3G synthetic football pitch at Pilgrim Foodservice, Forge Lane, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing a grass pitch with a full-size 3G synthetic pitch, floodlighting, drainage, fencing, parking and bus bays.

“The application relates to a site within the existing “Football Park” also known as Mountblow Pitches on Lilac Avenue in Clydebank. Mountblow Pitches has a range of existing sports facilities including 1 synthetic pitch which can be utilised as either one 11 a-side pitch or three 7 a-side pitches, as well as 1 grass football pitch. There is also a sports pavilion which is a Category C listed building.”

“The replacement of the existing grass pitch with a full-size 3G synthetic pitch measuring 106m by 66m with a 2m wide hardstanding area and access path. • The erection of a 6-column LED floodlighting system measuring 15m in height. • Drainage works. • The erection of perimeter fencing measuring 3m in height and extending to 5m in heigh behind the goal ends. • The erection of 4m high, solid acoustic fencing at the east goal end.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier application for a similar 3G pitch was withdrawn at the applicant’s request and did not include the informal parking area.

“Previous relevant site history includes application DC25/016/FUL for the construction of a new 3G synthetic pitch including drainage, floodlighting and fencing. This application did not include the area currently used as informal parking and was withdrawn at the applicant's request.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Roads, Environmental Health, flooding and Network Rail raised no objections, with conditions sought for lighting, construction, noise, drainage and contamination matters.

“West Dunbartonshire Council Roads Service No objections. It is noted that a swept path analysis for buses shows they can safely enter and manoeuvre within the site without conflict or obstructing the turning area. Acceptable pedestrian routes between parking areas are also provided. Conditions relating to floodlighting and that no materials or plant obstruct the public road or footway during construction are requested.”

“West Dunbartonshire Council Environmental Health Service No objections subject to conditions relating to the hours of operation of the facility including the flood lighting, the acoustic fence, construction hours, vehicle delivery times during construction, contaminated land and dust.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors addressed the committee, followed by the council’s Greenspace Manager on behalf of the applicant, who answered members’ questions.

Committee discussion

A motion to refuse cited possible negative effects on climate and nature policies, while an amendment proposed granting permission subject to conditions.

“After discussion, Provost Murray Conaghan, seconded by Councillor Pollock, moved that the Committee refuse the planning application citing concerns that the proposed laying of the synthetic 3G pitch contained within this application would have a negative effect in respect of NPF4 Policies 1, 2 and 3.”

“As an amendment Councillor O’Neill, seconded by Councillor Sorrell, moved that the Committee agree to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in Section 9 of the report.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted five to two for a further amendment to continue the application for additional parking and transport information.

“As a further amendment, Councillor Oxley, seconded by Councillor Dickson, moved that the Committee agree to continue this item to allow for the applicant to provide further information regarding parking and transport matters, including details of current and proposed future use, and agreeing that if the information is not forthcoming that authority is delegated to the Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health Manager, to provide notice of refusal of the planning…”

“On a vote being taken, 5 Members voted for the amendment and 2 for the motion, the amendment was accordingly declared carried.”

Minutes