Artificial football pitch at Gosport Borough Football Club, Gosport

“INSTALLATION OF ARTIFICIAL PITCH, TO REPLACE EXISTING GRASS PITCH (RETROSPECTIVE) (as amplified by information received 08.08.25 and 15.08.25) Gosport Borough Football Club Privett Road Gosport Hampshire PO12 3SX”

“The application site is the Gosport Borough Football Club ground which is located to the north of Privett Road and in the southwest corner of Privett Park. The site comprises a single full size football pitch and a number of buildings, including the club house and spectator stands. The smaller stand is situated on the eastern side of the site, with the main stand located centrally on the western side of the site.”

“This application relates to the replacement of the existing grass pitch, with an artificial pitch. The works were commenced after the application was submitted but have already been completed on site, with the pitch already in use. Whilst the pitch has been replaced, no other physical works are included within this application. The pitch would remain the same size and details of the pitch specification, maintenance and other information have been provided.”

“Sport England South East No objection, subject to a planning condition relating to the securing of the Community Usage Agreement between Gosport Borough Football Club and Gosport Borough Council.”

“HCC Ecology No objection. The amended Metric is acceptable. However, as a 10% net gain in biodiversity has not been demonstrated, a pre-commencement condition for a Biodiversity Gain Plan will be required.”

“Members welcomed that this saw the conclusion of the project and praised the football club for their swift work in getting the pitch installed and recognised the benefit that an all- weather pitch provided. Members also recognised that there was a solution to the biodiversity issues presented and it was advised that the Council would be responsible for the costs involved.”

“Members recognised there were some concerns from neighbours, but on the whole there was support. The concern related to ancillary actions from increased use of the pitch, such as floodlights and tannoy systems and hoped that the club would continue to be good neighbours with their use.”

“A Member suggested that an additional element be added to condition 3 and that delegation be given to the Development Manager in consultation with the Chairman of the Regulatory Board who would in turn consult with the Group Leaders if appropriate.”

“It was proposed and seconded that an amendment be made to recommendation three that delegated authority be granted to the Development Manager, in consultation with the Chairman of the Regulatory Board. This was agreed.”

“RESOLVED: That application 25/00156/FULL be approved subject to the submission of a satisfactory Community Use Agreement and a Biodiversity Gain Plan and conditions in the report of the Development Manager.”