Council advised to pass changed plans for pitch
BUT MP AND AREA RESIDENTS STILL OBJECT TO APPLICATION
WATERED-DOWN plans to build on a Hucknall sports pitch have been recommended for approval.
Developers have put forward numerous plans for the sports field, known locally as Papplewick Green, on Kenbrook Road.
Plans were initially put forward for a 3G pitch and perimeter fence, a modular classroom and a goal storage building.
But four public consultations returned 751 responses, including 677 objections to any development on the land.
Residents previously raised concern over the proposals, and the potential loss of public green space.
Their fears include anti-social behaviour, safety, and the “overbearing and significant visual impact” of the fencing.
Developer Jamie Brough, managing director of community organisation Sports Gateway, has already altered the plans several times.
Sports Gateway currently has a 12-month management agreement for the land with Ashfield District Council.
Mr Brough’s first change removed a perimeter fence.
The 3G pitch was removed and the goal store re-sited in the second batch of changes.
The third change removed the modular classroom, leaving just the goal storage building in the plans.
The re-sited goal store has been moved to avoid existing natural turf pitches, which the applicant now plans to “support the use of”.
However, in the most recent consultation – focusing on just the goal store – 130 responses
It is considered that it will not result in harm to the character and openness of the green belt Council report
were received, all objecting to the plans.
Despite those objections, councillors have been recommended to approve the application on Wednesday.
A report by council planning officers says: “The proposal is considered to represent a form of appropriate development within the green belt, as it is considered that the primary functional use of the goal store is directly in association with outdoor sport and recreation.
“Due to the size, siting and finish of the proposed development, it is considered that it will not detract from the character of the street scene or visual amenity of the area, nor result in detrimental harm to the character and openness of the green belt.
“Therefore notwithstanding the objections received, it is recommended that this application be granted planning permission.”
The controversial plans have also caused divisions in the community, with longstanding club Hucknall Sports FC announcing it will leave the land after 44 years because of them.
A 6,464-signature Change.org petition calling for the club to stay on the site was rejected by Ashfield District Council last month.
The council said it “did not recognise” the petition, because it was not presented on an official platform. The wider ramifications of the proposals has also drawn criticism from Hucknall MP and Government chief whip Mark Spencer, who described the planning applications as a “huge shame” for the community.
Members of Ashfield District Council’s planning committee will debate the amended goal store plans next week.