Committee Date: 12/06/2014 Application Number: 2014/02723/PA Accepted: 22/04/2014 Application Type: Full Planning Target Date: 17/06/2014 Ward: Nechells St. Clements C of E Academy, Butlin Street, Birmingham, B7 5NS Installation of multi-use games area and associated access works. Applicant: Agent: Recommendation Approve Subject To Conditions St Clements C of E Academy Butlin Street, Birmingham, B7 5NS The Derek Evans Partnership LLP Suite 1a, Sovereign House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Greater Manchester, SK8 2EA 1. Proposal 1.1. This application proposes the erection of a multi-use games area within the northwest corner of the existing play ground area of St. Clement s Church of England Academy School. This proposal also includes the re-fitting of vehicular access gates within the existing boundary fence along Stuart Street. The proposed access gates would be constructed in the same style hoop top railing as existing. 1.2. The proposed multi-use games area would comprise 32.5m x 19.7m playing court with 3m wide by 0.9m deep recessed goal areas at either end. A cantilevered basketball post and back board is also proposed at either end of the multi-use games area. The games pitch would be painted with a green acrylic paint surface and marked out with the appropriate lines for several different games. 1.3. The multi-use games area would be bound by a 3m high mesh fence. Two access gates are proposed within the mesh fencing one at the northern end of the pitch and the other on the western boundary of the pitch. 1.4. The multi-use games area is proposed for use by the school. On occasion the school may permit access to this facility to the community by agreement, however this will always being during daylight hours as no flood lighting is proposed as part of this application. Location of Multi-use games area Elevation plan 2. Site & Surroundings 2.1. The application site comprises the buildings and playground associated with St. Clement s Church of England Junior and Infant School. The school buildings are Page 1 of 5
located to the east of the site and the play area to the west. The area where the proposed multi-use games area is proposed is already marked out for football. 2.2. The school grounds are bounded by a blue hoop top fence approximately 1.5m in height. 2.3. Opposite the site to the north east are residential dwelling houses on Butlin Street. To the northwest boundary the site adjoins Long Acre road which is commercial in character at this part of the road frontage. Stuart Street to the west of the site is residential is in character. Location plan Street view 3. Planning History 3.1. None relevant 4. Consultation/PP Responses 4.1. Regulatory Services No objection 4.2. Transportation Development No objection 4.3. Local Occupiers and Ward Councillors notified. Site notice displayed. No comments received. 5. Policy Context 5.1. Birmingham Unitary Development Plan 2005; Draft Birmingham Plan and the NPPF. 6. Planning Considerations 6.1. In accordance with the NPPF this proposal should be considered in terms of whether it achieves the objectives of sustainable development and whether the proposal is in accordance with the Birmingham Unitary Development Plan. 6.2. Through the NPPF the Government attaches great importance to the design of the built environment stating that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to make places better for people. This proposal primarily involves the installation of new fencing within the existing boundary of the school to enclose an area already used for playing sports. The proposed fence would be of an open mesh construction and would not in my view appear incongruous within the setting of the school grounds. The design of the proposed multi use games area therefore meets with the principles set out in the NPPF and policies 3.8, 3.10 and 3.14 of the Birmingham UDP which seek to protect and enhance the character and quality of the built environment. 6.3. The proposed new vehicular access would be situated within the existing boundary fence off Stuart Street. The proposed access gates would maintain the appearance of this boundary fence would not as such harm the character or quality of this street Page 2 of 5
scene. 6.4. Transportation Development have considered this proposal and raised no objections. The installation of the proposed gates will enable access to the site without harming the free and safe flow of traffic in this area. 6.5. Regulatory Services have considered this proposal and raised no objection. I concur with this view and consider that this proposal will not result in harm to residential amenity in terms of an increase in noise and disturbance to the area. 7. Conclusion 7.1. This proposal would provide improved facilities to the school without harming the character or quality of this area and as such meets with the principles of sustainable development as set out in the NPPF and with policies 3.8, 3.10 and 3.14 of the UDP. This application is therefore recommended for approval. 8. Recommendation 8.1. Approve subject to the following conditions 1 Requires the scheme to be in accordance with the listed approved plans 2 Limits the approval to 3 years (Full) Case Officer: Victoria Chadaway Page 3 of 5
Photo(s) Fig1. Existing play area as viewed from Butlin Street Page 4 of 5
Location Plan This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Birmingham City Council. Licence No.100021326, 2010 Page 5 of 5