Training facility extension at Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne

What was proposed

The application proposed an extension with additional offices, welfare facilities, external storage, parking and landscaping at an existing training facility.

“Proposal: Extension to create additional office and welfare facilities, provide additional external storage plus associated car parking and landscaping (Revised tree and Biodiversity Net Gain Report and amended landscape plan 11 July 2025)”

“Description of the Proposed Development 3.1 Planning permission is sought to create additional office and welfare facilities, provide additional external storage plus associated car parking and landscaping.”

Officer report

The site

The existing training facility was developed in 2002, with homes to the north, a public right of way nearby and access from Whitley Road.

“Description of the Site 2.1 This application relates to an existing training facility situated at Darsley Park. The existing facility was developed in 2002. The closest residential properties, Darsley Gardens, are located to the north of the site. An existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) is located immediately to the south of these properties. Access to the site is from Whitley Road (A191).”

“To the south of the site and the existing buildings are the training pitches. Existing parking provision is located to the north of the existing buildings and to adjacent to the security cabin.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier applications permitted extensions, parking, lighting, a new training centre and further additions to the training complex.

“14/01174/FUL - Demolition of existing Training Centre building. Erect new Training Centre, alter car parking facilities (Re-submission 14/00041/FUL) – Permitted 20.03.2015”

“22/00749/FUL - Single storey side and rear extensions to the east side of the training complex, rear extension of existing dining room to the south west and landscaping works to rear of the training complex – Permitted 28.06.2022”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the development would not lose usable open space and would have no significant unacceptable effects with conditions.

“The principle of the proposed development is acceptable as it will not result in the loss of any useable open space.”

“Subject to attaching the suggested conditions the proposed development will not result in a significant adverse impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

What residents said

One objection raised concerns about construction disruption, noise, dust, lighting, inaccurate measurements, previous breaches and weak communication with neighbours.

“Representations 2.1 One objection has been received. This is summarised below: -The development is substantial in size, including over 1,350 Sqm of new build and significant refurbishment. -No estimated timeline is provided for the construction works, creating concern about prolonged disruption. -Previous construction phases have already caused considerable distress and inconvenience due to pollution and noise.”

“-Residents have experienced significant adverse effects during previous construction works including being forced to keep windows shut, disturbance from machinery and workers, not being able to enjoy gardens or carry out domestic activities, emotional impacts. -Lack of acknowledgement of residents’ discomfort. -Worries about future noise from rooftop-mounted plant equipment, especially if it runs 24/7.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative spoke in support and addressed communication and construction controls.

What members discussed

Members focused on the need to improve communication with residents and maintain positive dialogue during the development.

“Members of the Committee asked questions of the speakers and officers and made comment. In doing so the Committee gave particular consideration to:”

“The lack of past communication with residents and wanted to ensure this did not happen this time around and the club kept positive dialogue going with local residents.”

Minutes

The vote

Eight members supported the officer recommendation and none voted against it.

“Based on the considerations of the Committee the Chair proposed acceptance of the officer’s recommendation that the application be approved.”

“On being put to the vote, 8 members voted for the recommendation and 0 members voted against.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The application was permitted subject to the report’s conditions because the development was acceptable in principle and in its effects on appearance, amenity and highway safety.

“Resolved that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

“(Reason for decision: The Committee concluded that, having regard to the relevant policies contained in the Council’s Local Plan 2017 and National Planning Policy Framework, the proposed development was acceptable in terms of the principle of development and its impact on the character and appearance on the area, residential amenity and highway safety.)”

Minutes