Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals.

There was no exempt information.

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

With regard to Agenda Item 7, Councillor Wray informed the Panel that he was a Governor at a school within the same Trust as Price Henry’s Grammar School.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2021.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2021 be confirmed as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

Minute No 52 – Application 20/08124/OT:

·  That the resolution be amended to include the wording ‘On the Chair’s casting vote’.

·  That it be clarified that the site was to be used for 100% social housing and also that the site was not 100% wholly owned by the Council.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for the development of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, floodlighting, hardstanding area, storage container, acoustic barrier fence, access pathway, wildlife buffer zone and wildlife pond.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an application for the development of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, floodlighting, hardstanding area, storage container, acoustic barrier fence, access pathway, wildlife buffer zone and wildlife pond at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Farnley Lane, Otley.

Site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application and there had been a visit to the site for Members of the Panel prior to the meeting.

The following was highlighted:

·  The application had been brought to the Panel at the request of Ward Members due to the high level of interest in the application.

·  Following the publication of the Agenda there had been a further 10 letters of representation received.  These referred to the potential impact of the development on local residents.

·  The surrounding area was predominantly residential properties.

·  The western boundary of the existing playing pitch comprised a row of mature trees.

·  The closest part of the pitch would be at least 16 metres away from any residential boundaries.

·  It was proposed to use the existing parking to the north of the site.

·  There would be a 4.5 metre fence surrounding the pitch with acoustic fencing alongside residential boundaries.

·  There would be eight 15 metre high floodlights.

·  Pedestrian access would be from the school side of the pitch.

·  Images of the proposed fencing and floodlights were displayed.

·  A diagram showing the light spill from the floodlights was shown.  There would be no light spillage into gardens of adjacent properties.

·  The landscaping and wildlife enhancement proposals were displayed.  There would be widespread tree planting, a pond and wildlife meadow.

·  The officer recommendation for approval was finely balanced but it was felt that the improved sports facilities for the school and wider community coupled with the noise mitigation measures outweighed the potential nuisance for residents.

A local resident addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

·  The main concern was noise.  There were many homes within 20 metres of the pitch and there would be persistent noise from shouting, whistles and balls hitting the fencing.  This would be until 10 p.m. on weekdays and during the day on weekends.

·  Although there would not be light spillage from the floodlights into the gardens, the floodlighting would still cause visible light pollution.

·  Prince Henry’s Grammar School owned other pitches where they could install an artificial pitch.

·  The proposed fencing would change the whole feel of the area.

·  Otley Rugby Union Club already had an application for four all weather pitches which were located in a more suitable area.

·  The majority of the supporters of the application came from outside Otley.

·  Local residents had employed a noise expert and the Council should follow its own guidance in relation to noise from MUGAs.

·  This proposal would disturb the lives of many residents.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  Noise was expected from the school during the daily use and felt to be acceptable.  What  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

Thursday, 16 December 2021

Thursday, 16 December 2021 at 1.30 p.m.