All-weather sports pitch at Attleborough Academy, Attleborough

What was proposed

A new 3G all-weather sports pitch was proposed, with fencing, floodlighting and access pathways, for academy and wider community use.

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT Construction of new all-weather sports pitch with associated fencing, floodlighting and access pathways. The new sports pitch comprises a new all-weather pitch that is enclosed by fencing suitable for the use. An accessway is required with a gated access at the southwestern corner of the enclosure. The application proposal is to create a new 3G sports pitch to complement the sporting facilities available at Attleborough Academy.”

Officer report

The site

The site includes academy grassland, pasture fields, mature protected trees, hedgerows, ditches and an existing farm track.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site comprises a mix of amenity-managed grassland directly associated with Attleborough Academy and a series of pasture grassland fields with several mature trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). The northern extent of pasture grassland is defined by the A11 Attleborough Bypass. The grasslands are enclosed by hedgerows with ditches and trees.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier approvals included residential development of up to 350 homes and replacement teaching accommodation at the academy.

“RELEVANT HISTORY There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant: 3PL/2013/1161/O - Residential development up to 350 dwellings, associated access, footpaths, cycle path, open space and landscaping. (Approved) 3PL/2019/0159/F - The demolition of 4 existing mobile teaching blocks and replacement 2 storey modular block and fencing. (Approved)”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle, complied with relevant policies and could be controlled by conditions.

“CONCLUSION The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and accords with the relevant policies of the Breckland Local Plan and Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan, taking into consideration relevant material planning considerations, including the NPPF, as set out above. On this basis and subject to the following conditions, the proposals are considered acceptable and recommended for approval.”

“RECOMMENDATION The application is recommended for approval subject to the following conditions.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The pitch would expand school and community sports provision, enhance football facilities, maintain cricket provision and provide improved access and facilities.

“The proposal is for construction of new all-weather sports pitch with associated fencing, floodlighting and access pathways in association with an increased sports offer in this location (as described above). The new pitch will form part of the existing sports provision, managed by the school, with access to the facility via the school campus.”

“In this case, it is understood the intention is for the proposal to provide the same provision, in terms of the quantity and quality of the cricket wickets and pitch. For football, the provision would be enhanced, as an AGP can provide for more demand than a turf pitch.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways, ecology, tree, environmental health, contamination and sport consultees raised no objection subject to specified measures or conditions.

“Attleborough Town Council No comments received. Highways Authority The revised CTMP outlines: 1) Route between the site access and the A11 dual carriageway avoiding Attleborough Town Centre. 2) Site protocols to be followed by Contractors in order to reduce and mitigate disruption to the highway. On the basis of the documentation submitted as listed above, the LHA does not object to the proposal as presented. Ecology No objection, subject to conditions. Tree Officer…”

“Contamination I have looked at the application submitted and, based on both the accuracy of the information provided and the current records of contaminated land issues we hold to date, I recommend approval providing the development proceeds in line with the application details and subject to a condition to alleviate environmental concerns. Building Control No comments.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Rebecca Collins presented the report, and no representations were made.

Members’ consideration

Members fully explored the application’s details against the prevailing policies and guidance.

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously to support the officer recommendation of approval.

“DECISION: Members voted unanimously in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.”

Minutes