Agenda item

APPROVED

Erection of extension to existing pavilion to provide WC and refreshment serving hatch and amendment to existing footpath link to Creswell Drive. (PART RETROSPECTIVE).

Following a presentation from a Planning Officer, Members were informed in an update that the Applicant had confirmed the proposal was not for a café facility (as mentioned in the Report). An additional objection had also been received from a neighbour stating that the ground was not currently being used for sporting activities.

An oral representation in support of the application was given by the Applicant. Members heard that the plan was for a modest extension to the existing pavilion for the installation of a disabled toilet. The plan was not to operate a café, the pavilion would be used to provide light refreshments to parents, spectators etc as per other local sports facilities. The facility was intended to be all-inclusive and open to all areas of the community.

In response to Members’ questions the Speaker confirmed:

-  He was happy to accept a condition regarding there being no future plans to change the use to a café.

-  A condition regarding limiting the use of the facility to sports activities would be acceptable.

-  A disabled toilet was required in addition to the existing toilets as the facility was used by so many people.

-  As it has taken longer to get proposals approved from Bromley to operate the site for junior sports it has delayed being able to get sports teams signed up to use the site. Ways to obtain funding and generating links to local sports facilities are being looked into.

-  As far as he was aware, there have been no objections on ecological grounds to the development of the footpath. Cala Homes suggested the application for the disabled toilet be submitted with the footpath plans, otherwise he would have delayed submitting it.

An oral representation in support of the application was then received from Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Harris. Members heard that there was always a plan for a footpath through the development before Cala Homes were involved. It was currently a narrow path used by children, parents, schools etc and there have been complaints and concerns regarding safety. It was felt the path should have been replaced previously and the proposed changes would provide a safe route for residents. Councillor Harris stated that the extension to the pavilion was a very small addition for the disabled toilet and was an appropriate facility not of a disproportionate size.

Committee Chairman and Ward Member, Councillor Dean, confirmed that he was satisfied with the changes to the footpath and planned changes to the pavilion. A condition regarding not changing the future use of the pavilion to a café should be included if approved. Access for all and doing more for disabled people should also be encouraged.

During the debate Members discussed the importance of providing adequate facilities at sports grounds, including disabled toilets. Members felt there was the need to set appropriate conditions regarding future use of the pavilion/site if the application was approved.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE PERMITTED for the following reasons:

The proposed extension is not a disproportionate addition to the sports pavilion, it is an appropriate facility within MOL to support the function of the site, there is a social need for disabled toilets, and a similar path was already approved under an earlier permission.

Subject to the following conditions:

1.  The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years, beginning with the date of this decision notice. 

  Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

2.  The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out otherwise than in complete accordance with the plans approved under this planning permission unless previously agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

  Reason: In the interests of the visual amenities of the Metropolitan Open Land and residential amenity to comply with PoliciesG3 and D4 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 37 and 50 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

3.  The materials to be used for the external surfaces of the extension shall be as set out in the planning application forms and / or drawings unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

  Reason: In the interests of the visual amenities of the Metropolitan Open Land and residential amenity to comply with Policies G3 and D4 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 37 and 50 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

4.   No development shall commence on the extension hereby approved until such time as a Construction and Environmental Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. As a minimum the plan shall cover:-

•  Artificial Lighting used during construction.

•  Prevention of Pollution of River Beck Corridor during Construction: As per the Evaluation and Recommendations Section of the submitted Ecology Report, during construction the River Beck corridor is at risk from run off of hazardous substances. The measures outlined in this section of the Ecology Report shall be strictly followed.

•  Management of Risks to Wildlife during Construction: During the construction phase, any open excavations left overnight should either be covered to prevent commuting animals such as badger or hedgehog falling in, or escape ladders should be used to prevent them from becoming trapped. Any open pipework should be checked and then capped nightly.

Reason: To protect the nature conservation interest of the site in accordance with Policy G6 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 70 and 79 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

5.  Both temporary lighting associated with construction and new permanent lighting shall be kept to a minimum and angled away from the River Beck corridor, with a control management system to turn off lights when not in use. For advice re suitable wavelengths, design etc see, ‘Bats and Artificial Lighting At Night, Guidance Note 08/23’, authored by the Bat Conservation Trust & The Institution of Lighting Professionals, at https://www.bats.org.uk/news/2023/08/bats-and-artificial-lighting-at-night-ilp-guidance-note-update-released

Reason: To protect the nature conservation interest of the site in accordance with Policy G6 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 70 and 79 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

6.   Prior to commencement of above ground works details of biodiversity enhancements such as bat boxes/bird boxes including swift bricks, wildlife sensitive external lighting, native/non-invasive planting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning authority and shall be included within construction works and permanently retained at the site thereafter.

Reason: To preserve and enhance the biodiversity value of the site and to comply with Policies G6 and G7 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 70, 72 and 73 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

7.  A physical screen shall be erected between any artificial lighting and the River Beck corridor, particularly along the eastern margin. Initially a temporary high wooden fence or mature native ivy shall be densely planted to cover the existing wire fencing. A mixed native species hedgerow shall be planted between the path and the fence to provide a longer term solution to preventing light pollution reaching the river.

Reason: To protect the nature conservation interest of the site in accordance with Policy G6 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 70 and 79 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.

8.  The pavilion/scorers hut shall only be used in conjunction with and during the use of the adjacent playing field for outdoor sport and recreation.

Reason: To prevent its use as a separate café unassociated with the use of the playing field for outdoor sport and recreation, in the interests of the amenities of the Metropolitan Open Land and to comply with Policies S5 and G3 of the London Plan 2021and Policies 50 and 57 of the Bromley Local Plan 2019.