School games area at Mill Green School, St Helens

What was proposed

The application proposed a multi-use games area with fencing and a trampoline area at Mill Green School.

“P/2025/0654/FP3 Mill Green School, Lansbury Avenue Installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) with fencing and trampoline area.”

Minutes

The site and existing use

The games area would occupy an underused grassed area within the school’s secure boundaries, with level access from the playground.

“The site where the MUGA would be located is currently used as recreational space related to the school. The proposed development is located within the secure boundaries of Mill Green School, ensuring safe and supervised use. The site is currently an underutilised grassed area, offering a suitable footprint for the development without impacting existing buildings or circulation.”

“Planning Committee 03.02.2026 P/2025/0654/FP3 provision of the proposed development will provide a much-needed facility for the school. The MUGA pitch will enhance the educational and physical qualities for health and learning for the school. This will provide a multi-function, all weather space which will allow all young people who attend the school and wider community partners to have equal opportunities to participate in sports and to be active.”

Officer report

Earlier site permission

A temporary classroom and storage building had been approved earlier, with its removal planned after the school year and the land used for biodiversity enhancement.

“There is currently a portacabin positioned within the site edged red, which will be removed and the land used for BNG enhancement. The portacabin was approved earlier this year to provide classrooms and storage facilities for a temporary period, planning reference P/2025/0352/CLP. The applicant has confirmed that the portacabin will be removed from the site at the end of the school year, this being Autumn 2026.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it would support inclusive physical education and play, fit the school setting and avoid significant impacts subject to conditions.

“The principle of development is considered acceptable. The facility will support physical education, social development, and inclusive play for pupils with diverse needs at the school. The proposal will enhance the school’s ability to deliver curriculum and extracurricular activities aligned with wellbeing and engagement goals. The design and appearance of the MUGA with enclosure and sunken trampoline are acceptable.”

“Grant Planning Permission once an acceptable landscaping plan has been received and subject to the following conditions, with authority delegated to the Head of Planning Service to add, remove or amend conditions as they deem necessary:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consulted organisations raised no objections, while conditions were sought for contamination, drainage, trees, biodiversity and protected species.

“United Utilities (30.12.2025) – No objection raised. No drainage information has been submitted with the planning application. United Utilities have raised no objections to the proposal subject to a pre-commencement condition requesting details of a sustainable surface water drainage scheme to be submitted.”

“Council’s Trees & Woodland Officer (05.01.2026) – No objection raised. The Officer notes that the wider site contains trees that are legally protected, which will not be impacted by the proposed development. The Officer supports the proposal subject to tree protection and replacement tree planting conditions.”

Officer report

Public representations

The public consultation received no letters of representation.

“This application has been advertised with neighbouring notification letters, and a site notice. No letters of representation have been received as a result of the public consultation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The head teacher from Mill Green School spoke in support of the application.

Committee discussion

Councillor Hodkinson declared a personal interest during the committee’s discussion of the application.

“During discussion of the application, Councillor Hodkinson declared a personal interest in the item.”

Minutes

Main conditions

Conditions covered contamination investigations, tree protection, wildlife safeguards, biodiversity management, operating hours, breeding birds and native shrub planting.

“The development shall not commence until a Landscape Planting and Maintenance Plan (LPMP), prepared in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan and including: • a non-technical summary; • the roles and responsibilities of the people or organisation(s) delivering the [LPMP]; • the planned habitat creation and enhancement works to create or improve habitat to achieve the biodiversity net gain in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan; • the…”

“No tree felling or tree removal is to take place during the period 1 March to 31 August inclusive. If it is necessary to undertake works during the bird breeding season then all trees are to be checked first by an appropriately experienced ecologist to ensure no breeding birds are present. If present, details of how they will be protected are required to be submitted for approval.”

Minutes