Two artificial grass pitches at Belhus Park Golf And Country Park Belhus, Aveley

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing a redundant driving range with two artificial grass pitches, a pavilion, recreation areas, lighting, fencing and landscaping.

“The application seeks full planning permission for replacement of an existing redundant driving range with two full-size artificial grass pitches (AGPs) with storage facilities, sports pavilion with changing rooms, toilets, kitchen and spectator area, and trim trail with biodiversity areas and landscaping.”

“PROPOSAL: Demolition of the existing driving range structures and fencing and provision of replacement sports use comprising two full-size artificial grass pitches and storage facilities; sports pavilion to include accessible changing facilities for 4 teams plus officials with toilet facilities, kitchen and servery; spectator areas; new fencing; sports lighting; community garden; footpath(s); cycle, disabled and EV parking; recreation area to include trim trail and play…”

Officer report

The site

The site is within Belhus Park’s leisure centre grounds and adjoining recreation land in the Green Belt and a Grade II registered park and garden.

“The application is within the curtilage of Belhus Park Leisure Centre and on open recreation land to the immediate south. The site is within the Green Belt and designated Open Space. Belhus Park is a Grade II registered park and garden.”

“The site is relatively flat and the recreation area to the south is overgrown with a tree belt separating it from the main recreation area.”

Officer report

Public views

Four letters supported the proposal for its jobs, economic, environmental, social, aesthetic and community benefits.

“Four letters of support - from Parkrun, Belhus Golf Club, Blackshots Leisure Centre and a neighbour were received for the following reasons:”

“The creation of jobs • Economic benefits • Environmental benefits • Social benefits with sustained usage even during inclement weather • Aesthetic benefits • Landscaping • Much needed amenity • Tidying Waste ground • An opportunity for the local community and will be a centre of excellence.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker supported the application, and confirmed that outdoor activities beyond football would be provided.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed provision for other sports and parking, and agreed that the location and car park were suitable despite some reservations about artificial pitches.

“Members sought clarification from the speaker whether there was provision for other sports. It was confirmed there will be other physical outdoor activities as well as football.”

“Members agreed it is a good location, and the car park is sufficient. Other members stated that artificial pitches were not ideal but agreed the parking was sufficient.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved authority to grant permission subject to the consultation period, no material objections requiring reconsideration and the listed conditions.

“That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to the expiration of the consultation period and without the receipt of any new material planning objections that would warrant re- consideration of the application by the Planning Committee, and those items set out in section 16 of this report - A) Conditions…”

Minutes