Agenda item

Redevelopment of site comprising of the re-orientation, extension of six existing tennis courts, two existing basket ball courts to form six full size tennis courts, four mini tennis courts and two basketball courts and the installation of 52 floodlights on 31 columns.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

The proposal involved the redevelopment of a site at Albert Road Recreation Ground currently consisting of two tennis courts, a playground, recreation ground and bowling green. The planning application concerned the re-orientation and extension of six existing tennis courts and two existing basketball courts to provide six full size tennis courts, four mini courts and two basketball courts. Each of the courts would be floodlit necessitating the installation of 52 floodlights on 31 columns.

A local resident addressed the Committee to object to the application on the grounds that neither the application nor the supporting documents considered the impact of proposals on wildlife in the area. In addition, concerns were raised regarding the potential for nuisance from floodlights although the objector acknowledged he had been unaware of the change of hours of operation from 10pm to 9pm. In response, confirmation was given that although the footprint of the courts would change, the impact on ecology would be minimal as there currently existed street lights.

The Committee heard representations from a local resident in support of the application who welcomed the refurbishment of the courts as part of the natural progression of achievement already made with the park, culminating in the award of green flag status. The injection of investment into the park included the pavilion and café which had become a focal point of community involvement and the Committee were strongly urged to grant the application.

The applicant informed the Committee that the site would bring in money for Haringey and that the park played an important role in encouraging the uptake of sport.  In addition, activity in the park would tail off in winter and this was the reason for the floodlights.

The Committee requested that the applicant liaise with the Nature Conservation Officer regarding the joining of surfaces and landscaping.

The Chair moved a motion to agree the recommendation in the report to grant planning permission.

RESOLVED:

That the application be granted subject to conditions.

INFORMATION RELATING TO APPLICATION REF: HGY/2008/1893

FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE DATED 08/12/2008

Location: Albert Road Recreation Ground, Albert Road N22

Proposal: Redevelopment of site comprising of the re-orientation, extension of six existing tennis courts, two existing basket ball courts to form six full size tennis courts, four mini tennis courts and two basketball courts and the installation of 52 floodlights on 31 columns.

Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions

Decision: Grant subject to conditions

Drawing No’s: 2003-060-001, 002, 003, 004, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010 & 011.

Conditions:

1.       The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission, failing which the permission shall be of no effect.

Reason: This condition is imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.

2.       The development hereby authorised shall be carried out in complete accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details and in the interests of amenity.

3.       The floodlighting hereby given approval shall be switched off no later than 9pm on any day.

Reason: In order to protect the privacy and amenities of the local residents.

4.       Details of a landscaping scheme on the embankment on the North side of the tennis courts shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority, and planted before the commencement of use of the floodlit courts hereby approved.

Reason: In order to protect the privacy and amenities of the local residents.

5.       No development shall take place until a walk-over survey to establish the presence of protected species in the immediate vicinity of the site is carried out and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. Thereafter any necessary mitigation measures shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To safeguard the ecology of the park and to protect species in line with UK and European Law.

REASONS FOR APPROVAL

The proposal should be approved on the grounds that the new tennis and basketball courts are of similar size and in the same location as the existing.  The associated floodlighting will be switched off at an appropriate time of night and not necessarily all of the time, therefore giving local residents respite.  The proposed courts and illumination are a useful facility that will support the function of the existing recreation grounds therefore compliant with Policies UD3 'General Principles', CLT1 'Provision of New Facilities' and CW1 'New Community / Health Facilities' of the Haringey Unitary Development Plan.

Section 106:  No.