Sports training pavilion at Colliers Park Wrexham Afc Training Ground, Gresford, Wrexham

What was proposed

The application seeks a partly retrospective sports training pavilion with supporting infrastructure and associated works.

“Description of Development CODI ADEILAD I'W DDEFNYDDIO FEL PAFILIWN HYFFORDDI CHWARAEON (D2 - CYNNULL A HAMDDEN) / ERECTION OF BUILDING FOR USE AS SPORTS TRAINING PAVILION (D2 - ASSEMBLY LEISURE)”

“Proposal The application seeks consent for the construction of a new Sports Training Pavilion with supporting infrastructure and associated works. The development is near completion and is therefore partly retrospective.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a 0.29-hectare equipment-storage and overflow-parking area within the established Colliers Park football training facility.

“Site Description The application site is located at Colliers Park training ground on Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham. Colliers Park is located to the southwest of Gresford. The site has been in use as a football training facility following the granting of planning permission in 1993 for the change of use from agricultural land.”

“The site comprises a small area of land currently used for the storage of equipment and overflow parking. The site measures approximately 0.29ha in size and is located centrally within Colliers Park.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered the national football development centre, pitches, floodlighting, signage, gates and other changes at the training ground.

“Report of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning P/2019/0020 APPLICATION FOR A NON-MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO PLANNING PERMISSION P/2018/0194 TO REVISE SITE LAYOUT TO LOCATE SUB-STATION TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE - Granted 29/01/2019”

“P/2018/0194 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION TO EXISTING FACILITY TO CREATE NATIONAL FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (D2) AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY (Dl) INCLUDING REPLACEMENT PITCHES AND FLOODLIGHTING AND ASSOCIATED EXTERNAL WORKS, EXTERNAL STORE AND CONTAINERS AND ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS -Granted 14/05/2018”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the development acceptable in principle, with no unacceptable identified impacts, subject to outstanding drainage and highway matters being resolved.

“Report of the Chief Officer Economy and Planning The application is accompanied by a Drainage Strategy which incorporates Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage surface water through appropriate attenuation and controlled discharge. Ground investigations and percolation testing indicate that infiltration drainage via soakaways is feasible.”

“Conclusion The sports training pavilion represents a logical extension and enhancement of the established Colliers Park training facility and supports the continued operation and development of the wider sports complex. Based on the information submitted to date, the development is considered acceptable in principle and has not resulted in any unacceptable impacts on visual amenity, residential amenity, ecology, or the wider environment.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The community council raised parking concerns, while NRW and the Highway Officer sought further information; other consultees raised no objections.

“Consultation Responses Community Council: The Council is disappointed to note that that this consultation was not received until the work is almost complete. The Council is concerned as to whether the reduction in parking allows sufficient remaining parking at the location.”

“Natural Resources Wales: NRW raises no objection in principle to the development but seeks further information regarding the proposed foul drainage arrangements. NRW advises that, in accordance with Planning Policy Wales and Circular 008/2018, the applicant must demonstrate through further supporting evidence, including cost and feasibility information, why connection to the public foul sewer is not reasonably achievable before a private drainage solution can be accepted.”

Officer report

Public objections

Four representations from one member of the public objected over surface-water flooding, building design and overlooking of homes.

“Responses to Publicity: 4 representations received from 1 member of public. Objects to the development on the following grounds: • Increase in surface water flooding • Design of building being inappropriate for area • Impact on residential amenity - overlooking…”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker spoke against the application and another spoke in favour; the officer presented plans and site photographs.

Members’ concerns

Members and the Local Member discussed the retrospective application, foul drainage and whether connection to the mains sewer was feasible.

“Members of the Committee and the Local Member expressed concern regarding the retrospective nature of the application. • Concerns were raised regarding the proposed foul drainage arrangements and the feasibility of connecting the development to the mains sewerage network.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee deferred consideration and asked for further consideration of a mains connection or evidence explaining why it was not feasible.

“RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred.”

“To request the applicant to provide further consideration to a mains drainage connection or provide further evidence to demonstrate why a mains drainage connection is not feasible.”

Minutes