Agenda item

APPROVED

Installation of a sail covering half of an existing tennis court.

In an update given by a Planning Officer, Members heard that three additional letters of support for the application had been received. In response to a Member’s question the Planning Officer confirmed that the application was for the permanent siting of the sail/canopy.

An oral representation in objection to the application was then given by a neighbouring resident living immediately opposite to the application site. Members heard concerns that the sail would not actually help during periods of rain and that the noise caused by the sail would be greatly increased during high winds and heavy rain. In addition it was thought that in future the sail may be used for other purposes eg as a cover for parties and barbeques. The impact on views/outlook was also raised, together with white as the colour for the sail. The Speaker felt that an alternative colour may be more suitable, together with a less intrusive shape.

An oral representation in support of the application was then received by the Applicant and owner of the Tennis Club where the sail canopy is to be sited/used. Members were informed that the Applicant had run the Tennis Club for the last thirty years and had used a large amount of his own money for the upkeep of the club, including court resurfacing and now the all-weather surface. The Club was used by members, schools and disability groups.

The Applicant explained that with climate change causing warmer and wetter weather, it has had a detrimental effect on income due to cancelled courts, lessons and coaching sessions. The introduction of the sail canopy would enable the third court to be used more and coaching could run all-year round, with 3 mini tennis courts able to be set up under the canopy. Consultations had proved that it was not possible to have posts on four sides, therefore three posts and a sail canopy was concluded to be the best solution to the problem. The Applicant stated that the proposed plan would help to protect his income and provide important sports facilities, especially for children, throughout the year.

In response to Members’ questions the Applicant stated that drainage would not be a problem as water would drain straight off and into the surrounding woods. The Applicant added that the sail canopy would be strictly for the use of tennis with no plans for it to be used for other purposes or events. The sail can be taken down for cleaning and maintenance, although the Applicant would have to pay for a company to put it back up. The sail has a lifespan of around fifteen years.

The Applicant confirmed that he would not be able to agree to a different design eg a flatter canopy as consultations had resulted in the sail design being the most suitable for sun cover, drainage etc. Other colours may be considered, although the Applicant had been advised that white was the best option for such canopies.

During discussions a Member mentioned that the tennis club was unable to move coaching inside due to weather conditions and that overall the plan was an unobtrusive answer to the problem. It was stated that the design did not really affect the outlook of the street scene, and it was definitely a good idea for children to continue to be able to use the facilities and be protected from the sun and rain. In addition it was stated that this was an application from a small, local and well-established business providing a valuable service to the area. The Ward Councillors for Shortlands and Park Langley were also in support of the application.

Members also discussed that, if approved, a condition should be added regarding the use of the sail canopy for tennis purposes only, together with a condition regarding the Applicant undertaking further discussions and submitting details for approval with the Planning Department regarding the appearance/colour of the sail/canopy.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE APPROVED, subject to the conditions set out in the report, and the additional conditions as follows:

The proposed sail shall only be used in connection with tennis and fitness and the court area under the sail shall not be used after 22.00 hours on any day.

Reason: To ensure that the sail canopy is only used in connection with and within hours consistent with the existing use, in order to avoid unacceptable noise and disturbance to local residents, to comply with Policies 37 and 119 of the Bromley Local Plan.

Prior to the installation of the canopy/sail detail of its appearance/colour shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The sail shall be installed in complete accordance with the approved details and permanently retained as such thereafter.

Reason: In the interest of the appearance of the visual amenities of the site and its surroundings, to accord with Policy 37 of the Bromley Local Plan.