Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to planning application 23/1622/LA St Michaels Catholic Academy, Beamish Road Billingham.

The application related to St Michaels Catholic Academy, which was a secondary school located on Beamish Road within the defined development limits of Billingham, and approximately 1km north east of Billingham Town Centre.

The application was seeking planning permission for the construction of an all-weather sports pitch which would feature an associated hardstanding area, floodlighting and a 4.5 metre high perimeter fence. The all-weather pitch would be located to the south west of the existing school buildings on an existing playing field.

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be approved with Conditions for the reasons as specified within the main report.

Objectors attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make representation. Theor comments could be summarised as follows:

. A local resident whose property backed on to the proposed site raised concerns relating to the proposed flood lights shining into his children’s bedroom.

. Concerns were raised relating to current drainage issues from the new school, and that the proposed development could exacerbate that.

. Parking issues were highlighted particularly around school drop off and pick up time

. The proposed development should be moved behind the school

. Light pollution would impact everyone on Beamish Road

. There were other similar sites which had the facilities to offer after school evening sports in Billingham

Officers were given the opportunity to respond to comments/issues raised. Their responses could be summarised as follows: -

. In terms of the floodlights, there had been time restrictions on the lighting conditioned, which was appropriate for its use as the facility was a school only facility, not a community facility, otherwise an alternative scheme would have been looked at.

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions / make comments. These could be summarised as follows: -

. In terms of light pollution, similar concerns were raised from local residents when Stockton Football Club made improvements / alterations to their facilities. Once residents’ concerns were understood, the club agreed to move the lights and resolved residents issues.

. Clarity was sought regards the separation distance from the rear of the houses to the proposed football pitch

. Parking was a real issue in the area

. Residents of Billingham required reassurance that enforcement would uphold the lighting time restrictions

Officers were given the opportunity to respond to comments/issues raised. Their responses could be summarised as follows: -

. The distance from the rear of the houses to the football pitch was in excess of 70 metres

. In terms of concerns around light pollution, there was shielding in place planned, therefore if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62