Agenda item - BH2021/04508 - Saltdean United Football Club and Playing Fields, Saltdean Vale, Saltdean - Full Planning

1.       The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee. The case officer informed the committee of updates including the removal of condition 25, the amendment to condition 27 and the additional representation received.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.       Councillor Shanks was informed by the case officer that the floodlighting was already in place and had been since 1980s. An ecology assessment has been carried out and noted that a grass pitch was of low ecological value and the wildlife site impact assessment was acceptable. It was noted that the plastic pitch would allow more uses and thereby alleviate over use of other grass pitches.

3.       Councillor Ebel was informed by the case officer that artificial pitches allow more intensive usage relieving other grass pitches. It was noted that the club had volunteer workers and the plastic pitch would require less maintenance. It was also considered unlikely that particles from the pitch would spread to surrounding area.

4.       Councillor Theobald was informed by the case officer that the club may need a new alcohol licence, the closest residents were 150 metres away, the floodlights were already in place and any sprinklers would need to comply with fire regulations.

5.       Councillor Moonan was informed by the case officer that the opening hours condition was to be amended to allow the use of the club house balcony to continue till the end of a match should that exceed 9.30pm, the usual time for the balcony to be closed. Six beech trees are to be removed and two saved, and the hedge row north of the club is to be retained. 26 new trees are to be planted in the north west of the site.

Debate

6.       Councillor Theobald considered the facility to be excellent and a great improvement with disabled access. The councillor supported the application.

7.       Councillor Ebel considered good quality sports facilities were much needed and supported the application.

Vote

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

9.       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 as set out in the report.