shanks stated they could not support the application as the proposed surface of rubber crumb was an issue. They considered the proposals were urban creep, when the public becomes private. The councillor wished to propose a blanket ban condition on use of the pitch; however, no committee Member seconded the motion.”

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The vote

The committee voted by eight votes to two to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held, and by 8 to 2, the committee agreed to grant planning permission.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the application papers.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.”

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