Delegated Case Case Officer N Birtles Date for Decision 29 / 7 / 14 Report written 23 / 6 / 14

Application No : 2014/221

Proposal : Construction of enclosed all-weather cricket practice facility towards NE corner of ground At: Cricket Club, Lanehead Lane, Bacup

Site This application relates to an extensive area of Greenland within the Urban Boundary of Bacup that is occupied by the cricket ground.

The site is bounded to the west by Blackthorn Lane, the south by Greensnook Lane, the north by Black Thorn Primary School and the east by the school and a house that fronts Greensnook Lane. Various buildings and areas of terraced seating skirt the pitch.

The application relates most particularly to the NE corner of the ground where there are 2 rows of seating giving view over a (former ?) bowling green. Between the seating and the fence on the party-boundary with the school are several trees.

Relevant Planning History None

Proposal The applicant seeks permission to replace the area of seating with a 2-lane x 33m long cricket practice area, with all-weather surface and 4m high netting to its sides and over.

The Applicant advises that current practice facilities not of adequate standard for a club of its status/ size - the club was a founder member of the League and has 3 senior teams & 5 junior teams, 10 qualified coaches & 100 playing members (75% being juniors).

An application for grant from an ECB approved funding stream has been sought.

Consultation Responses RBC Environmental Health No objection.

Notification Responses To accord with the General Development Procedure Order the relevant neighbours were notified by letter on 3 /6 /14.

No comments have been received.

Policy Context National National Planning Policy Framework (2012) Section 7 Requiring Good Design Section 8 Promoting Healthy Communities

Development Plan RBC Core Strategy DPD (2011) AVP2 Area Vision for Bacup, Stacksteads, Britannia & Weir Policy 1 General Development Locations and Principles Policy 17 Rossendale’s Green Infrastructure Policy 24 Planning Application Requirements

Planning Issues In dealing with this application the main issues which need to be considered are : 1) Principle 2) Visual Amenity 3) Neighbour Amenity

Principle The site lies within the Urban Boundary and the proposed development is associated with and ancillary to use of the cricket ground as such and does not significantly impact on its openness. Accordingly, the proposal is considered to be appropriate in principle.

Visual Amenity The proposed development will not be visible from the highway.

Neighbour Amenity The proposed development will be 7+m from the boundary with the School. The application Form indicates that the trees near the party-boundary will be retained. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the proposed facility will not detract from light/outlook/privacy of the school. Whilst it may intensify use of this area, as illumination is not proposed, I am satisfied that it will not generate unacceptable noise/disturbance for the school or any nearby residents.

Access / Parking The proposal will not result in loss of any existing off-street parking and is not likely to materially alter the volume/kind of traffic visiting the cricket ground and needing parking.

Summary Reason for Approval The proposed development is appropriate in principle in the Urban Boundary and within this Greenland and, subject to the conditions, will not unduly detract from visual and neighbour amenity or highway safety. It is considered that the development accords with the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) and Policies AVP2 / 1 / 17 / 24 of the Council’s adopted Core Strategy DPD (2011).

Recommendation

Approve

Conditions/Reasons

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To accord with Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted drawings/documents and does not confer or infer permission for the erection of any system of illumination. Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to safeguard the amenities of neighbours, in accordance with Policy 24 of the adopted Core Strategy.

3. Any construction works associated with the development hereby approved shall not take place except between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm Monday to Friday and 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays. No construction shall take place on Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day or Bank Holidays. Reason: To safeguard the amenities of neighbours, in accordance with Policy 24 of the adopted Core Strategy.

CASE OFFICER……………………………………………………………………..

DC PRINCIPAL PLANNER…………………...... ………………...