Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

Following the Officer’s presentation, the Chairman addressed a public participation submission from the Applicant, Mr Niall Hornett.

He then moved the Officer’s recommendation that planning application 20/00404/FUL – Dengie Hundred Sports Centre, Burnham-on-Crouch be approved subject to the conditions as detailed in section 8 of the report. This was seconded by Councillor Stamp.

It was noted that due to technical problems Councillor Boyce left the meeting during this item of business.

The general consensus was that this was a great initiative. Councillor Skeens raised concerns about light pollution for residents living south of the site, however, he added that he supported the application as it was encouraging exercise.

Councillor Stamp agreed and said it was important to invest in sport and that the Rugby Club activities created a great atmosphere along the seawall and Riverside Park. She commended them for their hard work both in the community and throughout the Dengie. This was echoed by Councillor Hull who felt it a very good idea, particularly during the pandemic.

Councillor Fluker agreed that the work of the Rugby Club was to be commended and supported the application. Referring to light pollution issues experienced in Maldon he asked if it was likely to be a problem for boats on the river at night-time.

The Lead Specialist Place reassured Members that the lights were conditioned to ensure they were positioned facing onto the pitch so would not be problematic for those using the river at night. Furthermore, they would be on a timer and only be in use when training was in play.

The Chairman then put the duly seconded Officer’s recommendation of approval to the Committee. Upon a vote being taken this was unanimously approved.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions

1.             The proposed development shall be carried in complete accordance with the following plans and documents: 20-06-00Lp Rev A – Location Plan, 20-06-001 Rev A – Existing Block Plan, 20-06-002 Rev A – Proposed Block Plan, Planning Statement & Appendices.

REASON:To ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the details as approved.

2.             The lighting hereby approved shall only be in operation between the hours of 17:00 to 21:00 Monday to Thursday inclusive, between October and March each year.  The lighting shall not be in use outside of these times.

REASON:To protect the character of the area and the residential amenity of neighbouring sites, in accordance with policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.             Prior to the erection of the lighting heads and the first use of the lighting hereby approved, a time switch, to extinguish the lights at 21:00 hours on Monday to Thursday, shall be installed.  Evidence that the time switch has been installed shall be submitted to the local planning authority for approval prior to the first use of the lighting hereby approved.  This shall be retained and used as such thereafter.

REASON: To protect the character of the area and the residential amenity of neighbouring sites, in accordance with policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

4.             The maintained illuminance levels of the proposed lighting shall at no time exceed 100 lux.

REASON: To protect the character of the area and the residential amenity of neighbouring sites, in accordance with policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

5.             The lights shall be positioned facing south towards the playing fields at an angle no greater than 70- degree of vertical (the lighting column) and shall be retained as such in perpetuity.

REASON: To protect the character of the area and the residential amenity of neighbouring sites, in accordance with policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.