Agenda item

The application was for the creation of a Football Centre, to include 1 full size artificial grass pitch, 7 artificial 5-a-side pitches with associated clubhouse, changing rooms and spectator seating. (Additional info rec'd 23/02/15)

A site visit was carried out at the site.

Members were advised of the following updates:

‘Change to recommendation – Ordinarily an application of this size and nature would be determined by the Council as the Local Planning Authority.  However, following an application by a third party requesting the Secretary of State (SoS) intervenes on this application, the SoS has written to the Local Planning Authority and advised that if Members agree with the recommendation to grant planning permission, the application must be referred to the SoS for consideration. This gives the SoS the opportunity to either make no comment and on that basis the application would be approved or the SoS can use call-in powers and make his own decision on the application. 

Therefore the officer’s recommendation changes to - GRANT subject to conditions and legal agreement and referral to the Secretary of State.’

The speakers in objection still had some concern about the length and gradient of the ramp and health and safety issues with regard to pedestrians.  The ramp also had a camber on one side which could cause issues in inclement weather. Concern was also expressed about the impact on the natural green space and the habitat for wildlife. It was proposed that two extra conditions be added to application to help alleviate concerns about the ramp in inclement weather:

·        that a salt box be located at the ramp and maintained; and

·        signage be erected  to remind drivers that they should leave via the ramp in a forward direction.

The speakers in support considered the scheme to be of benefit to the wider community, which would create more employment and would be at no cost to the Council.

Some Members shared the concern regarding the ramp, the lack of enough parking spaces and traffic issues.  Officers advised that the scheme had not been refused on traffic or parking issues previously and County Highways Agency had not raised any objections.

Resolved that application 14/0893 be approved as amended subject to:

i)                 conditions as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory;

ii)               two extra conditions that a salt box be located at the ramp and maintained, and signage be erected  to remind drivers that they should leave via the ramp in a forward direction;

iii)            the completion of a suitable obligation to secure the following:

a)     a financial contribution of £25,000 towards environmental improvements to Crabtree Park;

b)     a financial contribution of £27,000 towards the    implementation of shared cycleway/footway on Frimley Road; and

iv)             referral to the Secretary of State for consideration.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that Councillor Edward Hawkins declared that emails had been received by some Members in relation to this application.

Note 2

As this application triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Mr Harding and Mr Couzens spoke in objection and Mr Funnell and Mr Cooper spoke in support.

Note 3

The recommendation to approve the application as amended was proposed by Councillor Valerie White and seconded by Councillor Edward Hawkins.

Note 4

In accordance with Part 4 Section D paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to this application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the recommendation to approve as amended:

Councillors Dan Adams, David Allen, Colin Dougan, Surinder Gandhum, Edward Hawkins, Paul Ilnicki, Rebecca Jennings-Evans, Katia Malcaus Cooper, Ian Sams and Valerie White.

Voting against the recommendation to approve the application as amended: Nick Chambers, Vivienne Chapman, Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder and Victoria Wheeler.