Agenda item - BH2024/02477 - Withdean Sports Complex, Tongdean Lane, Brighton - Council Development - Full Planning

1.         The case officer introduced the application to the committee.

Speakers

2.         Simon Farncombe addressed the committee as a resident and stated that they lived in a peaceful home close to the facility. It was noted that he Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) had limited use until padel boarding started. The proposed storage container would be very close to the house. Concerns relate to noise as the previous use for padel boarding was a noise nuisance. Pickle ball will be an issue.

3.         Kerry Taylor addressed the committee as the applicant stated that the sports facilities were for the city and this application would form part of the starting, living and ageing well strategy. Access is required for all onto this former Brighton and Hove Albion site. The application is not for change of use. Planning permission is required to change the physical appearance of the MUGA, replace fencing, and to make the main entrance accessible with a ramp.

Answers to committee Member questions

4.         Councillor Robinson was informed that the MUGA had been established for at least 14 years.

5.         Councillor Theobald was informed that pickle ball was a form of mini tennis and would not be permanently played on the MUGA. Other sports include basketball and football. The case officer informed the councillor that the container would be raised and thereby no threat to the existing trees. A tree protection plan is requested by condition. There would be no change to opening times.

6.         Councillor Hill was informed that noise was not monitored, and pickle would not be all the time. It was noted the courts were not in a good condition, however, pickle ball may be played at this time. It was also noted that there is an existing process for complaints.

7.         Councillor Earthey was informed that the noise would depend on the players and games would not be all day long.

8.         Councillor Thomson was informed that working with the provider, Freedom Leisure, noise mitigation has been implemented by planting trees and working with neighbours. It was noted the fence was to be increased in height to 3m. The applicant noted that it was possible that there would be two events a week and not played every night. Pickle ball is mostly played inside and only sometimes outside.

9.         Councillor Nann was informed that padel court was used all day.

10.      The Planning Team leader noted that the existing MUGA did not require planning permission for a replacement and the use was not to be intensified.

11.      Councillor Loughran was informed that pickle ball would not be played all day and there would be a rotation of games. It was noted that the applicant was happy to meet with neighbours with Freedom Leisure. The case officer noted there was no change of use. The noise impact assessment was aimed at the existing MUGA. The manager has an open-door policy.

Debate

12.      Councillor Theobald considered it an improvement to have variety and pickle ball was acceptable. The councillor supported the application.

13.      Councillor Thomson considered more sport to be better. The councillor supported the application.

14.      Councillor Galvin considered the site to be traditionally for sports. The councillor supported the application.

15.      Councillor Allen considered the tarmac replacement surface was good. The councillor supported the application.

16.      Councillor Hill wished the neighbours to be considered properly. The councillor supported the application.

17.      Councillor Robinson stated they understood residents’ concerns and asked the venue to work with the residents. The councillor supported the application.

18.      Councillor Sheard considered the changes to be positive and noted there were no objections from environmental health. Although the residents were frustrated the councillor did not consider the application to be more impactful. The councillor supported the application.

19.      Councillor Loughran proposed an informative that a Noise Impact Assessment should be undertaken by the Sport’s Centre operator if the MUGA did give rise to noise complaints in the future. Councillor Earthey seconded the motion. The wording to be agreed by officers.

Vote on informative:

20.      A vote was taken, and the committee agreed the informative unanimously.

Vote on the officer recommendation:

21.      A vote was taken, and the committee agreed to grant planning permission.

22.      RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.