3G artificial grass pitch at Longhill School, Rottingdean, Brighton

“I believe there is a question over the exact specifications of the 3G pitch to be installed, therefore my further questions are:”

“BH2024/02499 and BH2026/01574 Longhill School - This application was approved in Feb 2026, but there was an important condition: Condition 6 – which states: ‘The development hereby permitted shall not be commenced until confirmation has been provided to the Local Planning Authority for approval in writing: • to demonstrate that the proposed drainage strategy offers sufficient treatment to prevent groundwater contamination • to provide a maintenance schedule for the proposed…”

“I understand from document BH2026/01574 – SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE COMMENTS 21018760 that BHCC acting as LLFA has stated: ‘We cannot recommend the discharge of condition 6 until further assessment to the risk of groundwater contamination has been provided...”

“Does the LLFA define what risk factors need to be in the risk assessment that they themselves require, specifically: • Which contaminants are to be covered, such as PFAS, PAHs, 6PPD and 6PPD- quinone, metals, microplastics and other tyre-derived compounds identified by more recent scientific research? • Are there any additional contaminants not adequately addressed by standard SuDS guidance?”

“The consultation response from the LLFA state that the ‘applicant has concluded that ‘development has a very low risk of contaminating groundwater. This is after providing a brief assessment to the risk of groundwater contamination from the proposed pitch as well as a description of proposed mitigation methods. No reference to this simple index method in the CIRIA SUDs Manual has been made, and as per condition 6, this is still required.”

“The Local Planning Authority have no control over who the applicant commissions to carry out studies to support a planning application and there is no time frame currently set to respond with the required information, however, condition 2 attached to the permission does require works to commence within 3 years of the permission.”

“There is some overlap in scope between the LLFA and Southern Water. Southern Water have not raised any concerns with the submission, whereas the LLFA has raised concerns. It isn’t for the LLFA to handle a difference of opinion, that rests with the Local Planning Authority.”

“Has the applicant stated the specifications of the pitch clearly enough such that compliance with FIFA, Sports England, and World Rugby Regulation 22 can be confirmed? Assuming the pitch is installed, will you confirm that thorough checks will be made to ensure the pitch meets the specifications stated in the Planning Application’s Conditions (i.e. full Certification)?”

“Within 3 months of the use of the 3G Artificial Grass Pitch commencing: (a) certification that the 3G Artificial Grass Pitch hereby permitted has met FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf - FIFA Quality or equivalent International Artificial Turf Standard (IMS) and World Rugby Regulation 22 Standard and, (b) confirmation that the facility has been registered on the Football Association's Register of Football Turf Pitches and has received WR Regulation 22 Certification shall…”

“Who makes the final decision – is it Planning Officers based on the recommendation of the LLFA? How will the final decision be made - is it based on weighing up all the factors on an ensemble basis, or can it be decided if a single risk factor is above the threshold for acceptance?”

“The Local Planning Authority make the final decision based on consultee responses on technical matters where they are needed.”