Two summer events at The Vestacare Stadium Whitebank Road, Oldham

What was proposed

The application sought to vary three conditions so the stadium pitch could host non-football events until 11pm on two summer nights each year.

“Proposal: Variation of conditions 13 (Hours of Operation of floodlights), 14 (Hours of use) and 15 (Community Use Scheme) relating to application PA/339093/16 for hours of operation until 11pm 2 nights per year, in the summer months.”

“The applicant’s reason for seeking to vary the conditions is to enable the use of the playing pitch for non-football related events for two days per year - specifically during the summer months as the proposed events are not covered under the existing permission and also, the events are likely to extend beyond the permitted hours of the use of the pitch and the floodlights.”

Officer report

The site

The site forms part of the stadium grounds, is bordered by homes, lies in the Green Belt and is next to a Conservation Area.

“The application site forms part of the Vestacare Stadium grounds on the north side of Whitebank Road, Oldham. The site is adjoined by dwellings to the north and west and in close proximity to 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 within the Oldham Local Plan.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The original pitch permission was granted, some conditions were discharged, and a previous proposal for four extended-use nights was refused.

“PA/339093/16 – Permission granted for (i) replacement of the existing grass football pitch with a new 3G pitch and associated fencing, and, (ii) development of a new natural turf playing field and associated works.”

“VAR/353080/24 – Permission refused for a proposal to vary Conditions 13 (Hours of Operation of floodlights), 14 (Hours of use) and 15 (Community Use Scheme) of PA/339093/16 for hours of operation until 11pm 4 nights per year, in the summer months.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Sport England and Environmental Health raised no objection, while Highways had no objection subject to event management, parking and cycle-storage conditions.

“The application site is allocated as Green Belt by the Proposals Map associated with the Joint Development Plan Document. Para 154 of the NPPF provides that CONSULTEE FORMAL RESPONSE Sport England Formal response received. No objection subject to any sport related conditions attached to the original planning approval being carried forward.”

“Formal response received. No objection raised. Highways Formal response received. No objection subject to conditions relating to submission of event management plan prior to the event and retention of parking spaces and cycle stores.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Seven representations objected over parking, highway safety, noise, light pollution, wildlife and ecology, and insufficient information.

“Parking and potential highway safety issues (Addressed in paras. 14.2 – 14.4) • Noise disturbance (Addressed in paras. 12.2 – 12.3) • Light pollution (Addressed in paras. 12.4 – 12.5) • Impact on wildlife and ecology (Addressed within paras. 10.3 – 10.4) • Insufficient information to assess the proposal (Addressed in paras. 11.1 – 11.2)”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee.

The committee debate

Councillor Wahid moved refusal and Councillor Hobin seconded it, against the officer recommendation.

“It was MOVED by Councillor Wahid and SECONDED by Councillor Hobin that the application be REFUSED (against Officer recommendations).”

Minutes

The vote

Nine members voted for refusal, three voted against and two abstained.

“On being put to the vote 9 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF REFUSAL and 3 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 2 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was refused.

“DECISION: That the application be REFUSED.”

Minutes