Football pitch advert panels at Evergreen Football Club, Abbots Langley

What was proposed

The application sought consent for internal-facing, non-illuminated weatherboard advertising panels around the existing artificial football pitch.

“25/1619/ADV – Advertisement Consent: Erection of internal facing non illuminated weather board advert panels to perimeter of artificial pitch at Evergreen Football Club, South Way, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0JL”

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1 This application is for advertisement consent for the erection of internal facing advertising boarding around the perimeter of the already enclosed artificial football pitch. The boards would have a width of 2.4m and a height of 1.2m. They would be all weather panels and made from PVC foamex.”

Officer report

The site

The site contains a football pavilion, fenced and floodlit artificial pitch, car park and associated club facilities within public open space and the Green Belt.

“The application site contains the sports pavilion, fenced sports pitch and car park used in connection with Evergreen Football Club in Abbots Langley. The wider site including the recreational ground is located between South Way to the north and Essex Lane to the south, with Warner Bros. Studio adjoining to the east. Pedestrian access is available from South Way and vehicular access from Essex Lane.”

“The pavilion has been substantially extended in the past and originally comprised two separate buildings. The buildings have since been linked creating a T-shaped footprint with front and rear projections to the western side. The pavilion contains changing rooms, a youth club, a hall with a bar and other associated rooms. To the front of the building is hardstanding used as a car park in connection with the sports pitches and South Way Playing Area.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The site has a history of permissions for club buildings, changing rooms, floodlighting and related facilities, including an unimplemented 2015 extension.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 W/2219/72 - Garage for grounds man and sports equipment. Permitted 19.12.1972. 1.2 8/895/78 – Extension to provide hall and toilet facilities and provision of ancillary car parking facilities. Permitted 08.03.1979 and implemented. 1.3 8/324/79 – Erection of changing room. Permitted 19.07.1979 and implemented. 1.4 8/819/86 – Roof extension to house water tank. Permitted 08.01.1987, not implemented.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council raised concerns about surveillance and advertising content, while National Grid and the nine consulted parties provided no response.

“National Grid: [No response] 4.2 Public/Neighbour Consultation 4.2.1 Number consulted: No of responses received: 0 4.2.2 Site Notice: Not required Press notice: Not required 4.2.3 Summary of Responses: None received 5 Relevant Planning Policy, Guidance and Legislation 5.1 Legislation Planning applications are required to be determined in accordance with the statutory development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise as set out within S38(6) Planning…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor from Abbots Langley Parish Council spoke on the application.

Members’ discussion

The officer said the advertisements were understood to relate to club sponsors and could be refused where necessary under the permission condition.

“The Planning Officer reported that since publication of the agenda the applicant had confirmed that the advertisements would be secured on the outside of the fence panels, facing into the astroturf. Additionally, the applicant was happy for the advertisements to be coloured green to the rear rather than white as originally suggested. Officers were therefore proposing an additional condition to require this change in colour.”

“In response to a question about controls to ensure that the advertisements used on the boards were appropriate for a youth football club, the Planning Officer reported the applicant’s intention was understood to be for the advertisements to relate to club sponsors. It was noted that Condition C1(2) specified that no advertisement was to be displayed without the permission of the owner of the site or any other person with an interest in the site entitled to grant permission.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported approval with an additional condition concerning the colour of the rear of the signage.

“Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor Gazzard seconded, that the application be approved with an additional condition regarding the colour of the rear of the signage. On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.”

Minutes