Agenda item

To receive the report of the Chief Planning Officer on a retrospective application for a detached metal storage container for storing football equipment at St Matthews Church of England Primary School Sports Field, Stainbeck Lane , Meanwood, LS7 3QR.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer brought an application for a detached metal storage container for storing football equipment at St Matthews Church of England Primary School sports Field, Stainbeck Lane, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 3QR.

It was noted that there were amendments to the report as follows:

a)  Condition 1 to refer to 12months

b)  That the application was not retrospective

The application sought planning permission for the placement of one metal storage container. The metal container is approximately 6metres in length, 2.5 metres in width and 2.6 metres in height and painted dark green.

Members were informed that the field was used by an amateur football club and by Mt Matthews Church of England Primary School and Chapel Allerton Primary School.

The Members noted that Sport England had made no objections. However there had been 14 objections received from local residents who objected to the proposal and an amended proposal to reposition the container. The objections relate to the container creating an eyesore, damage to tree, anti-social behaviour including people urinating against the container and noise disturbance and parking issues on the surrounding highway networks. Concerns had also been raised in relation to the fact that the land is owned by the Council and this had not been properly leased nor was the club paying any fees. The proposed re-siting of the container did not address any of the previous concerns and if sited close to the footpath would create a community safety issue and act as a litter trap.

Members were informed that the location of the container on the South West of the site near Henconnor Gardens was a conspicuous feature not acceptable in planning terms as there was no relief across the frontage to soften the impact of the container. Members were advised that the proposed relocation of the container to the north of the field would be approximately 16 metres from Henconner Garth making it less prominent. It was proposed that the relocation site be for 12 months to allow the applicant to seek a more permanent solution for the container.

Miss Carter one of the objectors was present at the meeting and informed the Panel of the follow points:

·  That the field was used by St Matthews and Chapel Allerton Primary schools

·  That the container had damaged some of the trees on the field

·  There was limited parking and that when the football club trained or played there was an issue with parking.

·  The container was an eyesore

·  People had been seen urinating against the container

·  That the field is located close to the Police station and that the police had attended the community meetings and had attended the area when football matches taking place on a Sunday

·  The ginnel close to the playing field and the container was a security hazard and had the potential to become used for anti-social behaviour. The ginnel was not brightly lit

·  If the container was sited near Stainbeck Lane this would be better as it would be away from residents

Mr Spellacy representing the applicant attended the meeting informing the Panel that it was the intention of the club to build a small shed type storage with a toilet in it.

He informed the Panel that the container for storage was beneficial to the schools and the club as the schools use the equipment during in the week.

He said that the container was used to stop the equipment from being vandalised. He explained that the club and the schools share the costs of the playing fields.

Mr Spellacy said that the season was almost at an end and that the club would work towards getting something more suitable for all parties.

Members requested that this issue to be resolved as soon as possible with all parties. Members noted that the field was well used and that there had been no complaints to Police in relation to anti-social behaviour.

The Panel requested that the replacement building be substantial and that it be painted grass green to blend in with the setting.

RESOLVED - That the Panel grant temporary permission for 12 months and subject to the specified conditions as set out in the submitted report.