Installation of fencing to include 3 no. gates to the perimeter of the site. Installation of 2 no.100 seated spectator stands. Installation of 1 no. covered standing terrace. Installation of pitch floodlighting sourced by 6 no. 14m high pylons. Alteration to existing car park to allow for additional car parking spaces.

The proposal sought permission of the installation of fencing to include 3 no. gates to the perimeter of the site.  Installation of 2 no.100 seated spectator stands.  Installation of pitch floodlighting sourced by 6 no. 14m high pylons.  Alteration to existing car park to allow for additional car parking spaces.  The application had been referred to Committee at the request of Councillor Mrs. Morris for consideration of the impact of the proposed development on the openness of the Green Belt. 

Members’ attention was brought to the Late Observation Sheet and an update which had since been received from the Planning Inspector to the emerging  Allocations and Development Management Plan which advised that policy EN6 was now to be given moderate weight but this did not change the Officer’s recommendation on the application.  It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was address by the following speakers:

Against the application:     -

For the application:            Mr. John Ball

Parish Representative:       -

Local Member:                    Cllr. Mrs Morris

Members asked questions of clarification from the Speakers and Officers.  Officers clarified that if the Floodlights were reduced to four, it would be a material change and new plans would need to be submitted.  The current floodlights were lawful as there was no planning history for when they were originally put in.  It was confirmed that the flood lights would only be used for league and cup games by the first team and the reserves. 

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to refuse permission, be agreed.

Members discussed the material of the fencing. It would need to be secure to protect the ground but not be obtrusive within the Green belt.  The palisade fencing could be more secure than the welded mesh fence as the mesh could be cut, however the palisade fencing could also urbanise the area.  Concerns were raised over the visual appearance of the proposed car park and the material to be used.  Members discussed that the site could have a positive impact in the community and provide a place for the youth in Hextable.  It was also raised by a Member that the site could be one of the exceptions under paragraph 89 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

The motion was put to the vote and was lost. 

Officers were invited to indicate appropriate conditions for the development if approved.  These were presented to the Committee. 

The Development Control Team Leader confirmed that the material of the fencing did not have to be agreed at the meeting and further details could be submitted.  Car parking could also be a condition to be agreed.  Members confirmed that a decision on the fencing would not be made. 

The motion was put to the vote and was

Resolved:  That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions

            Informative

1)        That the car park surface materials be permeable so as not to cause too much run off.