Two multi-use games areas at Former Bowling Greens, Heysham

What was proposed

The application sought two artificial-surface multi-use games areas with fencing, floodlights, planting and facilities for several sports.

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of land from the two bowling greens to accommodate two multi-use games areas (MUGAs). The proposal includes the erection of associated boundary fencing and floodlighting. The MUGAs will comprise an artificial playing surface (3G (Third Generation)) designed for multiple sports and all-weather use.”

“Each MUGA will comprise a playing pitch with dimensions of 18.5 metres by 37 metres surrounded by a 2 metre wide runoff area which will be bound by a 3 metre high steel mesh fencing in green. Each MUGA will be served by four 10 metre high lighting columns. The submitted plans indicate wildflower grassland around the pitches and tree planting is proposed to the south, west and north of the MUGAs.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately 0.4-hectare site contained two unused bowling greens within a community sports centre in a mainly residential area.

“The existing bowling greens are in a poor state, un-used and not maintained have been unavailable for public or club use since 2016. Heysham Youth and Community Centre lies to the west of the site. Heysham Mossgate Community and Sports Centre and associated car park is located to the immediate east of the site and an associated full sized 3G football pitch further east beyond that.”

“Due to the decreasing gradient along Townson Way (from west to east), the site is set down form the boundary of Heysham Youth and Community Centre. The site is open from Townson Way and the western site boundary is formed by railings associated with Heysham Youth and Community Centre as well as shrub planting within the site. The northern boundary is formed by timber fencing and planting associated with the residential properties on Douglas Drive.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered relocating two bowling greens and varying a condition, while pre-application advice considered a similar multi-use games area proposal.

“A number of relevant applications relating to this site have previously been received by the Local Planning Authority. These include:”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 23/00416/PRENG2 Pre-application advice for the change of use from bowling greens to multi use games area with surrounding fencing and floodlights Advice issued 10/00008/VCN Variation of condition no. 11 on application 09/00776/FUL to permit the removal of existing bowling greens prior to the provision of new bowling greens. Permitted 09/00776/FUL Relocation of two bowling greens with associated landscaping Permitted…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while Sport England objected because lack of use did not necessarily show there was no need.

“The following responses have been received from statutory and internal consultees:”

“Consultee Response Environmental Health No objection, subject to conditions relation to the submitted Noise and Lighting Assessments County Highways No objection, suggests a condition for the requirement of a Construction Management Plan (CMP) or Construction Method Statement (CMS) Property Services No objections Engineers No objection, a drainage condition will be required Sport England Objection.”

Officer report

What local people said

Objectors raised concerns about noise, lighting, litter, parking, traffic, privacy, property damage and injury, while supporters wanted more free local sports space.

“Detrimental effect on local residents and the properties that are adjacent to the proposed site through property damage. • Increased risk of injury to the general public. • Increased litter (insufficient bins) and noise.”

“Graeme Austin County Councillor has raised and agrees with the issues raised concerning noise and light pollution and states that the current parking facilities are totally inadequate with vehicles often parking on the footpath or the nearby NHS Heysham Primary Health Centre Car Park. Although [name withheld] commends the proposal to increase sports facilities to enable people to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle, it should not be a source of nuisance local residents.”

Officer report

Who supported the application

Councillor Catherine Potter proposed approval and Councillor Keith Budden seconded it, subject to the committee report’s conditions.

The committee vote

Twelve councillors voted for approval, with none against and no abstentions.

“Upon being put to the vote, 12 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was approved subject to nine conditions covering plans, fencing, landscaping, construction, drainage, noise, lighting and hours of use.

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Standard Timescale. Approved plans. Precise details of fencing. Landscaping and maintenance details. Construction Management Plan. Drainage Strategy. Development in accordance with Noise Assessment and details of close boarded fence be erected along the northern boundary. Development in accordance with Lighting Assessment and details of the angle of the lights. Hours of use.”

Minutes