Leisure centre alterations at Forest Leisure Coleford Beech Avenue, Five Acres, Coleford

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved leisure scheme, including altered plans, landscaping, parking, cycle storage and waste arrangements, in two phases.

“The original permission (P1435/22/FUL) is for the refurbishment of Speedwell building into community facilities, plus the addition of a new build sports hall and atrium to create a flexible leisure use for a community hub and leisure centre. The scheme also included external works, including soft landscaping and car parking, a separate cycle store, and sports pavilion. This scheme was granted in February 2024.”

“The revisions to the permitted scheme are as follows: Plans show the development will be delivered in two phases. The first phase consists of refurbishment of the Speedwell building, the leisure centre and community hub, parking consisting of 108 spaces to the south east of the Speedwell building (of which eleven are shown as accessible spaces) and 29 spaces in the existing car park to the south west of the Speedwell building (total of 137 spaces), cycle store, bin store and…”

Officer report

The site and scheme

The site contains a three-storey building, hardstanding, access points, trees and nearby woodland, with the first phase focused on community and leisure facilities.

“The site is located on the northern side of the A4136 to the north east of Five Acres High School. The site forms part of a wider site which is a registered Community Asset. There is a single, three storey building on site constructed of pale orange brick set back from the main road. To the front (south-east) and side (east) of this building are areas of hard standing, and undergrowth which has sprung up since the site has not been in use.”

“The land within the site is relatively flat, but there is a change in levels between an existing car park to the west of the existing building and the building itself. In addition, the land rises at the front of the site to meet the existing lit footway outside the site. There are a number of trees within the application site, along the frontage, between the access points. To the east of the site lies existing woodland.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier permissions covered demolition, the leisure centre and sports facilities, while later permission covered an artificial grass playing pitch.

“P1435/23/FUL: Refurbishment of Speedwell building into community facilities, plus the addition of a new build sports hall and atrium to create a leisure use that is flexible for a community hub and leisure centre. External works, including soft landscaping and car parking. Separate cycle store, and sports pavilion – granted – Feb 24.”

“P0087/25/FUL: Proposed construction of an artificial grass playing pitch for football and rugby use, including floodlighting, fencing and an ancillary spectator area – granted Dec 25.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered that the community facility, health benefits, biodiversity measures, safe access and drainage outweighed limited construction and phasing concerns.

“Heavily weighing in favour of the development is the provision of a community facility on a site which is allocated in the development plan for the nature of development proposed which is in a sustainable location. It is also considered that the delivery of the proposal would not prejudice the remaining aspirations for this site.”

“It is considered that the site provides safe and suitable access and opportunities to access the site by measures other than the private car although it is acknowledged that there would be a need to cross an internal access road when entering the site from the west. It is considered that the site can be suitably drained and would not increase flood risk elsewhere.”

Officer report

Neighbour views

No letters of representation were received from neighbours.

“Neighbour Representations No letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No objectors, parish representatives or supporters spoke, and ward members’ written statement was read aloud because they could not attend.

What members discussed

Members discussed materials, the smaller first phase, the absence of a phase-two completion date, phasing risks and cycle parking concerns.

“Q: Can you confirm that phase one of this development is slightly smaller than the one previously agreed? Also, as we are phasing the development into two parts. Do we have an estimated completion date of the second phase?”

“A: The previously agreed development was seen as a whole and not in two phased schemes. However, yes, this part of the development is a smaller design than the one previously agreed. We do not have an estimated completion date of phase two.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted eleven for, none against and one abstention on the proposal to accept the officer recommendation.

“The Chair summed up what was to be voted on. That they accept the officer’s recommendation and grant permission, subject to the conditions included in the schedule.”

“RESOLVED:- That they accept the officer’s recommendation and grant permission, subject to the conditions included in the schedule.”

Minutes