Construction of floodlit Football Foundation Playzone.

It was reported that this application sought planning permission for a Football Foundation PlayZone within Cliff Park, Dovercourt, comprising a floodlit multi-use games area, fencing, seating and associated infrastructure. The proposal would enhance existing recreational provision within an established area of public open space and increase opportunities for sport and physical activity.

Members were informed that, whilst the development would result in a low level of less than substantial harm to the significance of the Lower Dovercourt Conservation Area and nearby heritage assets, this harm was outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme. Subject to conditions, archaeological mitigation, and no objection being received from Natural England and Place Services Ecology, the proposal was considered by Officers to be acceptable and was recommended by them for approval.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Officer (AP) in respect of the application.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, an Officer update sheet had been circulated to Members in relation to this application. That update had detailed the correct site plan as shown below:-

The update sheet had also informed Members that a statutory consultee response had been received from Natural England who had confirmed that “Based on the plans submitted…the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes”.

No member of the public had registered to speak on this application.

It was moved by Councillor Land, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that:-

(a)     the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to no objections from Place Services Ecology being received and subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.3) (and any subsequently put forward by Place Services Ecology), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording is enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects, including appropriate updates, so long as the principle of the conditions as referenced is retained; and

(b)     informative notes be sent to the applicant, as may be deemed necessary, by the Head of Planning and Building Control.