Multi-use sports area at High Tunstall College of Science, Elwick Road, Hartlepool

What was proposed

The application proposed athletics facilities, basketball courts, a hockey pitch, floodlighting, fencing and an access pathway.

“The application seeks planning permission for the construction of a multi-use sports area comprising a 200m athletics track with 100m sprint straight (running north to south on the western side of the proposed athletics track); high jump area and long jump landing pit (to the south of the proposed 100m sprint straight); shot put circle (on the southern extent); the installation of 2no.”

“The proposal includes fencing around the proposed hockey pitch, comprising open mesh fencing with a height of approximately 1.2m. The submitted Design and Access Statement indicates that the proposed fencing is designed to reduce rattle and vibration from ball impacts.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The development would occupy playing fields at an existing school site, near homes along several surrounding roads.

“The application site is an existing school site at High Tunstall College of Science, Elwick Road which has recently been subject to a new build and redevelopment of the site along with other associated developments. The proposed facility would, for the large part, be located within grassed playing fields in the south east of the school site, where an existing 400m athletics track is marked out. An existing sand pit is also present towards the north of this area.”

“There are residential properties surrounding the school site, with residential dwellings located along West Park to the east being the closest to the proposed athletics track and associated development, and residential properties at Coniscliffe Road to the south, Grassholme Road to the west and Kielder Road to the north west. The field boundaries to the east and south comprise fences, with some trees and landscaping.”

Officer report

Earlier development

The school site has a history of approved redevelopment, sports facilities, floodlights, parking works and a modular classroom building.

“H/2018/0150 - Demolition of existing school buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide a replacement school building and playing pitches along with car parking, hard and soft landscaping and access arrangements. Approved 05/07/2018.”

“H/2019/0256 - Erection of extension to school building to create sports changing Pavilion. Approved 19.08.2018.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Sport England raised no objection subject to conditions, while council consultees generally raised no objections subject to technical requirements.

“In light of the above, Sport England are of the view that the proposal meets Exception 5 and broadly meets exception E3 of our Playing Fields Policy Sport England has no objection to this application, subject to the attachment of the following planning conditions (if the Council are minded to approve the application): Requested Planning Conditions:”

“Planning Committee – 12 August 2026 4.1 13 3 - 4.1 Planning Applications Hartlepool Borough Council consultation with Sport England. The Scheme shall include details of pricing policy, hours of use, access by non-members, management responsibilities and include a mechanism for review. The approved Scheme shall be implemented upon commencement of use of the development.”

Officer report

What residents said

Seventeen members of the public objected, citing noise, lighting, privacy, traffic, flooding, habitats, anti-social behaviour and other concerns.

“To date, there have been objections received from 17 members of the public (with more than one objection from the same address received in some instances).”

“- Noise and disruption, e.g. screaming, clapping and whistles, and lack of acoustic fencing - Light pollution - Privacy - Visual intrusion - Increased traffic and parking pressures - Flooding and drainage problems - Loss of green space could affect habitats - Anti-social behaviour - Weeds - Proposed hours unacceptable - Damage to properties from balls - Alternative more suitable sites for the proposal, e.g.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee in support, while no objectors attended to make representations.

Members' discussion

A member highlighted the benefits of the facilities for young people, especially those interested in athletics.

“A Member commented on the benefits these facilities would provide young people in particular those who had an interest in athletics. Councillor Thompson moved that this application be approved as per the officer recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Jorgeson. The application was approved unanimously.”

Minutes