Ball-stop systems at Sidley Recreation Ground, Bexhill

“This proposal seeks permission for the erection of a 6m high ball-stop system within Sidley Recreation Ground, to match the existing ball-stop system.”

“The system comprises black netting suitable for containing footballs and metal in-ground posts powder coated green. The proposed system would match the style and height of the existing system to the south-west of the pitch, currently shielding the BMX racetrack.”

“This application relates to land within Sidley Recreation Ground. There is a recently constructed community hub, used in conjunction with the football pitch. The proposal would erect 6m high ball-stop systems to the north-east and south of the football pitch, matching the existing 6m high ball-stop system located to the south-west of the pitch. The closest residential neighbours to the site are those opposite on Canada Way.”

“The Recreation Ground also contains a playground, bowls club building and lawn, BMX track and skate park. There is a recently constructed car park to the north-east of the football pitch, linked to the community hub.”

“RR/2024/935/P Proposed demolition of the existing football changing block and construction of new multi-purpose community hub with football changing, changing places facility, coffee shop and multi-purpose/use function rooms. Construction of new car park and associated external works – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.”

“RR/2021/1759/P Construction of new and improved public outdoor sport and recreation facilities comprising a reinforced concrete skatepark with floodlighting constructed in-situ, a new dirt BMX jump park (jump area), a remodelled dirt BMX 6-rider racetrack with tarmac berms and floodlighting and an…”

“As the proposed system is to be installed for the protection of the general public, the development is considered necessary. There is considered to be a minimal visual impact on the surrounding area and on neighbouring amenity and the proposal thus complies with the policies listed in section 5.0 of this report. The proposal is of an acceptable visual appearance which is consistent with the character of this recreation ground.”

“The proposed 6m high ball-stop system is considered necessary for public safety and will have minimal impact on the character of the area. The proposal would comply with relevant planning policy and would not harm the surrounding landscape, neighbour amenity, or ecology. The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to the imposition of conditions.”

“Comments summarised as follows: Environmental Health does not have any objection. However, one condition has been recommended to avoid noise nuisance during construction work.”

“9 The application sought permission to erect a 6m high ball-stop system at Sidley Recreation Ground, matching the existing installation, to improve public safety. The site was within the development boundary for Bexhill. Planning Officers concluded that the proposal complied with relevant planning policies and would not adversely affect the surrounding landscape, neighbouring amenity, or ecology.”

“Councillor Chowdhury moved that the application be GRANTED (Full Planning Permission) as per the officer’s recommendation, as detailed within the report. This was seconded by Councillor Stanger. The motion was declared CARRIED (6 for / 1 against / 2 abstentions).”

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and details: • Proposed Location Plan dated 11-06-2026 • Ashdown Site Investigation Limited, their Project Ref: P15462, Report Ref: R15131 dated 23 May 2022 (as approved under RR/2021/1759/P). Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.”

“NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK: In accordance with Policy DM3 of the National Planning Policy Framework, the Council has worked in a positive and pro-active way and has imposed planning conditions to enable the grant of planning permission.”