Private sports open space at Winlaton Community Football Club, Axwell View, Winlaton

What was proposed

The application sought to change the pitches from public open space to private open space, allowing the club to control access.

“This application seeks planning permission to change of use of the site from Public Open Space to Private Open Space.”

“Instead of unrestricted public access to the site, the Club proposes to control public access. Essentially, the Club proposes to manage and control public access to the pitches, which results in a material change of use (how the land is used) and therefore, the requirement for this planning application.”

Officer report

The site and its use

The site is a community sports facility with a clubhouse and playing pitches, allocated mainly for outdoor sports and protected for organised recreation.

“This application relates to Axwell View Football Pitches, a community sports facility currently operated by Winlaton Community Football Club (WCFC). The Football Clubhouse building is located on the road frontage, on Axwell View with the playing pitches behind.”

“The Club acquired responsibility for the site through a 30 year Community Asset Transfer lease in July 2024, following Gateshead Council's decision to cease maintenance of the pitches in 2022. Since taking over the facility, WCFC has assumed full responsibility for the management, maintenance and ongoing investment required to safeguard the site's continued use for organised sport and recreation.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the limited loss of open space was outweighed by better management, investment protection and the long-term sporting benefits.

“Overall, whilst the concerns raised by objectors are recognised, officers consider that these matters have been satisfactorily addressed through the assessment of the proposal and that the limited loss of open space is outweighed by the wider benefits associated with the improved management, protection and long-term sustainability of the existing sports facilities.”

“The proposal is supported by Sport England, the Football Foundation and the Rugby Football Union, subject to appropriate community access arrangements secured by condition. Officers therefore conclude that the loss of unrestricted public access is outweighed by the wider benefits arising from the protection and enhancement of the site's primary sporting function.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Sport England raised no objection subject to conditions, while the Football Foundation and Rugby Football Union supported the proposal with community access arrangements.

“Sport England – No objection, subject to conditions.”

“In addition, Sport England confirms that the proposal would not prejudice the use of the playing fields and notes that the site is affected by Issues including vandalism, dog fouling, fly tipping and littering. In addition, both the Football Foundation and the Rugby Football Union support the proposal, subject to appropriate community access arrangements being secured.”

Officer report

What people said

There were 298 objections about losing informal public recreation and 242 supporting representations about safety, maintenance, sport and reducing antisocial behaviour.

“Loss of publicly accessible open space and community recreational land. • Loss of opportunities for informal recreation including children's play, walking, dog walking and casual sporting activities. • Concern that the site would primarily benefit organised football users rather than the wider community. • Concerns regarding the visual impact of the fencing and gates.”

“Provision of a safe, secure and well maintained environment for organised sport and recreational activities. • Reduction in dog fouling, littering, vandalism and anti-social behaviour affecting the playing pitches. • Protection of investment made by the football club and volunteers in improving and maintaining the facilities. • Benefits to grassroots sport, youth participation, physical health and wellbeing.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee in objection to the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions, including a Community Use Scheme covering pricing, hours, non-member access and management.

“That planning permission is GRANTED subject to the following conditions and that the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, vary and amend the conditions as necessary:”

“Within 3 months of the date of this permission, a Community Use Scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, after consultation with Sport England. The Scheme shall include details of pricing policy, hours of use, access by non-members, management responsibilities and include a mechanism for review. The approved Scheme shall be implemented upon commencement of use of the development.”

Minutes