Sports facilities and toilets at Mearns Castle High School Sports Field, Newton Mearns

“Proposal: Erection of toilet facilities building; amendment to Condition 1 of planning permission 2021/0420/TP to allow the athletics track, sports pitch and floodlights to be used between 9am to 10pm on Mondays to Fridays and between 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays (Section 42 application relating to hours of use). Location: Mearns Castle High School Sports Field Broomburn Drive Newton Mearns East Renfrewshire…”

“The application site is the existing sports field and running track located on the north-east side of Broomburn Drive, Newton Mearns associated with Mearns Castle High School.”

“2021/0420/TP Construction of an all- weather athletics track on existing school playing field with artificial grass sports pitch, with associated development including storage building, fencing, floodlighting and access road. Approved Subject to Conditions 04.10.2021”

“The proposed extended operating days/hours derives support from the terms of Policies 21 and 23 of NPF4 and Policy D12 of LDP2. The extended days/hours will address a demand for the use of the facility and in particular for women’s and girl’s football. The demand was not apparent when planning application 2021/0420/TP was determined and is a significant material consideration in determining the current application.”

“Drawing all matters together, and taking a balanced approach, it is considered that the proposed development including the extended days/hours of operation can be accepted when assessed against the relevant policies of the Development Plan.”

“East Renfrewshire Council Environmental Health Service Advises on: construction times; mitigation measures to minimise nuisance from dust during construction; waste from construction activities to be removed by a licensed waste carrier; no burning on site; unsuspected contamination to be reported; light emanating from the floodlights not to cause disturbance to neighbouring houses; suitable arrangements for safe storage and disposal of waste arising from the activities;…”

“Mearns East Community Council No objection.”

“Increase in activity during evenings and weekends leading to noise and disturbance No dedicated parking Increase in traffic Traffic congestion Increase in on-street parking Inconsiderate parking/blocking driveways/parking on footpaths/safety issues and the proposal will exacerbate these matters Existing light pollution from floodlights Noise disturbance caused by activities on the field, by people arriving and leaving, car doors, engines, voices, and general congregation…”

“Provides facilities for adults and children to participate in sport Facility underused Current operating hours too restrictive Health benefits/supports physical and mental health A number of sports venues are required in the area Reduces travel to tracks outside of East Renfrewshire Helpful from the point of view of child safety for the toilets to be located near the track The lack of track capacity for training at evenings and weekends restricts membership of sports clubs…”

“The Principal Planner was heard further on the report, in the course of which he summarised the 50 representations that had been received.”

“During the course of discussion, the Committee agreed to include in this minute that it was their strong recommendation that Roads Services investigate the possibility of a Transport Regulation Order and all other appropriate measures to address the issue of inappropriate parking in the area.”