Issue - meetings

Erection of a multi-use games area (MUGA) on London Fields comprising of one pitch on Tarmac base enclosed by perimeter mesh fencing and 4 floodlights.

(Councillors Desmond and Sharer arrived during the discussion of this item and so did not take part in the vote).  

6.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.  Reference was made to the addendum as line three of paragraph 6.4.1 should have stated that an example of a MUGA was the astro-turf football pitch on Mabley Green and HaggerstonPark.

6.2  Ashleigh Arrell spoke in objection to the scheme, her comments are summarised as follows:

§  The proposed development will spoil the beautiful green area of the park.

§  Concerned with the floodlights, which was deemed a waste of electricity.

§  Feel that an alternative indoor venue could have been utilised instead.

§  The community had not been properly informed and felt that signs should have been located around the park giving local residents the opportunity to have their say on the location of the MUGA.

6.3  Kim Wright (Corporate Director, Community Services), Mike Martin (London Fields User Group) and Jordon Hamer (local teenager) spoke in support of the scheme, their comments are as follows:

§  Mike Martin had been the Chair of the London Fields User Group for a number of years and had been involved in the London Lido project.

§  Feel that it is located in the right place and would make the park better for everyone.

§  A large number of youngsters want and would use this facility, as opposed to playing in disused car parks.

6.4  Discussion took place surrounding the proposed location of the MUGA as a number of Members felt that it was inappropriate to locate it in the centre of the park and that the area of hard standing was often used for community events.  Kim Wright responded by stating that the proposed site was located in a dilapidated area of the park and that if approved more greenery would be introduced to this area. She added that 80% of the hard standing area would be returned back to the park and that the MUGA would constitute the other 20%.  The existing fencing would also be taken down.

6.5  In response to a query from the Chair, the Corporate Director explained that the area next the Lido had been rejected as a potential site due to the location of the existing depot and it was felt that it would increase congestion around the area in the summer months when the Lido was heavily used.

6.6  Councillor Webb made reference to the angle and location of some of the benches surrounding the MUGA and the Corporate Director confirmed that they would look at locating the benches in a more appropriate place.  Reference was also made to the number of cycle stands being provided as Councillor Webb felt that two stands was not sufficient.  The Corporate Director stated that she was happy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6