Football pitch barriers and pathway at Seafield Park Open Space, Fareham

The site

The works relate to the southernmost football pitch in designated open space, with a tree belt nearby and low-use bird habitat.

“Site Description 2.1 The application site is located within an area of designated open space and is currently used for football. The application relates to the southern most football pitch within the Seafield Park Open Space. There is an existing tree belt to the south and the area is identified as a low use area for Brent Geese and Solent Waders.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“Relevant Planning History 5.1 There is no relevant planning history for this site.”

Officer report

Public views

Supporters cited community benefits, safety and accessibility, while objections raised parking, grass loss, enclosure, visual impact, drainage and biodiversity concerns.

“Carefully designed to respect public access to Seafield Park • Modest improvements will secure the future of a proud and inclusive community hub • Improvements will enhance experience for players and spectators • Will help the club to continue to grow and thrive • Minimal impact for great gain • Addition of barrier and path will help those who are unable to stand for long periods of time • Will improve safety and accessibility without impacting the fields role as public…”

“Existing parking issues in neighbouring roads when games are being played • Loss of grass area • No need to enclose area so that it cannot be used by others • Area should not be used for a football pitch…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received a deputation, and Councillor Mrs P Hayre addressed members on the item.

The vote

Members voted for the officer recommendation to grant permission, subject to conditions, with nine votes in favour and no recorded opposing votes.

“(i) GRANT planning permission, subject to the conditions in the report;”

“(ii) DELEGATE authority to the Head of Planning to make any necessary modifications, deletion or addition to the proposed conditions. Was voted on and CARRIED. (Voting: 9 in favour; 0 favour)”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions, with authority delegated to the Head of Planning to modify them if necessary.

“(i) PLANNING PERMISSION be granted, subject to the conditions in the report;”

“(ii) AUTHORITY BE DELEGATED to the Head of Planning to make any necessary modifications, deletions or additions to the proposed conditions.”

Minutes