Three netball courts and facilities at Boundary Park Boundary Park, Hilbre Avenue /, Oldham

What was proposed

The application proposed three netball courts, a changing room building, seating, parking changes, a pedestrian route, lighting, stores, landscaping and related stadium works.

“Proposal 1) Creation of three open netball courts with associated acoustic and security fencing, 2) Changing room building (alternative location to that approved under application VAR/352459/24), 3) Introduction of terraced seating overlooking the recently completed Little Wembley training pitch, 4) Reconfiguration of the existing car/coach park with access from Hilbre Avenue and introduction of a pedestrian 'Bee Way' route, 5) New/replacement lighting within the car park…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier approvals covered a solar PV system, changes to the training pitch, the Little Wembley redevelopment and wider stadium redevelopment proposals.

“SONDPR/355124/25 - Prior approval for installation of a solar PV system to roof of Joe Royle Stand. Prior approval required and granted. October 2025.”

“FUL/351570/23 - Replacement of existing grass training pitch known as Little Wembley (and floodlights, means of enclosure and ball-catch fencing) with a new multi-sports 3G pitch with associated earth works / engineering operations / retaining structure (to provide a flat surface), ball-catch fencing, security and acoustic fencing, 8 column sports lights, 10 cycle parking spaces, and the erection of an ancillary single storey building to accommodate changing rooms, classroom…”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Approval was recommended because the proposal would improve sports facilities and provide health benefits without harming the area’s character or neighbouring residents, subject to conditions.

“The proposal represents an additional step in the provision of an improved range of sporting facilities at the site with the associated health benefits from increased sports participation which would be afforded.”

“Subject to the recommended conditions, it is considered that the activities can be accommodated without detriment to the character of the area or he amenity of neighbouring residents.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and several technical consultees raised no objections, while conditions were requested for environmental health, contamination, drainage, biodiversity and rights of way.

“Highways Officer No objections Environmental Health No objections subject to various conditions in relation to hours of use of the netball courts, the maintenance compound, and the car park, for the provision of acoustic barriers, and for a ground condition assessment.”

“Environment Agency No objections subject to a condition for dealing with any contamination identified as a result of works on site.”

Officer report

Objections received

Two objections concerned disturbance, additional traffic on a residential street, a possible restrictive covenant breach and perceived influence from funding.

“In response, 2 objections have been received on the following (summarised) grounds:”

“Disturbance from the additional number of users; • Increased traffic using a residential street; • Suggestion that the owner of the application site is in breach of a restrictive covenant; and, • Perception that permission will be given as funding has already been agreed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant attended the meeting and addressed the committee.

The vote

Councillors voted eight in favour and one against approval, with no abstentions.

“It was MOVED by Councillor S. Hussain and SECONDED by Councillor Nasheen that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 8 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 1 VOTE was cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.”

Minutes