Floodlit synthetic pitches at Worplesdon Primary School, Fairlands, Guildford

What was proposed

Two synthetic pitches, fencing, a surrounding path and eight floodlights would provide year-round school and community sports use.

“Proposal: Creation of outdoor floodlit synthetic pitches, associated fencing and walkpath for all year-round usage of the sports fields (additional information received 27/09/24).”

“The application seeks planning permission for the creation of an outdoor floodlit area comprising of two synthetic pitches, with associated fencing and path for all year-round usage of the sports fields. The pitch would be located in the central part of the site and have a total length measuring 70 metres long and 30 metres wide. The pitch would be set in from the western and northern boundaries of the site by approximately 25 metres and 11 metres respectively.”

Officer report

Planning history

The school has an extensive planning history, but none of its previous applications was relevant to this proposal.

“The school has an extensive planning history, however, none of the previous applications are relevant to this proposal.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because sporting, educational and community benefits outweighed impacts from lighting, noise and wildlife disturbance.

“The proposed lighting and increased noise would have an impact on the neighbouring properties however, due to the sensitive lighting design and appropriate conditions on the hours of use the proposal has been deemed to have acceptable impact on neighbouring properties along with limiting the impact on wildlife considering the benefits of the scheme. It is considered that the proposal would provide significant opportunities for increased…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Sport England, highways, environmental health, wildlife and trees consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council supported the scheme.

“Environmental Health Officer - No objection to the proposed scheme subject to conditions regarding the operating times. Surrey Wildlife Trust comments - No objection to the proposed scheme subject to conditions regarding the lighting scheme and the hours of use. Tree Officer - No objection to the proposed works subject to a Arboricultural Method statement and Tree Protection Plan being secured by condition.”

Officer report

Public views

Most comments supported wellbeing, exercise and community benefits, while objections concerned traffic, parking, pollution, noise, ecology, flooding, sport and the site’s future use.

“Positive impact on children’s wellbeing • Provide more opportunity for exercise and be involved in sports. • Enable increased use of the existing space. • Encourage healthy active lifestyles. • Provide community benefits • Supporting facilities of the local school • Increased versatility of the proposed use • Year-round accessibility • Lower maintenance than grass pitch • Enhanced safety for athletes • Cost effective • Aesthetically pleasing consistently well-maintained…”

“Traffic Concerns [ Officer comments Surrey County Highways raise no objection to the scheme regarding highway safety] • Parking concerns • Air pollution • Light pollution [Officer Comments The environmental health team and Surrey Wildlife Trust have raised no objections and conditions are recommended restricting hours of use]”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, two supporters and a local ward councillor addressed the committee, with the councillor speaking in support.

Members’ discussion

Members recognised residents’ concerns about noise and light pollution but considered stringent conditions would reduce those impacts.

“Officers had been working with the applicant and consultees to overcome concerns regarding lighting, biodiversity and ecological matters.”

“The Committee discussed the application and had empathy with residents’ concerns regarding noise and light pollution but felt that the proposed stringent conditions would help to mitigate those concerns.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee carried a motion to approve the application subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report.

“The person presiding, Councillor James Jones moved the motion to approve application 24/P/01007 and Councillor Masuk Miah seconded the motion which was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 24/P/01007 be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed in the report.”

Minutes