Sports pavilion and pitches at King George V Playing Field, Bloxwich, Walsall

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the existing building with a pavilion, sports pitches, parking, cycle spaces and landscaping improvements.

“Application details. Application reference: 25/0843 Site location: KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELD, STAFFORD ROAD, BLOXWICH, WALSALL, WS3 3NJ Application proposal: Full planning application for the demolition of existing building and construction of a proposed new pavilion building, construction of an artificial sport pitch and multi use games areas, new car and cycle parking and general enhancements to the hard and soft landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The playing fields cover 18.46 hectares, are surrounded by housing and sports facilities, and are accessed from William Wiggin Avenue.

“The King George V Memorial Playing fields area measures 18.46 hectares in total size and the site is bounded by residential housing on all its boundaries. Sport facilities such as the Bentons Sons of Rest Bowling club to the South and Bloxwich Stafford Road Sports Club to the East also boarders the Playing fields.”

“The main pedestrian access to the playing fields is also located to the east side of the park along the A34 and there are six other pedestrian entrances. On the site there is currently vegetation in the form of numerous mature trees that are mainly located along the boundaries of the park or following the access routes.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

A 1994 application for a car park serving sports pitches was granted, with no recorded pre-application advice or enforcement investigations.

“Planning applications • BC40229P – Construction of car park for users of sports pitches etc adj. existing car park & pavilion – Granted subject to conditions – 07/03/1994.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme acceptable because it would enhance sports facilities, improve changing accommodation, add community space and align with planning policies.

“On balance, this application is considered acceptable when assessed against the local and national planning policies and guidance as set out in this report. The proposed scheme would enhance local sporting facilities, extend the existing car park and the replacement pavilion would upgrade existing changing facilities and provide a small café and community space for users of the park. The proposed development aligns with adopted planning policies.”

“Planning Committee resolve to Delegate to the Head of Planning & Building Control to Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions, and subject to:”

Officer report

What residents said

Twenty-nine objections cited parking, antisocial behaviour, event impacts, traffic, loss of green-space enjoyment and the lack of hockey facilities.

“Objections A total of 29 comments has been received objecting to the proposal for the following reasons (the majority of the objections have been received from members of the public associated with Bloxwich Hockey Club): • Existing parking problems in Bealys Lane • Existing anti-social behaviour • Large events causing parking issues • No provision for hockey • Removes enjoyment of a green space…”

“In regard to the objections received from members of the public associated with the hockey club, the applicants have made it clear that there is no funding for hockey facilities.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker opposed the application because hockey was not included, while the supporting speaker answered questions about hockey, parking, antisocial behaviour and sustainability.

What members discussed

Members discussed sports timetabling, possible hockey provision and the risk that additional facilities could lead to further green-space objections.

“A Member commented that there could be timetabling issues if all sports were accommodated for. Another Member commented that there was room for a hockey provision on the site and there was demand in Bloxwich for hockey, however a further loss in green space may lead to objections from Fields in Trust.”

“The Chair stated that he would, separately from the planning process, request that officers explored and identified a future provision for hockey in the area, whether on-site or at an alternative location.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted by majority to delegate the grant of planning permission to the Interim Head of Planning and Building Control.

“Following a period of debate, it was moved by Councillor M. Statham and seconded by Councillor Follows and upon being put to the vote it was;”

“That Planning Committee delegated to the Interim Head of Planning & Building Control to Grant Planning Permission for application 25/0843 subject to conditions, and subject to: The amendment and finalising of conditions. No further comments from a statutory consultee raising material planning considerations not previously addressed.”

Minutes