Agenda item - BH2024/00798 - Tennis Courts, Dyke Road Park, Dyke Road, Hove - Full Planning

34.1   The case officer introduced the application to the committee.

Speakers

34.2   Valerie Bundy addressed the committee as a representative of the residents of Park Lodge that strongly objected to the application. Valerie Bundy stated that three tennis courts in Dyke Road Park had been dug up in the last week and questioned whether the developer had already been granted approval for works, or whether they were proceeding prior to a decision being made. Valerie Bundy criticised the developer, stating they had not followed correct planning procedure and had not consulted with residents at Park Lodge and requested Councillors consider the lack of consultation when making their decision on the application. Valerie Bundy stated that playing tennis at nighttime was not a right compared to the human right of quiet enjoyment of one’s home. Valerie Bundy stated that Dyke Road was within the UNESCO Living Coast Area and shared that local wildlife would be adversely affected by the implementation of floodlights and requested that Councillors vote against the application.

34.3   Councillor Bagaeen addressed the committee in support of the application, stating that the addition of floodlights to the tennis clubs courts was always a part of the club’s business development plan to increase their membership and the number of people playing tennis. Councillor Bagaeen stated that the committee had previously granted approval for tennis courts within the city and emphasised the health benefits of sport. Councillor Bagaeen commended the officer report, stating that it well outlined the case for granting permission, citing the lack of concerns from ecology, lighting and wildlife experts.

34.4   Sara Asiz addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant, stating that the tennis courts would be open to the wider public and that they would not be part of an exclusive club. Sara Asiz provided details of works, stating that the courts were being resurfaced in anticipation of a granted application. Sara Asiz commented on the success of floodlit tennis courts at Queens Park and Hove Park and expressed they wished to work with the council to replicate this at Dyke Park and prevent light spillage. Sara Asiz provided details on the floodlights that would be used, stating that a 21:00 curfew would be put in place for their use. Sara Asiz stated that the installation of floodlights on tennis courts increased their use by 35%.

Answers to committee Member Questions

34.5   Councillor Allen was informed that the public were made aware of the application through the use of sign-notices. Councillor Allen was also informed that the curfew of 21:00 for use of floodlights was standard across the city.

34.6   Councillor Theobald was informed that the existing courts were currently being resurfaced.

34.7   Councillor Shanks was informed that the floodlights on the tennis court was ‘pay and play’ and could be booked until 21:00.

34.8   Councillor Robinson was informed that pricing for use of the courts would vary seasonally, and that operation of the floodlights was automated.

34.9   Councillor Thomson was informed that the developer had assessed the area as an Environmental Zone 2 and that the developments lighting would be compliant as the light reaching residential windows would be 5 lux or below. Andy Collins stated that residents of Park Lodge would receive 0.29 lux of light through windows, further stating that measurement as dimmer than moonlight.

Debate

34.10       Councillor Theobald considered the tennis courts a positive benefit to local residents and stated their support for the application.

34.11       Councillor Robinson considered the benefits for residents to get involved in sports after work and school, particularly in the winter, and stated their support for the application.

34.12       Councillor Galvin considered the success of similar developments in Queen’s Park and stated that they felt objectors’ questions had been adequately answered. Councillor Galvin stated their support for the application.

34.13       The Chair considered the positive benefits on residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as the improved standards of lighting technology and regulation, and stated their support for the application.

Vote

34.14       A vote was taken on the application that was agreed unanimously.