Padel courts and support building at Brighton And Hove Albion Training Ground, Lancing

What was proposed

The application sought approval of construction, materials, landscaping and energy details for previously approved covered padel courts and a two-storey building.

“The application relates to the Brighton and Hove FC Elite Football Performance Centre and comprises an area to the east of the main training ground building and indoor pitch. Planning permission was granted at the February Planning Committee for proposed covered padel courts along with an associated 2-storey building comprising changing rooms and office/classroom space (AWDM/1188/24).”

“Notwithstanding the details shown on the approved plans, no development shall be carried out unless and until a schedule of materials and finishes (including details of the colour and finish) to be used for the proposed building and its roof, giving due consideration to visual impact and energy efficiency, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and the development shall be completed in accordance with the approved schedule.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the construction plan, materials, landscaping and energy measures were considered acceptable.

“The submitted Construction Environmental Management Plan states that the build programme is around 25 weeks, planning to commence late Summer 2025. A construction compound is proposed within the site with hours of work proposed to be 8am- 6pm Monday-Friday and 8.30am- 1pm Saturdays.”

“Members had previously suggested that the landscaping scheme should increase the amount of tree planting and include provisions for biodiversity. The planning application only proposed the planting of a single tree but the submitted landscaping scheme now shows 3no. native Rowan trees to be planted on a small area of grassland on the western side of the site, adjacent to the access road.”

Officer report

The roof colour

The proposed translucent white roof would admit natural light, reduce energy use and fit with existing buildings, although initial visual concerns remained.

“It was found that a white roof has a ‘solar transmittance’ of 12% meaning that during hours of natural light padel can be played without the need for artificial lighting. A blue opaque cover has a solar transmittance value of 0% meaning no natural light can penetrate the cover and artificial lighting will be needed at all times. This has been calculated to equate to an increase in energy use of around 4300kWh compared with a white roof.”

“While there were initial concerns at the use of a white roof, and those concerns remain to some extent, the submitted information has provided a reasonable justification for the use of white rather than a darker colour. The size of the roof is smaller than that over the indoor pitch, which will remain the more dominant feature in the landscape. The energy and sustainability benefits of a lighter roof are also clear.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker supported the application and said studies found white remained preferable because it would allow more natural light and reduce artificial lighting.

Members’ debate

Some members wanted more investigation of other colours, including transparent materials, while others accepted white because of its energy-saving benefits.

“During debate some Members felt that insufficient exploration into other colours for the roof including a transparent option. Others considered that, given the energy saving aspects, white was an acceptable colour to be used.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted six in favour and two against accepting the officers’ recommendation.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation and approve the application. This was seconded and voted on with an outcome of 6 in favour and 2 against.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with the conditions in accordance with the submitted details.

“Decision: Approved with the conditions in accordance with the submitted details.”

Minutes