Agenda item

The Planning Assistant presented the application as detailed in the agenda explaining it had been referred to committee due to SSDC being the applicant and the neighbourhood objections received.  With the aid of a powerpoint presentation proceeded to show the site and proposed plans. 

She referred to the two main issues for consideration being the visual impact of the floodlights and the impact the floodlights on residential amenity.   She explained that given conditions imposed on similar facilities in the district a condition is proposed to prevent operation of the floodlights for outside the hours of 0800 and 2130 hours.  She therefore concluded that for reasons set out in the agenda report the recommendation was to approve the application.

In response to members’ questions the Planning Assistant confirmed that:

·         The existing lighting columns within the site were used to light the general vicinity of the park.

·         The application has been assessed by the Council’s Environmental Protection Officer who had raised no objection regarding the illuminance levels of the proposed floodlights.

Councillor Andy Kendall, Ward member believed the proposal would enhance the use of the facilities, benefit the wider community use and promote health and well-being.

Councillor Kaysar Hussain, Ward member believed there was a clear need to support the increase use of the Multi Ball Court and Skate Park and that the light pollution would not have a significant effect on the nearby properties as they were positioned some 50 metres away.  He believed the lighting would improve the anti-social behaviour and therefore overall would support the application.

During a short discussion members expressed their full support of the application and therefore it was proposed and subsequently seconded to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation as set out in the agenda report.  On being put to the vote this was carried by 15 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:

That application 17/03894/FUL be approved for the following reasons:

01.       The proposed development, due to its location, scale and nature, is not considered to result in any demonstrable harm to the local landscape, residential or visual amenity and therefore accords with the aims and objectives of EQ2 (General Development) of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

            Location plan (scale 1:1250) and MC1-RevA

            Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning

03.       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be those as identified within the planning application form and technical information dated on the electronic file 09 January 2018 hereby approved and no other materials unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to comply with saved policy EQ2 (General Development) of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the provisions of chapter 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework

04.       The floodlights hereby approved shall only be operated between 0800 and 2130 hours and programmed to prevent their use outside these agreed times.  No other means of illumination shall be installed unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason:  To safeguard the character of the area and to protect residential amenity to accord with policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

(voting: 15 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention)