Report by Lead Officer (North) (attached)

The Committee considered a report by the Lead Planning Officer (North) (circulated previously).

The Lead Planning Officer (North) advised the following:

·       An update was provided following the decision made by the Committee on 10 March 2021 to defer the application as detailed on pages 281 to 284 and the amendments that had been made to the scheme.

·       A formal consultation response had not been received from Devon County Council Lead Local Flood Authority despite being reminded to provide a formal response although an informal response had been received.

·       A meeting had taken place between the Parks, Leisure and Culture Officer and representatives from the Ilfracombe football and rugby clubs. Amended site, landscaping and drainage plans had been received and had been sent to the Parks, Leisure and Culture Officer and Sport England. Type four drainage would now be provided as requested by Sport England.

·       A formal consultation response had been received from the Arboriculturalist.  An updated Biodiversity Management Plan had now been received.

·       Further discussions had taken place regarding the future management of the facilities.  It was understood that North Devon Council would not be willing to adopt the facilities.  Other options included the Town Council or a Management Company, although both had drawbacks.  This was a separate matter to this application as the applicant was required to submit a management and maintenance scheme under condition 9 of the outline application and a community use scheme under condition 10 of the outline application, both prior to commencement of the development.

·       Further details of the proposed Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) had been submitted.  It had been agreed that tarmac would be used for the surfacing of the MUGA to allow for a wide use for games.

The Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer read responses received by Mike Nixon and Carol Corp (objectors).

Graham Parkhouse (objector) and Mike Edmunds (supporter) addressed the Committee.

The Parks, Leisure and Culture Officer addressed the Committee.  He advised that MUGA surfaces were normally tarmac as they were open door facilities used by all of the youth community and the maintenance was low in cost.  He advised that following the previous meeting of the Committee, a meeting had been arranged with all parties including the Youth and Senior Football and Rugby clubs.  Following that meeting a letter had been sent to the Lead Planning Officer (North) and the developer.  The issue regarding the provision of lockers to enable the changing rooms to be used on a phased basis had been addressed.  The scheme met all of the policy requirements and addressed the existing deficits in the town.

In response to questions by the Committee, the Lead Planning Officer (North) advised the following:

·       In terms of whether a vehicle charging point would be provided, it was confirmed there no car park would be provided as part of this application to serve the changing facilities.

Councillor Fowler (in his capacity as Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the Chief Executive be delegated authority to approve the application as recommended by the Lead Planning Officer (North).