Artificial grass pitch refurbishment at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow

“The applicant seeks planning permission for the refurbishment of an Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas and storage container at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre, Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow.”

“Refurbishment of an Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas and storage container.”

“The application relates to the existing Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) which forms part of the wider Great Dunmow Leisure Centre site. To the north of the application site are tennis/netball courts and a further playing field space with athletics track markings. To the east is the Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College. To the south are the main leisure centre building and associated car park.”

“Reference Proposal Decision UTT/0556/98/DC Proposal Artificial turf sport pitch and associated floodlighting APPROVED 17.09.1998”

“No Objections subject to condition. Sport England’s consultee response can be found in Appendix 1 of this report.”

“Twelve neighbours were notified of the application by letter.”

“There are no letters of support for this application.”

“In response to questions from Members, Officers said: - • A slight change to opening hours was proposed: one extra hour in the morning (from 8.00am) to match with the school. There was no evening increases in opening hours proposed. The nearest house was between 400 and 500 metres away. • A standard consultation had been sent out to neighbouring properties within an appropriate radius. • The existing lawn was artificial and was proposed to be replaced.”

“Members discussed: - • The proposed new lighting that would enable a dimming option for events that required lower-level lighting and to benefit insects and bats.”

“The Chair proposed approval of the application, and this was seconded by Councillor Pavitt.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant conditional permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report.”