The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

This application sought to increase the number of times the existing floodlights at the

West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC site on Brookburn Road can be used on week days from 12 occasions to 24 occasions during the football season (1 August to 31 May). The site is within the Chorltonville Conservation Area as well as the Mersey Valley which is part of the Greater Manchester Green Belt.

The application was submitted on the 29 July 2021 where the Committee deferred consideration in order to allow a site visit due to concerns relating to the impact of the proposed extension of the use of the floodlights on the residential amenity enjoyed by neighbouring occupiers.

The Planning Officer provided an update on the application and informed the Committee that there had been a further 4 objections. Within these latest objections it was raised that the Committee’s site visit was not during hours that would provide a true example of local residents’ experience, that video footage of matchdays provided more context and parking issues were also raised. The Planning Officer gave mention of 2 supporting letters and went on to explain that the use as a sports pitch is lawful and that there are no controls from a planning viewpoint over the number of games that can be played or the hours that the pitch can be used. He also stated that colleagues in Environmental Health were satisfied that the additional impacts would not be unduly harmful provided the lights are turned off at 10pm. The Planning Officer concluded by stating that the recommendation was to approve the application and that, on the site visit, Members had viewed the relationship of the lighting to neighbouring houses and had noted the change in levels.

An objector spoke against the application on behalf of local residents. Reference was made to the impact the activities already have on the amenity of residents, with regard to crowds, noise, inappropriate language and general disturbance. Also, that extending the activities will have a further negative impact, that crowds can number up to 1000 and the noise associated with this scale of attendance had prompted residents to fund their own noise survey. The objector spoke of noise level recordings exceeding 80 decibels, on a par with aircraft engine noise.

The applicant’s agent addressed the Committee on the application.

The Planning Officer confirmed that Local Ward Councillors were unable to attend the meeting and that their written representations had been included in the late supplementary pack.

The Planning Officer addressed Local Ward Councillor comments, stating that the floodlights would have some impact but that this is not unusual and that ceasing use at 10pm along with the limited number of additional days proposed that that this is considered acceptable. The Planning Officer added that floodlights would have back-shields and be angled down and added that there could be no restrictions on the number of matches played or the number of attendees.

The Chair invited the Committee to ask questions and comment on the application. 

A member referred to consideration of the issues raised from both sides, in that there should be availability for an increase in outdoor activities but also had an equal understanding of the concerns of local residents.

A member made reference to light pollution not being the real issue for residents and referred to the position of residents’ bedrooms overlooking the pitch. The member concluded by asking why there was no cap on the number of events and attendees.

The Planning Officer stated that it would not be reasonable for this variation in the number of days to restrict the number of games that could be played or to restrict the number of spectators. The Planning Officer referred to the fact that a sports club had been previously located on the site and concluded by referring to updated conditions on the limited use of the public address system, use of floodlights, and the overall lawful use of the site. It was also stated that officers would speak to the club about the noise from spectators banging on the metal temporary stand.

Councillor Andrews moved the officer’s recommendation of Approve for the application. Councillor Riasat seconded the proposal.

Decision

The Committee agreed the application for the reasons and subject to the conditions detailed in the reports submitted