Agenda item

APPROVED

Installation of 4 no. 21.3m floodlighting columns to serve central pitch (Pitch 01).

An oral representation in support of the application was received from the Chairman of Crystal Palace Football Club. It was stated that this was a run-down site before Crystal Palace took over and massive improvements have been made to the look of the site/area. The club are committed to helping residents and taking their concerns into account. It was a Premier League requirement for the club to play a certain number of Academy games. Due to restrictions and a strict control of numbers, scouts, parents, staff etc there will rarely be more than 150 people watching games. It was not feasible to continue using Sutton United’s ground or Selhurst Park for Academy fixtures, and the Speaker confirmed games could be played and finished by agreed times. The proposed floodlights are very focused and would have no impact to local residents.

Responding to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

-  Residents should have been aware of the floodlights application as there had been a lot of Press coverage, especially leading up to the meeting.

-  There was also a WhatsApp group for residents regarding Crystal Palace issues.

-  General supporters are not allowed at the Academy ground and there is an ID card system to ensure safeguarding procedures are met.

-  Only one parent per player is allowed to keep numbers down and the Academy is not set up to deal with a large number of spectators on match days.

-  The proposed directional LED lights are very focused with minimal impact outside of the playing area. They were deliberately chosen following studies and tests to ensure no impact on residents.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Tickner, then gave an oral representation in objection to the application. Members were informed that the proposals would be an intrusion on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and the four large columns would be 54% higher than the existing floodlights on Pitch 3. Residents still had concerns regarding light spillage into homes. Although the FA requires Academies to have floodlights, they are not required on MOL and as such there would be no come-back on the Club. There was also the question of why the Club had not previously applied for the floodlights in 2019. A requirement for a proper bat survey was also stated.

Ward Councillor and Committee Member, Councillor Connolly, informed Members that it was right to represent the views and concerns of the significant number of objections to the application and suggested that the club needed to make improvements to residents’ engagement. Concerns remained regarding the attendance level at Academy games and the out-of-hours access and use of the car park. The retrospective approach to planning applications was also a concern.

Members agreed during discussions that the modern floodlights as proposed could be directed to ensure minimal impact on residents’ properties. The acceptability of the proposals in relation to MOL were detailed on pages 67 and 68 of the Report. As the attendance at Academy games would be limited to current numbers, it is not thought that the addition of the floodlights would result in any significant additional numbers.

A Member added that the addition of floodlights to the full-size training pitch at the Academy was a natural progression and requirement as at other sports facilities/venues.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended subject to the conditions as set out in the Report.

Added Informative:

The Applicant is advised to contact neighbouring residents to advise them of the schedule for evening matches at the site on Pitch 1.