Sports pitches and lighting at Goldenacre Playing Fields, Edinburgh

“The site, covering 1.87 hectares, is located at north-eastern corner of the wider playing fields at Goldenacre and lies to the south of Ferry Road.”

“The north eastern part of the site contains an existing artificial pitch which is enclosed behind a high fence, the remainder of the site is largely grass playing fields.”

“It is recommended that this application be Granted subject to the details below.”

“There is general compliance with the thrust of NPF4 in relation to encouraging opportunities for sport with the applicant setting out its requirements to invest in sports facilities which will meet both the school's demand and outside use. There are heritage impacts, but these are considered acceptable in the round. There is also general compliance with policies in relation to protecting open space and sports facilities.”

“The applicant points to a number of other artificial playing surfaces within the conservation area. However, comparisons with other artificial pitches within the conservation area are not on a like-for-like basis, as most of those have been more sympathetically located away from public view receptors (footpaths, roads, housing, etc) and most benefit from substantial tree planting (existing or new) that helps to mitigate the impacts.”

“The proposed high net, alongside an increased number of floodlights will have an impact on the safeguarded view southward to the skyline features of Edinburgh which are importance characteristics of the conservation area. The applicant has altered its plans to include a retractable net and collapsible floodlighting to help mitigate the impact.”

“NAME: Environmental Protection COMMENT: No objection subject to a condition relating to floodlight timing. DATE: 6 May 2024”

“NAME: Archaeology Officer COMMENT: Recommend a condition for a programme of archaeological work. DATE: 11 March 2024”

“- Impact on conservation area - The Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Guidance (2019) it states that "there is a general presumption against installation of artificial grass in the grounds of listed buildings and in conservation areas...." - Other artificial pitches in the conservation area is not justification.”

“- Benefit to the community - Extends hours of play - Utilises under-used space - Health and wellbeing benefits, especially for young people - Playing fields being extended - Increase participation in sports - Wider site retains large areas of grass open areas - Change will have negligible visual impact.”

“24/00850/FUL - Report by the Chief Planning Officer To GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions, reasons and informatives, as set out in section C of the report by the Chief Planning Officer. 4.4 – 57 Henderson Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5DL”

“No development shall take place until an Operational Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority. This shall build on the draft operational management plan and detail differing requirements for user groups, timings of the retractable net and collapsible lighting alongside operating instructions and maintenance matters.”

“The new pitches will be surfaced with a synthetic pitch that will be designed and constructed by a recognised (e.g. The Sports and Play Construction Association registered) specialist pitch contractor(s), details of contractor(s) and pitch specification shall be submitted for the written approval of the planning authority prior to the commencement of development in consultation with SportScotland where appropriate.”