Indoor cricket training facility at Unit 2, Azera, Capstan Road, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a vacant commercial unit into an automated indoor cricket facility with two bowling-machine lanes and cricket nets.

“Unit 2 comprised of the office use, which is accessed from the southern side of Azera, with a footprint of 258m2. The unit is accessed through a set of double doors with glazed windows on the southern elevation. The unit is currently vacant.”

“Proposal 2.1 Planning permission is sought to change the use to part of the ground floor to an indoor cricket training facility (Use Class E(d)). The new facility is designed for individual or small-group coaching sessions. The proposals would comprise of two lanes of cricket wickets, with bowling machines operated at one end, and cricket nets surrounding the lanes.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The unit is on the ground floor of an eleven-storey waterside block containing commercial units and flats above.

“Azera (Block KL1) is a waterside development located within Centenary Quay, and comprises an 11-storey block, located to the west of the main plaza. The building comprises 3 no. ground floor commercial units (consented for flexible food & drink, bar and office uses) and 110 flats on the upper floors. This development was delivered as part of phase 4 of Centenary Quay and was constructed in 2017-2018.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the leisure use, noise effects and parking acceptable because of the site’s location, noise assessment, management measures and limited trips.

“The proposed indoor cricket training facility falls under Use Class E (d) ‘Indoor sport, recreation or fitness’. The principle of development is supported by Saved Policies CLT1 and MSA18 of the Local Plan, as well as paragraph 103 of the NPPF, as these policies promote leisure and community uses as part of the mixed-use development at Woolston Riverside.”

“As a potential noise generating use, the principle of development is acceptable but subject to other considerations such as the impact on the character of the area, and impact on neighbour amenity in terms of noise and disturbance, and parking considerations.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Twenty-four resident representations were received, including twenty-three objections, while Environmental Health and Highways ultimately raised no objection.

“Following the receipt of the planning application a publicity exercise in line with department procedures was undertaken which included notifying adjoining and nearby landowners and erecting a site notice 12 th December 2025. At the time of writing the report 24 representations have been received from surrounding residents, including 23 objections. The following is a summary of the points raised:”

“SCC Environmental Health Original Comments – Holding Objection Environmental Health have concerns with this application.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Residents raised concerns about noise, nighttime activity, safety, antisocial behaviour, parking, residential amenity, the location and consultation.

“Significant noise impacts from bat on ball noise, shouting, and 24/7 activity, in a building already affected by poor soundproofing and existing venue noise. Response Impacts from the proposed use on neighbour amenity in terms of noise and disturbance will be considered in Section 6 below.”

“24-hour use, with no staff presence is wholly unsuitable for a residential block due to nighttime disturbance, safety risks, and potential anti-social behaviour. Response The use would operate a booking system only for 2-4 customers at a time. Staff will not be present on site but will visit the site. Noise and disturbance and anti social behaviour will be considered in Section 6 below.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A local resident, the agent and the applicant addressed the meeting, and an anonymous resident’s statement was also considered.

Changes discussed

Following questions and debate, a proposal was made to change the facility’s opening hours to 7am–11pm.

“Restricted Use & Management Notwithstanding the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) or any Order revoking, amending, or re-enacting that Order, the development hereby approved shall only be used as an indoor cricket facility and not for any other purpose, including any other use within Use Class E. The facility shall only be in use between the following times:”

“Following questions and debate, Cllr Blatchford proposed to amend the hours of opening to the facility to 0700 – 2300 hours (7am – 11pm).”

Minutes

The votes

The opening-hours amendment was carried, and the amended recommendation for approval was then unanimously carried.

“The Panel then considered recommendation that the application be conditionally approved subject to criteria listed in the report as amended. Upon being put to the vote the recommendations as amended were unanimously carried.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was approved with conditions limiting the use to indoor cricket, restricting hours, and requiring operating and safety measures.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out within the report and any additional or amended conditions set out below:”

Minutes