Floodlit multi-use playzone at Land At Park Grove, Holsworthy

What was proposed

The application sought a floodlit multi-use playzone with hard standing, sports fencing, four floodlights and advertising funding banners.

“The ‘PlayZone’ is designed as a flexible multi-use games area (MUGA) suitable for a range of sports and recreational activities. The facility has a total length of 30m and a width of 20m, with integrated goal units each end measuring 3.66m by 1m. The PlayZone will be enclosed by perimeter fencing predominantly 3m in height, increasing to 4 metres behind each goal unit which also includes a netball ring.”

Officer report

The site

The 0.24-hectare grassland site lies north of Stanhope Park and south of an existing football pitch within Holsworthy’s development boundary.

“Site Description The application site is within the development boundary for Holsworthy, which is designated as a 'Main Centre' within the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP). It relates to a parcel of land north of Stanhope Park, and south of the existing football pitch, principally accessed from Park Grove to the west. The wider site holds a strategic location in Holsworthy and is surrounded by residential development.”

“The application site measures 0.24 Hectares and comprises of grassland, loosely associated with the football pitch. It does also cover part of a track directly to the south.”

Officer report

Effects on neighbours

Noise and lighting conditions were proposed to protect nearby residents, while construction hours were amended to start at 8am.

“Hours of Use The applicant proposes that the pitch would be available to book online between the hours of 8am and 9pm on any day. It is not likely that the pitch would actually be in use during all of those hours but it is common for sports pitches to have this flexibility. The pitch would be locked unless booked for use and the lighting provision would be turned off at all times when it is not actively needed. We have no concerns regarding these proposed hours.”

“Noise Sport England have provided a Design Guidance Note for sport area acoustics dated 2015. The same consultants have provided a noise report in relation to this proposal. The guidance is based on real time noise measurements made on a number of similar pitches. These identified that people noise (calling and shouting) is the main source of noise which might cross the site boundary and affect nearby residents.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The town council and council project officer supported the proposal, police had no objection in principle, and one support letter was received with no objections.

“Community Projects Officer - Adrian Avery: This is a council project that I fully support.”

“Designing Out Crime Officer - DC&D Police: Thank you for this application, having reviewed the relevant drawings and details, I have no objections in principle to the proposal.”

Officer report

What the supporter said

The supporter described the playzone as a positive community asset that would improve sports access, health, wellbeing and female participation.

“Number of neighbours consulted: Number of letters of support: Number of representations received: Number of neutral representations: Number of objection letters: 0”

“One support letter received which has been summarised into the following key points: - Proposal represents a positive improvement to facilities already used by the community - Provides a permanent home for the local netball club in a deprived area is hugely important - It will improve access to sport, support health and wellbeing, and create positive opportunities for all.”

Officer report

Questions and discussion

Councillors asked about free play and markings, and the community projects officer explained the activation plan and proposed sports uses.

The vote

Members voted unanimously to approve the application after a proposal by Councillor Kenneally, seconded by Councillor Brenton.

“It was proposed by Councillor Kenneally, seconded by Councillor Brenton that the application is approved.”

Minutes