Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing park ranger's facility and replacement with single-storey building containing sports changing room facilities, park ranger's accommodation, multi-purpose community room, public toilets and sports equipment storage; resurfacing of existing tarmac basketball area and erection of fenced multi-use games area (MUGA), to include floodlighting; addition of further two tennis courts adjacent to existing tennis courts, to include floodlighting.

9.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.  He informed the Sub-Committee that the people that had objected to the 3 previously refused applications had not been consulted this time round.  However they had consulted residents within a 650m radius.

9.2  The Planning Officer stated that in response to the Chair’s query regarding fencing, the applicant confirmed that the MUGA shall be endorsed by welded wire fencing to a general height of three metres, increasing to four metres for the areas behind the goal face, in accordance with Sports England guidelines.  The fencing would be finished in a green coating and the tennis courts would feature chain link fencing to a general height of 2.75 metres, also finished in a green coating.

9.3  The Principal Solicitor stated that this was not considered to be an issue and the Planning Officer confirmed that their issues had now been resolved.

9.4  Alan Maddox and Daniel Gordon spoke in objection to the scheme, their comments are summarised as follows:

§  Generally in favour of the scheme and the enhancement of education facilities in the area and recognise the work that has been undertaken in submitting the application.

§  The main issue is concerning the consultation process.

§  Local residents wish to be informed of management, maintenance and budget issues.

§  The consultation that was promised for the summer did not happen and the other consultation session finished early.

§  Believe that there are a number of inconsistencies in the report.

§  Request that the application be deferred to allow for better consultation.

§  Concern was raised over the two additional tennis courts, when the existing ones were perfectly adequate.

§  Loss of green space.

§  Wish to know how many children will be using the tennis courts.

9.5  Nicola Baker (Assistant Director Community Services) and Rob Martell spoke in support of the scheme, their comments are summarised as follows:

§  A number of significant changes had been made as a result of the consultation process, including the provision of public toilets.

§  She issued an apology as the consultation closed early due to staff sickness on that day.

§  This was a partnership between Hackney Council and the Learning Trust, with funding provided by a lottery grant.

§  A total of 3 new tennis courts are proposed, in order to encourage tennis coaching, especially as they would be located within an Olympic borough.

§  The design is sympathetic to the area and also sustainable.

§  The courts will primarily be used by schools, with public use outside of school hours and during holiday periods.

9.6  Councillor Buitekant raised the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9