ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE: 26 OCTOBER 2010
PLANNING APPLICATION TO CREATE BALL COURT ON LAND TO REAR OF
TONG SCHOOL, TONG, ISLE OF LEWIS
(REF NO 10/00512/PPD)
Report by Director of Development
PURPOSE OF REPORT
Since the land on which the development is proposed is in
the ownership of the Comhairle, the Report is presented to
the Comhairle for a decision.
COMPETENCE
1.1
There are no legal, financial or other constraints to the recommendation being
implemented.
SUMMARY
2.1
This is an application by ‘Friends of Tong School’ to create a ball-court on undeveloped
ground to the rear of Tong School. The land is currently owned by the Comhairle.
2.2
The proposal is for an area of approx, 18 metres by 32 metres, to be surrounded by a 3
metre high fence, and lit by four floodlights. It will be served by the existing access and
parking at the side of Tong School. Further information will be required to be submitted
relating to details of the lighting and hours of use before a decision can be made on the
application.
2.3
There has been one objection lodged from the neighbouring house, with key concerns
relating to the impact of noise and light. It is considered that these matters are of low
impact at this scale and location, and that the material concerns of the objector may be
dealt with by way of conditions relating to lighting and hours of use.
2.4
It is recommended that delegated powers be granted to the Director of Development to
approve the above application, subject to the remaining processes of consultation and
assessment.
RECOMMENDATION
3.1
It is recommended that the Comhairle grants delegated authority to the Director of
Development to APPROVE the above application for a ball court at Tong School,
subject to planning conditions to be determined by the Director of Development.
Contact Officer
Appendix
1
Background Papers:
Name: Helen Maclennan Telephone: 01851 709284
Email: [email protected]
Location and layout plan
None
REPORT DETAILS
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
4.1
The proposal is for an area of approx. 18 metres by 32 metres, to be surrounded by a 3
metre high fence, and lit by four floodlights. It will be served by the existing access and
parking at the rear of Tong School.
REPRESENTATIONS
5.1
Representations have been received from the following:
•
5.2
Mr. Edward T. Cox
The full terms of the representations can be read on file at the Development Department.
However, they can be summarised as follows:
a) The application does not state what type of ball court is proposed;
b) The proposed two metre fence is too low, and would not prevent a sports ball from
entering objector’s property;
c) Noise issues arising from the use of the ball court;
d) There is no indication of opening hours;
e) No indication of responsibility for the ball court’s maintenance and administration;
f) There is no indication of the times during which the floodlights would be in operation.
g) There is no indication of parking facilities.
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION
6.1
Building Standards
‘Because the area of the ball court exceeds 200 square metres a building warrant will be
required.’
6.2
Technical Standards - roads
‘No objection’
6.3
Scottish Water
‘Scottish Water has no objection to this planning application.’
6.4
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.
‘With reference to the above proposed development, it is confirmed that our calculations
show that, at the given position, if the development does not exceed 18m it would not
infringe the safeguarding surfaces for Stornoway Airport.
As the site is directly underneath the approach/take-off path for the main runway, any
lighting should have a vertical cut-off to prevent distraction to pilots.
If these conditions are met then Highlands and Islands Airports have no objections to the
proposal.’
MoD
6.5 ‘No objections.’
CONCLUSIONS
7.1 The objections expressed are considered to be of a nature that could be addressed by
means of conditions attached to a planning consent. It is considered that the proposal
can be dealt with appropriately under delegated powers and it is recommended that the
Director of Development be granted delegated powers to determine the application.
APPENDIX 1