3G artificial grass pitch at Tarleton Academy, Tarleton, Preston

“To advise Planning Committee on an application which seeks planning permission for the creation of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, acoustic fencing, hardstanding areas, storage container, floodlights, an access footpath and associated bund.”

“The application seeks planning permission for the creation of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with 4.5m high ball-stop perimeter fencing around 3 sides of the outside of the pitch. Adjacent to the northern side of the pitch and partway along the eastern side, a bund would be constructed with acoustic fencing erected on top and also forming the northern side boundary of the pitch fencing. The total height would be 4 metres above the finished level of the pitch.”

“Tarleton Academy is located to the east of Hesketh Lane and comprises a recently constructed secondary school with parking area to the front and playing fields to the rear. The application site is in two parts, both of which are located to the rear of the main school building and comprise a larger area of land directly to the east of an existing MUGA (multi-use games area) and a smaller strip of land alongside the eastern boundary of the site.”

“2023/0156/CON - Approval of details reserved by condition no's 4,16,18,20 and 23 of planning permission 2021/0741/FUL relating to Lettings Policy, Drainage, Electric Vehicles, Noise Control and Remediation - Part Approved / Part Refused…”

“2022/0688/CON - Approval of details reserved by condition no. 22 on planning approval 2021/0741/FUL relating to lighting - Approved…”

“It is considered that although the application demonstrates a need for pitch provision in the locality the submitted proposal does not meet the need demonstrated. The submission therefore fails to demonstrate adequate need for this facility within Protected Land. In addition, the development is considered to have an adverse impact on the rural character of the area and would have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.”

“The proposed development conflicts with Policies SP1 and GN1 in the adopted West Lancashire Local Plan 2012-2027 Development Plan Document in that it fails to provide adequate justification for the provision of this particular facility on Protected Land.”

“The Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services submitted a report on planning application 2024/0706/FUL, relating to Tarleton Academy, Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, PR4 6AQ.”

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be refused, for the reasons set out at paragraph 12 of the report.”