Issue - meetings

Installation of a synthetic turf surface and associated sub-base, sports lighting system comprising 6 No. 8m high masts, and bonded rubber mulch areas.

Recommendations: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to the addendum, verbal update, additional condition for auto switch off, information not to have lights on during BST hours and amendment to condition 10 to include maintained of the SUDs solution.

Installation of a synthetic turf surface and associated sub-base, sports lighting system comprising 6 No. 8m high masts, and bonded rubber mulch areas.

Officers introduced the application, highlighted the addendum and made a recommendation for approval.

Officers introduced the application, highlighted the addendum and made a recommendation for approval. It was also noted that two additional letters of support had been received prior to the meeting.

A petitioner in objection of the proposed development addressed the Committee and referred to photographs and a video that were circulated to Members and officers prior to the meeting. It was submitted that this was an appalling proposal that would cause parking issues, increased traffic, adult use of the space seven days a week, light pollution, flooding, loss of biodiversity and trees and loss of natural surface. The Committee heard that the playground tarmac melted due to a heatwave in 1976 and students were not allowed to use it due to leaving indentations. As such the green playing field was used and students were able to learn so much through exploration and play. It was noted that on 21 July 2021, temperatures taken at the playground were 45.3c, the bench 46.1c, Astroturf 49.7c, and on the real grass only 25.9c. The Committee was asked to consider these figures. Having recent AstroTurf installed had caused the  loss of seven trees and lime trees suffering dieback. If the proposals were allowed  there would be no natural surface on the whole site except a pond garden where the children could only be taken under strict supervision.  It was explained that residents lived in fear of the riverbanks bursting and flooding and there had been previous flooding of neighbouring properties. The flooding was an issue and it was questioned why drainage could not be installed in a new turf. It was reiterated that removing all grass play areas from a primary school site was wrong for the school children.

The Chair of the School’s Governing Body addressed the Committee and it was noted that schools were responsible for providing a broad and balanced education above and beyond academic studies. Physical activity was a huge part of ensuring the support of mental health and there had also been recent concerns regarding childhood obesity. It was submitted that the school needed space for effective physical activities and this was the sole driver of the installation of the artificial turf and the planning application had been designed in a way to minimise the impact on the neighbouring environment. The concerns raised were noted in relation to the high-water retention and risk of local flooding. It was noted however that the outside ground in question had been rendered as unusable for high proportions of the year due to high water retention and flooding. The proposed development would improve the position and the drainage would be more controlled.    A nature area including a garden and pond area would also remain in the school. The lighting in the application was necessary and had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136