Four containers and covered seating at The Vestacare Stadium Whitebank Road, Oldham

What was proposed

The application sought permanent approval for four containers, external seating and a canopy providing food, storage and changing facilities.

“The proposal seeks approval for the retention of four containers and external seating area including the provision of a canopy over the external seating area.”

“Two of the containers serve as changing rooms relating to the established use of the site while one is used for storage purposes. The fourth container serves as a food kiosk and replaces a mobile food kiosk of approx. the same size.”

Officer report

The site

The site is within stadium grounds beside homes, in the Green Belt and immediately north of a Conservation Area.

“The application site forms part of the Vestacare Stadium grounds which is on the north side of Whitebank Road, Oldham. The overall stadium ground is adjoined by dwellings to the north and west and near dwellings on Whitebank Road to the south of the site.”

“The site lies within the Green Belt and to the immediate north of the site is an area designated as a Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier temporary permissions covered a food kiosk and sheltered seating, changing-room containers and replacement gym facilities.

“FUL/346918/21 – Three year temporary permission granted for retrospective siting of an ancillary food kiosk (mobile catering van) and provision of sheltered seating areas.”

“FUL/347685/21 - Temporary permission for a period of 3 years for retention of 2 no. steel containers to provide temporary changing rooms and a marquee to provide replacement gym facilities.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health and Highways raised no objections to the proposal.

“The proposal relates to the provision of appropriate ancillary facilities to support the existing use of the site for outdoor sport and as such, would be in accordance with provisions of para 154(b) of the NPPF. Significantly, having regard to its scale, the proposal would not detract from the openness of the Green Belt and would not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. CONSULTEE FORMAL RESPONSE Environmental Health Formal response received.”

“Highways Formal response received. Raised no objection.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three representations raised concerns about parking, highway safety, noise, unsightly cabins and antisocial behaviour such as littering.

“Parking and potential highway safety issues (Addressed in paras. 13.1 – 13.4) • Noise disturbance (Addressed in para. 11.2) • Unsightly cabins (Addressed in para. 12.2)”

“Issues relating to antisocial behaviour such as littering were also raised in some of the objections. However, such issues are not considered to be material in this instance and have therefore not been accorded any significant weight in the assessment of the application. They are not considered material because the proposal by nature does not directly cause antisocial behaviours and therefore, such issues would not be sufficient to refuse planning permission.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant attended the meeting and addressed the committee.

The committee vote

The motion to approve received nine votes in favour, three against and one abstention.

“It was MOVED by Councillor Charters and SECONDED by Councillor Iqbal that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 9 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 3 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 1 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“DECISION: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The approved details had to be followed, and the food kiosk was limited to event days and specified opening hours.

“The development hereby approved shall be fully implemented in accordance with the Approved Details Schedule list on this decision notice. REASON - For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.”

“The food kiosk hereby approved shall only be open to members of the public on days when an event is taking place and on such days, shall not be open to customers outside the hours of 10:00 to 21:00 Monday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. REASON - To protect the amenities of surrounding residents and occupiers in accordance with Local Plan Policy 9.”

Officer report