Covered spectator stand at Langland Stadium Langland Avenue Malvern, Great Malvern

What was proposed

The application proposed a covered spectators stand called the Hills View Stand and improvements to the clubhouse terrace with a new canopy.

“M/25/01543/FUL Location: Langland Stadium, Langland Avenue, Malvern, WR14 2EQ Proposal: Construction of covered spectators stand 'Hills View Stand'. Improvements to the clubhouse terrace with new canopy. Page 3 Agenda Item 6”

Officer report

The site

The site is an existing football stadium with a pitch, clubhouse and parking in a predominantly residential area.

“The application site relates to Langland Stadium which is home to Malvern Town Football Club. The site comprises of an existing football pitch, a clubhouse and parking. The site is located within a predominantly residential area of Malvern. This application follows application 21/02174/FUL in which the refurbishment of the existing carpark including new fencing, footpath, canopy with solar panel array and the creation of an overflow carpark was approved.”

“The stadium is recorded as an asset of community value, is located within the development boundary as defined in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) and is also designed green space under policy SWDP38. The site is also within the Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan area.”

Officer report

Earlier site changes

Earlier permissions covered stadium facilities and car park improvements, including an overflow car park whose works had been completed.

“79/00158/FUL. Provide covered area in front of pavilion for use by spectators and club members and by players for training purposes during inclement weather and to replace existing derelict shelter. Langland Stadium , Langland Avenue, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2EQ. APL. Mar 7 1979”

“21/02174/FUL. Refurbishment of existing carpark including new fencing, footpath, canopy with solar panel array. Creation of overflow carpark. Langland Stadium, Langland Avenue, Malvern, WR14 2EQ. APL. Sep 16 2022”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, appropriately designed, accessible by different transport modes and beneficial to the community and local economy.

“This proposal relates to the expansion of the Langland Stadium, the home of Malvern Town Football Club, which is located within the settlement boundary of Malvern as defined with Policy SWDP 2. This is considered to be a sustainable location and acceptable in principle, subject to other local plan policy.”

“When assessed against Policy MG 2 of the Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan, Malvern Town Football Club is included within the list set out in Appendix 5.3 as an identified NOS. In this case, the application would satisfy criterion 1b, as the proposed “Hills View Stand” would be an extension of the existing area around the pitch used for spectators, enhancing the recreational purpose of this space in quantity and quality.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways and Sport England raised no objection, while drainage details were acceptable in principle and noise concerns were addressed through amended plans.

“In order to mitigate noise nuisance, the WRS Officer recommended that the new “Hill View Stand” should not contain any openings on the rear wall. Amended plans were received by the Applicant that were considered acceptable by the WRS Officer.”

“The Drainage Engineers consider that the surface water drainage details submitted within the Water Management Statement are in principle satisfactory. It is recommended that a condition be attached to the decision, requiring that the full details of all surface water drainage systems be received prior to the first use of the development. The approved proposed drainage works will thereafter be implemented in accordance with the received details.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Two objections raised noise, visual, litter, parking and congestion concerns, while 49 responses supported improved community, accessibility and football facilities.

“- Current issues of noise pollution from speakers and visitors from within the clubhouse, and the expansion of the terrace will exacerbate these issues. - Visual impact of the surrounding grounds that are described as unkempt. Litter from visitors travels to nearby residential properties. - Parking is insufficient for the proposed use, causing overflow on-street parking in the surrounding area.”

“- The proposal will enhance the football club by providing space for more away supporters, boosting a wider benefit through tourism. - An improvement in the facilities that cater for disabled and wheelchair users and improve accessibility. - The design of the proposed additions are sympathetic to the surrounding area. - Enhances facilities for events such as dementia support sessions that are used by the public outside of match days, particularly used by the elderly.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, the ward member addressed the committee, and four named councillors spoke on the item.

The committee discussion

Members considered amended conditions covering roofing materials and terrace and clubhouse opening times, with agreement involving the ward member.

“Following the discussion, Clare Bull, Development Manager, advised the Committee that conditions pertaining to roofing materials and the opening times of the terrace and clubhouse could be amended to ensure the National Landscape Partnership agreed to the roofing materials and opening times could be agreed with the local Ward Member.”

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, with the above amendments, was proposed by Councillor P Bennett, seconded by Councillor B Nielsen, and voted upon.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was approved and delegated to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure, subject to notice requirements and consideration of further representations.

“That the decision to APPROVE the application and GRANT Full Planning Permission be delegated to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure, subject to –”

Minutes

The conditions

The conditions cover commencement, approved plans, parking and turning, construction management, drainage, materials, and terrace opening hours.

“The measures set out in the approved Plan shall be carried out and complied with in full during the construction of the development hereby approved. Site operatives' parking, material storage and the positioning of operatives' facilities shall only take place on the site in locations approved by in writing by the local planning authority.”

“The development hereby permitted shall not be occupied/first used until full details of all surface water drainage systems to serve the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved drainage works shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details before the first occupation/use of the development hereby permitted and shall be retained thereafter.”

Minutes