Agenda item
Open Space Aylestone Avenue, London NW6 (Ref. 13/2490)
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject to conditions.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL:
Full planning permission sought for creation of a multi-use games area (MUGA) within south-east corner of Tiverton Green Open Space, consisting of installation of outdoor table tennis tables, a tranverse climbing wall, walking/jogging routes, grass mounds and associated landscaping works.
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to conditions.
With reference to the tabled supplementary, Andy Bates, Area Planning Manager responded to queries raised during the site visit. Members heard that the western end of the open space would have outdoor gym equipment (already installed), a cycle trackway, perimeter pathway and landscaping works to match the landscaping details submitted with the planning application. The outdoor gym would remain in its current position permanently once the works were complete. The area immediately surrounding the outdoor gym would be newly surfaced with a pathway. He continued that whilst there was no intention to erect a fence specifically around the outdoor gym, there would be a 1.2 metre high fence placed along the northern perimeter of the landscaped area which was expected to limit opportunities for dogs to enter the outdoor gym area.
The Area Planning Manager then referred to an additional letter received which reiterated the support of Aylestone Park Residents and Tenants Association (APRATA). He also referred to a letter of objection forwarded by Councillor Shaw from one of her constituents reiterating concerns raised in relation to the facility not being locked at night, the loss of general access to the open concrete area and the possibility that younger children would not have a hard surfaced area to play on in inclement weather conditions.
In response to the above issues, the Area Planning Manager stated that the MUGA would be for multi-purpose use which would allow for football, basketball and multi-sport games to be played upon the surface and would not exclude children. He continued that whilst there may be instances of the new facility being in high demand from a range of age groups, it should not be a reason to resist providing these facilities in the first place.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Shaw stated that she had been approached by the local residents. Councillor Shaw emphasised her support for the application however, she requested that if members were minded to grant planning permission they should impose additional conditions for a responsible guardian (for example a police officer) and adequate lighting to prevent domination by older teenagers and anti-social behaviour including gang loitering, thus ensuring security of use of the facility.
Neil Martin, Project Officer and Gerry Kiefer, Head of Sports Service were in attendance. Neil Martin informed the Committee that the proposal complied with the Council’s corporate strategy to provide sporting facilities for all age groups. He outlined the proposal which he added would be free of charge to all users. He continued that the omission of floodlights meant that the facility reduced the likelihood of use when it became dark which should minimise the scope for anti-social behaviour.
In response to a member’s question, Neil Martin stated that as the Council’s warden service was mobile it would be difficult to focus resources on this facility alone. He added that there was no evidence of gangland loitering in any of the open spaces and parks within Brent. The comments were reiterated by Gerry Kiefer, Head of Sports Service who added that in order to encourage use by a wider section of residents, there would be no formal booking system.
DECISION: Granted as recommended.
Supporting documents: