Issue - meetings

Construction of a non-floodlit Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) enclosed by 3.6m high metal weldmesh fencing.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

The considered a report, previously circulated, which gave details of the application, the applicant’s case, the site and its environment, planning history and all of the relevant planning factors and policies.

The Planning Officer gave a summary of the report submitted and then took questions from the Committee.

The Committee was advised that there would be a gap of approximately three metres between the footpath and fencing to allow for additional planting.

At the invitation of the Chair Mr Bostock, of 60 Grant Avenue, spoke in objection to the application and following his statement members of the Committee put questions to him regarding his concerns.

Mr Bostock advised that because the recreation area was used throughout the day by the Tree House School there was no respite from the sound emanating from this area. There was also a general cumulative level of noise from the Tetherdown School that resulted in a high level of noise throughout the day.

In response to a query, regarding a Noise Survey that local residents had commissioned, the Committee was advised that this had been received by the Council and an officer from the Council’s Noise Team had visited the area. However, as the sound coming from the play area could not be attributed specifically to pupils from the Tree House School the survey could not provide be considered as a reason to refuse the application.

The Committee was advised that Condition Six, detailed in the report, which confined use of the front of the site to normal school hours, was intended to protect the amenity of adjoining residents.

At the invitation of the Chair Mrs Bostock, of 60 Grant Avenue, spoke in objection the application and following her statement members of the Committee put questions to her regarding her concerns.

In response to a question Mrs Bostock advised that as the Tree House School used the recreation areas adjoining her property throughout the day, rather than being limited to set break times, which meant that there was no respite from the sound generated.

At the invitation of the Chair Mrs Bierschenk, the applicant, spoke in support of the application and following her statement members of the Committee put questions to her.

In response to a query Mrs Bierschenk advised that as Condition Six would prevent the school from using the recreation area after school during the summer months it was not ideal and would not allow the school to make best use of the facility. She noted that it had been intended that use of the facility would be offered to other local schools and that it would be used during the summer holidays as part of the holiday Play Scheme.

Mrs Bierschenk advised that only a small number of children would use the recreation area (out of normal schools hours). This was generally between six and eight pupils at any one time. It was confirmed that Beech hedges would be planted to mitigate the impact of sound consideration was also being given to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107