Indoor padel courts and canopy at Hart Leisure Centre, Emerald Avenue, Fleet

What was proposed

The application sought three indoor padel courts and a canopy at Hart Leisure Centre, with a spectator area, floodlights and no additional parking spaces.

“Description of the site Hart Leisure Centre is a purpose-built leisure facility constructed in 2016. The building is designed with a prominent reception and two wings comprising of sport halls. Car parking provision is located to the east of the building, with drop-off to the front. Astro pitches are located to the rear of the building and car park. To the south and west of the building is Edenbrook Country Park and car park.”

“An area of hardstanding as a ‘social/spectator area’ would be provided between the side of Hart Leisure Centre and the Padel Courts. The padel court form would have a domed shape. The lowest 3 metres would comprise of neutral coloured ‘sandwich panels’. Above this level, the material would be grey (745 8M5 as per sample) polyester textile membrane coated with PVC from 3 metres to 10.35 metres in height.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Town Council sought evidence that noise would not disturb residents, while highways, drainage, environmental health and ecology officers raised no objection subject to matters stated.

“Consultee comments Fleet Town Council: - Second comment: In August the Planning Committee commented no objection in principle subject to the accuracy of the noise predictions. There have been concerns raised by some residents of Emerald Avenue, the nearest residences. There is the intention to reduce the ground level in the immediate vicinity of the courts and create a new 2m high earth bund between the courts and the nearest houses.”

“Drainage Officer: - No objection subject to it being built in accordance with the submitted drainage strategy. Environmental Health Officer: - No objection. Ecology Officer: - No objection, subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] addressed the committee in support of the application.

Committee discussion

Members asked about parking spaces, opening hours and parking provision, and considered the facility a good addition to Hart Leisure Centre.

“whether the proposed building and landscaping would take up any of the existing parking spaces at the leisure centre • whether the opening hours (including Sundays and bank holidays) would be same as for the leisure centre • whether the development needed to provide parking provision…”

“During debate, Members expressed their opinion that the proposed facility would be a good addition to Hart Leisure Centre.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously agreed the recommendation to grant permission, with amended operating hours matching the leisure centre.

“The recommendation to grant subject to planning conditions, as set out in the agenda and as amended in the addendum paper, with amendments to the hours of operation to match the opening hours of the leisure centre, was moved by Cllr Delaney and seconded by the Chair (Cllr Oliver) and was agreed unanimously by the Committee.”

Minutes