Sports pavilion and parking at Larkins Playing Fields, Pilgrims' Hatch

What was proposed

A single-storey sports pavilion with changing rooms, a function room, reconfigured parking and seven playing pitches was proposed.

“The application relates to the erection of a single storey building measuring approximately 35 metres by 9 metres containing a functions room (100 sqm), kitchen, store, two referees’ rooms, four separate WCs, two sets of changing rooms including WCs (see floorplan drawing 565/22/FUL/PL10.01). The building would have a simple design with asymmetric pitched roof with heights up to 4.5/5.1 metres tall (see elevations drawing numbered 565/22/FUL/PL10.02).”

“The materials proposed are multi stock bricks, a section of composite cladding, standing seam metal roof, grey window frames and doors and two rooflights. The building would have few windows, mostly to the front (southwest), a pair of French doors to the southeast elevation, nothing to the northwest.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The building would sit near the Ongar Road hedgerow beside the existing car park, with earlier applications including one refused storage container proposal.

“Various planning applications for recreation related development 1960s to 1990s. Nothing relevant to this application. • 07/00753/FUL: Erection of A Storage Container -Application Refused • 08/00639/FUL: Siting of 30ft Steel Container -Application Permitted…”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

Sport, highway, environmental, drainage, ecology and security consultees supported the proposal or advised conditions and safeguards.

“The information that was submitted in association with the application has been fully considered by the Highway Authority. The proposal site has existing and established use as football/sports facility. The proposal includes a new sports pavilion and associated facilities. Improvements to the site access are included and shall be provided subject to conditions.”

“Reason: To ensure that vehicles can enter and leave the highway in a controlled manner and to ensure that opposing vehicles can pass clear of the limits of the highway, in the interests of highway safety in accordance with policy DM1.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents welcomed improved community and football facilities, while one supported the principle but opposed extending part of the car park.

“Fantastic for the area and the community • Let's get this done for a great club • Much needed facilities for the local community a pavilion that will benefit the area for many years to come…”

“Fantastic proposal, with so many girls now enjoying football its even more important than ever to have suitable facilities. I'm sure the boys will be happy as well of course! • While on the whole I do see this as a beneficial proposal. I think the extending of the existing car park (car park 2) should not go ahead but be left as it is. Not extending it to the full length of the neighbouring gardens and maintaining privacy.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

The proposal was considered acceptable in the Green Belt, beneficial for recreation, suitably designed and manageable for neighbours, highways, ecology and drainage.

“The green belt washes over the site – its boundary at this point can be taken as the Ongar Road - and extends to a significant distance to the south and west. In accordance with Strategic Policy MG02 the planning authority will determine applications in accordance with national green belt policies in ‘the framework’. The framework states that the Government attaches great importance to Green Belts.”

“The framework contains further, though general, support for such development in the green belt by advising that “...local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance their beneficial use, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation”. Policy MG02(C) says much the same thing. The proposal would provide enhanced access to the green belt and opportunities for sport and creation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, the applicant’s representative described its benefits, and councillors expressed support.

The committee vote

A motion to approve was proposed and seconded, receiving twelve votes for, none against and no abstentions.

“Following a full discussion Cllr Gelderbloem MOVED and Cllr Mynott SECONDED a motion to APPROVE the application.”

“A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:”

Minutes