Multi-use games area at Halley Primary School, London E14

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to change the school sports pitch to a mixed school and community use with a multi-use games area.

“Proposal Retrospective change of use from F1 (learning and non-residential institution to F1 and F2 (local community) for the installation of a new multi-use games area on the site of an existing sports pitch at Halley Primary School.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The games area is within the school grounds, east of the main building, and is surrounded by fencing, roof netting and artificial grass.

“The application seeks full retrospective planning permission for a change of use from school sports pitch (class F1) to multi use games area (class F2) at Halley Primary School. In 2022, Halley Primary School installed a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) over the site of an existing sports pitch, located within the school grounds, to the east of the main school building. The MUGA measures 30.9m (width) x 16.2m (length).”

“SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 1.1 The application site relates to Halley Primary School. The single storey school building is of a contemporary style, which features a pitched roof shape which varies in height at different sections of the site. The main entrance to the school is located on Ben Jonson Road, with a secondary access located on Halley Street. The application site is 4,980.4sqm in size.”

Officer report

Earlier use and enforcement

The games area was installed in 2022, noise complaints led to an enforcement investigation, and five-a-side football use later stopped.

“Two smaller unprotected tree sit either side of said protected London Plane. Environmental Health Noise and Vibration received two separate noise complaints pertaining to the use of the MUGA to host 5-aside football matches outside of standard school hours on 09 February 2023 and 15 February 2023. Tower Hamlets Planning Enforcement began an investigation. The school subsequently stopped using the site to host 5-aside football matches at a date prior to 25 February 2025.”

“P A/01/00885: Provision of Premises Manager Workshop & Store. Permitted – 14 September 2001. P A/89/00537: Approve of details submitted in accordance with planning permission dated 27 th February 1989. Permitted – 02 January 1990. Enforcement History relevant to the application site 3.9 ENF/22/00258: Enforcement raised due to the addition of posts into an existing sports pitch and regarding the site’s usage after school hours to host five-aside football matches.”

Officer report

What residents said

Four letters supported the proposal, while 52 objections raised concerns including privacy, noise, lighting, traffic, parking, wildlife and lack of need.

“PUBLICITY AND ENGAGEMENT 4.1 The Council notified 333 neighbouring owners/occupiers by post. The application was also publicised online and in the local press. A total of 56 letters of representation were received in response to the proposals. 4 letters were received in support of the proposals, and 52 were received in objection.”

“The proposals will increase local parking pressure and reduce in increased levels of traffic in the local area. This also presents safety concerns too, including the threat of collisions and increased pollution due to traffic idling.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors spoke about noise and resident disturbance, while the applicant’s agent supported the games area for children, the community and school funding.

What members discussed

Members asked about wildlife, lighting restrictions and noise control, including possible staffing during access times.

“Further to questions from the Committee, to officers, objectors and the applicant provided more details on the following elements of the application: • Can officers detail the impact this will have on the environment and local wildlife? Officers stated they looked into wildlife concerns due to objections raised, but found there will be no impact.”

“How will the noise be controlled when sports is being played? The applicant detailed possible mitigation, including staffing will be deployed across the access time for the sports area.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted four in favour, two against and no abstentions.

“The Committee debated the application, before moving to the vote.”

“On a vote of 4 in favour , 2 against and 0 abstentions the Committee RESOLVED that planning permission is GRANTED”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the retrospective change of use and multi-use games area.

“Retrospective change of use from F1 (learning and non-residential institution to F1 and F2 (local community) for the installation of a new multi-use games area on the site of an existing sports pitch at Halley Primary School.”

Minutes