Pavilion alterations and parking at Playing Field, Caxton Road, Margate

What was proposed

The application proposed changes to the pavilion, moving a shipping container and creating a 20-space car park.

“This application is for alterations to the existing building including replacement and installation of new doors and windows and doors around the building. A shipping container would be moved from the western side of the building 130m north east into the recreation ground and a car park providing 20 spaces would be created between the building and Garlinge Primary School.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a pavilion and grassed recreation ground with football pitches, a playground, nearby homes and schools.

“The site is located within Garlinge Recreation Ground and comprises an existing pavilion building located in the north west corner adjacent to Caxton Road, surrounding grassed area and an area of grass north east of the pavilion approximately 130m from Caxton Road. The recreation ground is marked out with football pitches and a children's playground is located on the southern boundary.”

Officer report

Planning history

There is no planning history for the site.

“There is no planning history for the site.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would support recreation, avoid significant harm and provide biodiversity gain.

“KCC Biodiversity have reviewed the application and consider that the potential for bats and biodiversity on the site is limited and the proposed habitat gains required by Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) are not significant. They have advised that the proposed habitat gain areas should be arranged to avoid areas with high footfall.”

“The existing biodiversity potential of the site is limited and following submission of the amended plan, it is considered that this proposal would not result in any significant harm to existing biodiversity in the area, and would be capable of providing the required BNG enhancements. The impacts of this development upon biodiversity in the area are therefore considered to be acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

One neighbour raised no objection, while biodiversity and Sport England consultees supported the proposal and highways did not require involvement.

“Under the Environment Act 2021 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), all planning applications for development (unless exempt) must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), shown via use of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric prior to commencement of any development. Having reviewed submitted information61, we consider a 10% biodiversity net gain is a statutory requirement of this proposed development.”

“KCC Highways - This development proposal does not meet the criteria to warrant involvement from the Highway Authority. Sport England - Summary…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Rattigan proposed approval and Councillor Makinson seconded it.

The vote

The motion to approve was agreed by 9 votes to 0, with no abstentions.

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”

“For: 9 Against: 0 Abstention: 0 Cllr Boyd Cllr Crittenden Cllr Makinson Cllr Matterface Cllr Moore Cllr Packman Cllr Rattigan Cllr Wing Cllr Wright…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions requiring commencement within three years and compliance with the amended drawings.

“Councillor Rattigan proposed and Councillor Makinson seconded that the officer recommendation to APPROVE be AGREED, subject to the following conditions:”

“2 The proposed development shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted application as amended by the revised drawings numbered 07 Rev A, 08 Rev A, 09 Rev A and 12 received 02 April 2026, and 03 Rev C received 26 June 2026.”

Minutes