Community activity hub at Land At Dysart Park, Grantham

What was proposed

The proposal would create a forest-school community hub with two temporary buildings, fencing, outdoor activities and programmes mainly for young people aged 5 to 16.

“The proposed change of use would create a hub that would serve the local community. The hub would have a forest school theme, offering outdoor, active and nature-based activities to support wellbeing, promote physical activity, and provide learning and personal development opportunities. The hub would be run by inspire+, an established charity based in Grantham focused on improving the health, wellbeing, and physical activity of young people.”

“The proposal includes two temporary buildings, erection of perimeter fencing and the retention of open green space for outdoor activities. The first building would measure 12.4m x 4.2m x 2.9m and be timber clad. This building would provide an indoor space for the delivery of the proposed activities. The second building would measure 6m x 2.4m x 2.6m and also be timber clad. This would be used for the storage of equipment associated with the proposed use.”

Officer report

The site

The site is part of a former bowling green in Dysart Park, beside outdoor gym equipment and the former bowls clubhouse used by the Men’s Shed.

“The application site is an existing area of land used for leisure and recreation, located at Dysart Park, Grantham. Dysart Park is accessed off Houghton Road and Bridge End Road. The application site is on part of a former bowling green, centrally located within the park and adjacent to some existing outdoor gym equipment.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would provide social and health benefits without unacceptable effects on character, homes or highways, subject to drainage conditions.

“The application site is located within flood zone 1 and at a low risk of surface water flooding. The proposed buildings are relatively small scale and would be unlikely to result in any increased flood risk. While not shown on the proposed floorplans, it is understood that the intention is to provide toilet facilities within the larger of the two proposed buildings.”

“Human Rights Implications 8.1 Articles 6 (Rights to fair decision making) and Article 8 (Right to private family life and home) of the Human Rights Act have been taken into account in making this recommendation. It is considered that no relevant Article of that act will be breached. Planning Balance and Conclusions 9.1 The proposal would create a community hub within an established park which would provide social and health benefits to the local community.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council and environmental protection raised no objections or comments, while the highways authority found no unacceptable highway or flood-risk effects.

“Grantham Town Council 4.1.1 No objections 4.2 Environmental Protection 4.2.1 No comments to make. Lincolnshire County Council (as Local Highway Authority) 4.3.1 No objections - Having given due regard to the appropriate local and national planning policy guidance (in particular the National Planning Policy Framework), Lincolnshire County Council (as Highway Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority) has concluded that the proposed development would not be expected to…”

Officer report

Local support

Representations supported the hub for structured activities, physical exercise, personal development, community connections and greater positive use of the park.

“As Headteacher at St Anne's Primary School I am fully in support of this initiative. The hub would provide much needed local, open green space with structured forest school activities which would be available to our pupils both during the school day and out of hours. Provision such as this, which promotes physical activity and personal development, is lacking in our area. The hub would definitely meet a need.”

“Beyond benefiting children, a community hub would strengthen connections between residents, provide a focal point for local events, and encourage greater use of public green space in a positive and sustainable way. • I truly believe this proposal represents a forward-thinking investment in the health, wellbeing, and social life of our area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers included the planning agent, an Inspire+ representative and the district ward councillor, who highlighted benefits for young people and the community.

Questions and debate

Members asked about leadership, funding, opening times, safeguarding, lighting and fencing, and expressed support for the community benefits.

“The flexibility of opening times of the hub was queried. Further clarification was sought around the supervision and safeguarding of children when attending the forest school.”

“Members were in favour of the application and the benefits it would bring to the local community as a whole.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee agreed to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning and Growth to grant permission subject to six conditions covering timing, plans, drainage, materials and boundaries.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT the planning permission, subject to conditions:”

“Before any part of the development hereby permitted is occupied/brought into use, the external elevations shall have been completed using only the materials stated on the approved plans unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes