Issue - meetings

Improvements to existing sports club, new outdoor floodlit multi use games area, reconfiguration of existing sports club carpark and the erection of a 4-storey residential development to provide 23 dwellings

The committee received the report of the Interim Head of Development Management, including the relevant planning history of the site.

The Development Management Team Leader introduced the report explaining that the application proposed improvements to the existing sports club, including the demolition of the function hall and erection of a first floor extension to provide a new function hall, erection of a single storey meeting room/store extension, construction of an indoor multi-purpose fitness studio, a new outdoor floodlit multi use games area (MUGA), reconfiguration of the existing sports club carpark, and the erection of a 4-storey residential development to provide 23 one and two bedroom dwellings with separate access from Cassio Road.

The Chair invited Dr Tim Robson to speak to the committee.  Dr Robson welcomed the redevelopment of the sports club by releasing a small parcel of land.  However if the application were granted it would mean the loss of a resource for Watford.  The site had been the location for a health service for the homeless.  New Hope wanted to pull together all its facilities into one location.  He was disappointed that the service had not been given first refusal on this piece of land.  He hoped that the suggested unique new facility would not be lost.

The Chair reminded the committee they could only consider the application before them.

The Chair invited Gerry Cassidy, planning consultant, to speak to the committee.  Mr Cassidy said that the site was allocated as open space.  There had been a similar application last year which had been refused.  The applicant had listened to the committee and officers and then submitted the latest application.  He discussed the lack of affordable housing and how any surplus would be put back into the club rather than affordable housing.  The application was supported by Sport England and the council’s housing and planning officers.  The council could require, through a Section 106 agreement, that any surplus funds not spent could be put into the council’s affordable housing budget.  If the council granted the application the work would start in May.

Councillors noted the application’s support by Sport England and Head of Parks and Open Space.  The councillors were aware of the needs of the homeless and a hub in Watford.  The council was working with New Hope and had identified sites.

Following a question about the early review mechanism, it was noted that this would provide the council with an opportunity to review the viability of the scheme, and the potential to secure an affordable housing contribution.

The Chair moved the officer’s recommendation with the addition of the early review mechanism on viability.

RESOLVED –

That, pursuant to a planning obligation under s.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 having been completed to secure the following Heads of Terms, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions listed below:

Section 106 Heads of Terms

i)       The provision of the approved sporting, social and supporting facilities at the site within a period of 5 years  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36