Issue - decisions

With reference to the tabled supplementary information, the Head of Area Planning addressed the concerns raised by residents at the site visit.  He continued that the issue of anti social behaviour was discussed with Borough’s Police's Crime Prevention Design Advisor who raised no objection to the proposal, its siting and location but made a suggestion about lighting along the west-east footpath so as to avoid light spillage into the MUGA.   This would be added as an informative.  He reported that PC Mark Kirby from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team had advised that they had no issues with the Tenterden Car Park and playing fields and that complaint received about drug-dealing and other anti-social behaviour in the area had not been confirmed.  The Head of Area Planning added that the main concern expressed by the residents of Silverholme Close was in connection with Sunday league footballers’ parking in Silverholme Close and the difficulty by emergency vehicles in accessing the site.

In response to additional comments from Sport England on siting and representations from Forest United FC about the use of the site for football clinic, the Head of Area Planning stated that the siting of the MUGA had been relocated so that it was 10m away from the north/south footpath and east/west footpath at its closest point.  This would allow space for the continued use of the area to the west by Forest United FC for their "football clinic" and would also allow space to the north of the MUGA for a seven-a-side pitch.  He added that the MUGA would not affect the pitch used by Brent's NALGO.

Mr William Kemp an objector stated that whilst he agreed with the principle of MUGAs, he felt that this MUGA would lack the requisite openness, and by being proximate to residential properties, it would obscure views from Woodcock Hill and result in loss of residential amenities.  He emphasised that the MUGA would result in an anti social behaviour within the site and the public area around it, contrary to the views expressed.

Mrs Karen Flann Secretary of Preston Amenities Protection Association (PAPA) also stated that whilst she supported the MUGA in principle, there were serious concerns expressed by residents which needed addressing.  These included the need to lock the MUGA at night, the exclusive use of the MUGA by Forest United Football Club, drug taking and other criminal activities.

In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice Councillor Colwill, a ward member stated that he had not been approached in connection with the MUGA.  Councillor Colwill informed the Committee that he was not aware of any complaints from residents about the MUGA.  In endorsing the views expressed by the officers, Councillor Colwill added that the nuisance and the anti social behaviour to which the objectors had referred, emanated from the scout hut which had since been demolished.

In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Mrs Fernandes, a ward member stated that she had not been approached in connection with the MUGA.  She emphasised the need for the Committee to consider the views of local residents on crime and environmental issues.  Councillor Mrs Fernandes also emphasised the need for the Council to provide for the growing number of young people in the area.

In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Dunwell stated that he had spoken to the applicant and had been approached by objectors in connection with this application. Councillor Dunwell claimed that Sport England did not support the present location of the MUGA, highlighting the impact of overlooking and the consequent anti social issues.  He continued that this MUGA was no comparison with the one in the Roe Green area.  He added that the proposed relocation of the sports clinic would not suit the age range of the users (age 4-7) and requested that specific requirements should be sought from Forest United FC before a decision on the application was made.

The Director of Parks Service and the applicant Shaun Faulkner started by saying that the location of the MUGA was selected following a series of visits to the site and in response to the need to address the prevailing anti social behaviour.  In continuation he stated that experience had shown a marked reduction in anti social behaviour in areas within Brent where there was a MUGA, as children had somewhere purposeful to go to and to exercise their energies and stay focussed instead of resorting to vandalism and graffiti.   He added that the site would adequately accommodate Forest United FC, providing benefits to the Club and the local youth in general.

During debate, Councillor Anwar expressed a view for further consultations with the local residents.  Officers advised that there was no gain to be had from another round of consultation but that a close liaison with Safer Neighbourhood Team as suggested by Councillor Thomas would be healthy to the use of the MUGA.