Indoor sports hall at Sports Ground, Bull Lane, Edmonton, London N18

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for a sports hall of up to 1,920 square metres, with all detailed matters reserved.

“Application 3 seeks outline approval for the construction of a new build sports hall building (Use Class E (d)) of up to 1,920sqm (GEA) of floorspace on the part of the Bull Lane playing Fields identified for two padel courts by the Application 2 proposals.”

“A set of parameter plans have been submitted. These seek to establish the key development principles associated with the outline proposed development within the approved Application 2 for the wider development of the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is part of Bull Lane Playing Fields, with hardstanding and junior football pitches, surrounded by trees, hedges and nearby homes.

“The site comprises of Bull Lane Playing fields (BLPF), which are owned and managed by the London Borough of Haringey. The playing fields are in the boundary of the London Borough of Enfield. The site is approximately 4.27ha. Presently on site is a hard standing area (0.2ha) and two junior football pitches. Previously there were buildings in association with the playing fields, but these have not been in situ for approximately 20 years.”

“Vehicular access was originally from Bull Lane. There are no formal points of pedestrian access into the site. A series of informal breaks in the fencing have occurred and it is possible to enter the site from the south-eastern and north-eastern corners. The eastern edge of the BLPF is open and faces onto Bull Lane and is visible from the public realm and is characterised by lined trees, fencing and hedges to the back edge of the pavement.”

Officer report

Related applications and history

The proposal formed part of the Selby Urban Village Project alongside applications for housing, community facilities and outdoor sports provision.

“Executive Summary 3.1 Three planning applications have been submitted, collectively known as Selby Urban Village Project (SUV). The SUV Project is being advanced by the London Borough of Haringey (the Applicant) in partnership with the Selby Trust. The SUV Project, is being promoted on land that is wholly in the ownership of Haringey and, straddles the administrative boundary between the London Boroughs of Haringey (LBH) and Enfield (LBE).”

“Planning Application 2’ (reference 24/03470/FUL) for the ‘Construction of a new build four-storey Selby Centre building and a new single storey sports pavilion including a floodlit 3-G playing pitch; a MUGA; a revised sports field layout (cricket and football); an outdoor gym; padel courts; children's play-spaces; community growing space; new wildlife areas and surface water attenuation pond; new and enhanced boundary treatments; enhanced pedestrian/ cycle entrances…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions because the sporting and community benefits outweighed the limited open-space harm.

“That subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the obligations as set out in the report, the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions.”

“That subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the obligations as set out in the report, the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to GRANT outline planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No public responses were received, while consultees generally raised no objection, subject to conditions covering matters including security, servicing, construction and drainage.

“TFL No objection raised, subject to conditions relating to construction management and delivery service plan. The other conditions recommended to be imposed have already been done so as part of application number 2.”

“Traffic and Transport No objection raised subject to conditions relating to construction management and servicing of the sports centre.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant was invited to speak to clarify questions about the funding application process.

What members discussed

Members asked about public access, funding, and the relationship with an earlier approved application for the site.

“In response to a question about public access, Officer’s advised that no guarantees could be put in place in the outline phase, but they intended to put a community use plan in place.”

“In response to several questions about the funding application process, and a previous planning application which had been approved by the Committee for the site, Officers advised that it was not uncommon to have multiple applications in place for a given site. Either way, some sports facilities would be provided and there would be three years to implement either.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members voted nine in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“The proposal having been put to the vote; Members voted:”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the Section 106 agreement and conditions, with authority delegated to finalise their wording.

“That the Head of Planning and Building Control be granted delegated authority to finalise the wording of the Section 106 Agreement and the conditions to cover the matters in the Recommendation section of this report.”

Minutes