Up to 50 pitchside boards at Tonteg Playing Fields Tonteg, Church Village

What was proposed

Advertisement consent was sought for up to 50 non-illuminated boards fixed to handrails around an existing football pitch.

“The application describes that the advertisement boards would be sited around the perimeter of an existing football pitch, facing pitch side and fixed to an existing handrail.”

Officer report

The site

The pitch is within a public park surrounded by residential properties, highways, tennis courts, a play area and community facilities.

“The application site forms part of a public park, set within the midst of a residential area in Tonteg.”

“The park currently accommodates a football pitch (subject of this application) which occupies much of the site and includes a spectator stand at the halfway line of the western touchline. The park also accommodates tennis courts and children’s play area at the north-western corner, an area of green space at the south-western corner, and a community centre, changing room block and car park at the north-eastern extent.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the boards would be typical of sports-ground advertising, would not be overly prominent and would not harm public safety.

“Whilst it is accepted the advertisements would inevitably form visible features within their immediate setting, it is not considered they would be overly prominent from wider views outside of the Playing Field.”

“Furthermore, they would be typical of similar advertisements at many other sports grounds throughout the County Borough and would have no undue impact upon public safety.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and Transportation and Public Health and Protection raised no objections, while four letters objected to the proposal.

“The application has been advertised by means of direct neighbour notification and site notices. Four letters of objection have been received as a result of this exercise and raised the following points:”

“Highways and Transportation Section – No objection. • Public Health and Protection – No objection.”

Officer report

What objectors said

Objectors cited visual intrusion, excessive scale, commercialisation, weathering, vandalism, wind loading, possible safety issues and loss of community use.

“The scale of the proposal is excessive and would significantly change the character of the site; • The advertisements would likely face surrounding homes and result in visual intrusion, thereby reducing the amenity of nearby residents; • The introduction of large amounts of advertising will detract from the enjoyment of the wider recreational park; • Approving the scheme may set a precedent for further commercialisation of the playing fields; • Claims the advertisement…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee for five minutes under the adopted procedures.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the director’s recommendation.

“The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

Minutes

Approval conditions

The consent would last five years and require advertisements and structures to be kept clean, tidy and safe.

“This consent shall expire five years from the date of this Notice.”

“Any advertisements displayed, and any site used for the display of advertisements, shall be maintained in a clean and tidy condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report