Multi-sports playzone at Whitmore Park, Whitmore Way, Basildon

“PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 25/00892/FULL – CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBALL FOUNDATION PLAYZONE WITH SPORTS FENCING, LED LIGHTING AND HARD STANDING FOR SPECTATORS ON EXISTING MACADAM COURTS AT WHITMORE PARK, WHITMORE WAY, BASILDON, ESSEX, SS14 3NT”

“The application site comprises an area of land approximately 1,563 sq.m, located within Whitmore Park, north of Whitmore Court. To the south of the existing courts is the Whitmore Park Play Area, to the east is the bowls green, and Whitmore Primary School and Nursery is located to the west, with residential dwellings to the south of Whitmore Court.”

“Proposal Decision 25/000893/ABAS Non-illuminated advertising vinyl banners on fence at existing macadam courts. Granted 8 August 2025”

“The development is generally in character with the surrounding area which comprises open space and sports facilities, is not considered to result in significant noise and disturbance and therefore has no detrimental impact on the private amenity of neighbouring residential occupiers, and will not detrimentally impact on parking provision or highway safety.”

“Overall, the application would provide a new high quality facility for football, netball and basketball which would serve the local area. The scheme is considered to represent sustainable development in accordance with the NPPF and is therefore recommended for approval.”

“Essex County Council Ecology - No objections subject to conditions regarding the development being carried out in accordance with the ecological appraisal, and a Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy.”

“Neighbours/Third Party Representations - 70 neighbour consultations were sent to surrounding occupiers. No responses were received.”

“Councillor Ferguson spoke in support of the application, raising the following points:”

“This was a redevelopment of an existing site to provide safe spaces and improved opportunities for physical activity for both young people and adults in an area of need. • It was an exciting opportunity to provide multi-sports facilities in the context of the strong Fryerns community and potentially transforming for young people, offering significant benefits for mental and physical health. • The scheme benefited from external funding from the Football Foundation.”

“In the Officer’s opinion, the benefits of the application - replacing the existing outdated courts with a new high-quality multi-sports facility and encouraging physical activity among the local population – outweighed the negative impact of the loss of tennis courts, given that funding had been identified for improvement if alternative tennis facilities at Lake Meadows and Mopsies Park.”

“Members unanimously welcomed the application.”

“That Planning Application No. 25/00892/FULL be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out at section 8.0 of the report (with any amendments that might be necessary up to the issue of the decision notice).”