Decision details

WSCC/026/18/HU    Installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on existing car park with associated fencing.  Kingslea Primary School, Kingslea, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5PS.

60.1   The Committee considered a report, as amended by the Agenda Update Sheet, by the Head of Planning Services (copy appended to the signed minutes).  The report was introduced by Eloise Short of the Planning Team, who provided a presentation on the proposals, details of the consultation and key issues in respect of the application.  The following points were specifically noted:

·         Consultees – Local Member Andrew Baldwin, Member for Horsham East is supportive of the application.

·         The reason for the height of the fence being 3 metres is that the MUGA will be used for school lessons and informal play and not competitively.  It is considered an appropriate height for the primary school age children using it.

60.2   During the debate the Committee raised the points below and clarification was provided by the Planning Officers, where applicable:

Trees and planting around the MUGA

Points raised – Planting is not shown on the proposed location plan, so it was questioned whether existing trees will be retained where the MUGA abuts Kingslea and Kings Road?  It was noted that existing trees and planting will additionally help to prevent balls going onto the roads.

Response – The retention of trees in this location is a pre-commencement condition – condition 3 ‘Protection of Retained Trees.’

Need for the development

Points raised – The need for the development is clear as noted in Department for Education Building Bulletin 103.

Response – None required.

Displacement of traffic

Points raised – Will the removal of the 16-space car park allocated for the MUGA and also the closure of the set-down and pick-up area from September cause displacement of cars to roads around the school?

Response – WSCC Highways does not consider the development would have a significant impact on highway capacity or road safety, and any inconvenience will be for short, known periods of time.  The school’s decision to close the set-down and pick-up area is separate from this application.

60.3   The substantive recommendation, as amended by the Agenda Update Sheet, was proposed by Mr Patel and seconded by Lt. Cdr. Atkins and was put to the Committee and approved unanimously.

60.4   Resolved – That planning permission be granted subject to amended conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the report, as agreed by the Committee.