Issue - meetings

Application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission HGY/2009/0723, in order to extend the time limit for implementation, for creation of 6 x multi use games areas and two tennis courts together with close netted wire fence 4 metres high; new gravel footpath and 1 metre high retaining wall along with the insertion of 3 x underground rainwater collect and holding tanks. Placing of 10 x new seating benches and planting of trees and refurbishment of existing building into changing room.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission to replace extant permission.

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, on an application for a new planning permission to replace an extant permission in order to extend the time limit for implementation of development at 185a Park Road N8 to create six multi-use games areas and two tennis courts. The report set out details of the application, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis, human rights and equalities issues and recommended that permission be granted to replace the extant permission. The planning officer gave a presentation outlining the key aspects of the report and responded to questions from the Committee.

At 9.35pm, the Committee resolved to suspend standing orders in order to complete the business under consideration.

• The planning officer advised the Committee that could reconsider the application in its entirety.
• It was confirmed that maintenance of the boundary fences was a condition on the existing planning consent.

A local resident representing Creos (Crouch End Open Space) addressed the Committee in objection to the application and raised the following points:

• At the time of the original consent being granted, the Committee had been told that there would be no application for floodlighting, which there subsequently was and was granted on appeal.
• The site had been blighted by neglect and was in a state of disrepair.
• No habitat or bat survey had been submitted to the Council .
• The tennis facilities were felt to be inadequate, due to lack of space.
• There were issues with parking, traffic and access associated with the proposal.
• Activities at the Pavilion were causing noise pollution affecting residents at night.
• The applicants had failed in their commitments, had alienated residents, and the extant permission should be allowed to lapse.

The Committee asked questions of the objector, as a result of which the following points were raised:

• In response to a question regarding the Planning Inspector’s view that a limited degree of floodlighting would be incongruous and that there was no evidence that the area was of particular significance for the environment or wildlife, the objectors advised that they were aware of bats in the area, and did not believe that a bat survey had been undertaken.
• The objector noted that there were other floodlit tennis courts in the local area, and that there was no need for more.
• Concern was raised regarding the predominance of football in the use of the site.
• The objector stated that the applicants had had three years in which to enact the conditions on the original permission and had not done any of the things required.

The applicant and the Headteacher of Heartlands High School, addressed the Committee in support of the application:

• Developing the site would lead to regeneration of the site and would be good for the community and local schools.
• The conditions proposed would all be met.
• When Heartlands High School had been opened, it was recommended that they should find suitable playing fields; this was a great opportunity to secure playing field provision for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 218