Floodlit multi-use playzone at Tennis Courts At Bests Lane Torrington, Great Torrington

“Proposal: Construction of a sand dressed floodlit playzone, include hard standing area, sports fencing and advertising funding banners Recommendation: Grant…”

“Site Description The application site comprises a parcel of land measuring approximately 0.16 hectares within the development boundary for Great Torrington, which is identified as a Main Centre in the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP). The site lies immediately to the north of Torrington Football Club and is enclosed by residential development to the west, east and south.”

“The land contains a disused tennis court comprised of a moss-covered hard surface, remnant tennis nets, deteriorated perimeter fencing and redundant floodlighting columns. The southern boundary is defined by security fencing which restricts access and prevents any functional use of the former courts. An overgrown grassed area lies between the tennis courts and the football pitch, reinforcing the site’s redundant appearance.”

“Number of neighbours consulted: Number of letters of support: Number of representations received: Number of neutral representations: Number of objection letters: 3”

“Three objections have been received during the course of the application. These objections cover the following points: - Impacts on amenity, resulting from noise, floodlighting, and hours of operation - effects on ecology, wildlife - Is the mitigation proposed sufficient to prevent adverse amenity impacts? - The tennis courts were previously host to anti-social behaviour – a concern that the land surrounding the MUGA could be used for antisocial purposes.”

“Members raised concerns about potential noise impacts on neighbours. Janet Wallce (Environmental Protection) advised that the application follows Sports England acoustic guidance, including measures such as acoustic barriers and hours of use. She concluded that the issue has been appropriately addressed and outlined options available to residents if the noise becomes significant.”

“Councillor Hames asked about biodiversity net gain across the wider site. Officers confirmed the scheme exceeds the 10% requirement, so an additional condition would be unreasonable. The Head of Planning & Building Control added that an advisory could be used instead asking the application to consider wider site improvements.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor Smith that the application is approved.”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report, with amendments to condition 7 to add ‘notwithstadning the details hereby permitted’ at the beginning’ and to condition 5 to require the acoustic fence to be installed before the site is brought into use. A further condition also to be added to secure site-wide enhancements. The final wording will be agreed by officers in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.”