Clubhouse extension at Rotary Recreation Ground, Worthing

What is proposed

A single-storey extension would add space to the existing clubhouse, with matching design, a new access ramp and path, and a new tree.

“Proposal: Single storey extension to clubhouse…”

“Site and Surroundings Rotary Recreation Ground is located to the north of Upper Brighton Road. The ground contains Chippendale Cricket Club. To the north of the ground is Hill Barn Recreation Ground. To the east, south and west of the ground are residential properties. The site contains a collection of single storey buildings in use as the cricket pavilion. These are located along the eastern boundary towards the south-east corner of the recreation ground.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Permission was granted in 2024 for a replacement football clubhouse at the adjoining recreation ground.

“A new tree would be planted to the north of the extension. The site is in Rotary Rec, which adjoins Hill Barn Recreation Ground to the north, where permission was granted in 2024 for a replacement football clubhouse. The application is before committee as the land is council owned.”

“Relevant Planning History Hill Barn Recreation Ground (to the north of Rotary Recreation Ground) AWDM/0701/24: Demolition of existing [football] pavilion and replace with new clubhouse. Granted 30 August 2024 Consultations Sport England: No Objection The proposal is for the extension of the existing clubhouse to provide additional social space and storage.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval under delegated authority, subject to further neighbour comments and planning conditions.

“Delegate Authority to the Head of Planning Services to grant approval subject to consideration of any further neighbour comments within the 14 day notification period and subject to conditions, including:-”

“Approved plans. Standard time limit. Materials as specified 4. East facing windows to be obscure glazed 5. Rear access to First Ave properties maintained 6. BNG plan 7. Any other appropriate conditions…”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

The extension was considered acceptable in principle and appropriately designed, while conditions would address privacy, access and biodiversity gain.

“Planning Assessment Principle of development Policy DM7d sets out that proposals for built sports facilities and formal sports provision will be supported where they are in accordance with policies in this plan. The proposal to provide improved facilities is therefore acceptable in principle subject to the assessment of other material considerations as outlined below.”

“The site contains a number of containers. These would be retained with the development located to the south. The plans show landscaping to the north of the proposed extension. As discussed further below the tree is required for biodiversity net gain. No detail on the deciduous hedging or shrubs is provided. These are not considered necessary to make the development acceptable and therefore only the tree will be required to be planted as part of the development.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Sport England, highway authorities, drainage consultants and environmental health raised no objection, with drainage advice recommended.

“The proposal is considered to meet exception 2 of Sport England’s Playing Field Policy that allows for improvements to be made to ancillary facilities on playing fields where these support the principle use as playing field, are proportionate in scale and would not adversely impact on any playing pitches.”

“Conclusion The LHA does not consider that this proposal would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety or result in ‘severe’ cumulative impacts on the operation of the highway network, therefore is not contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 116), and that there are no transport grounds to resist the proposal.”

Officer report

Public representations

One objection raised concerns about design, privacy, light, noise and access, while a supporting resident expressed concerns about maintenance and noise.

“Representations One objection was received from 9 First Avenue: Grounds of objection: - Design - Privacy Light and Noise…”

“Before engaging a planning consultant to review this application I would like to review the application with the local planning officer. I want to understand in greater detail my right of access and if this extension blocks access.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers supported the application, explaining the changing facilities and proposed gate access, and confirming willingness to install a sparrow nest box.

Members’ debate

Members considered the application well thought through, welcomed storing picnic tables indoors, and requested advice about a sparrow nest box.

“During debate Members concurred that this was a well thought through application with appropriate conditions and were appreciative that the picnic tables would be put in the building at night. They agreed that they would like an advisory added about the house sparrow nest box.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members unanimously supported accepting the officers’ recommendation with amended conditions.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the officers recommendation with some amended conditions. This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The decision

Approval was delegated subject to further neighbour comments and conditions, including approved plans, materials, privacy glazing, access, and biodiversity measures.

“Decision - Delegate Authority to the Head of Planning Services to grant approval subject to consideration of any further neighbour comments within the 14 day notification period and subject to conditions, including:-”

“Approved plans. Standard time limit. Materials as specified. The agent confirmed that the materials are to be white painted boarding to match the existing building. East facing windows and the shower windows to be obscure glazed 5. Rear access and security to First Ave properties maintained 6. BNG plan 7. Any other appropriate conditions…”

Minutes

Additional conditions

The committee requested removal of permanent seating from the wildlife area and inclusion of bird boxes.

“The Committee asked for the indication of permanent seating to be removed from the wildlife area and that birds boxes be included.”

Minutes