Planning Committee

Members unanimously approved planning application 24/P/0138/FUL to replace the existing pitches at Abersychan Comprehensive School with a 3G pitch. The approval is subject to the conditions set out in the report, which include limits on floodlight use and tree replacement. Three councillors declared a personal interest in the item.

1. Floodlit 3G pitch and spectator stands at Abersychan school

   Decided

   Members unanimously agreed to approve the application, subject to the conditions in the report.

   Why

   Officers said the existing pitches had drainage problems, which a sustainable drainage scheme (a system for managing surface water) would address, and the scheme needs approval from the SAB, the body that approves such schemes. Officers said the floodlights would be dimmable and that a condition would stop their use from April to October to protect bats, and that three trees would be planted for each tree removed. Members said the application was fantastic and a much-needed facility that would help promote health and wellbeing.

   Based on the minutes

Written by AI from the council's minutes and reports. Sentences with a number or name that can't be found in those papers are removed automatically, but mistakes are still possible. Councils publish no word-for-word record of meetings, so this says what was decided and why. Read the official papers to be sure.

1. 1

   Attendance and Apologies/ Presenoldeb ac Ymddiheuriadau

   Minute

   1.1 There were no apologies received.

2. 2

   Declarations of interest/Datganiadau o fudd

   Minute

   2.1 The following interests were declared: · Councillor Jon Horlor declared a personal interest in agenda item 4 as a Member of Pontypool Community Council who had been consulted on the application. · Councillor Gaynor James declared a personal interest in agenda item 4 as a Member of Pontypool Community Council who had been consulted on the application. · Councillor Jon James declared a personal interest in agenda item 4 as a Member of Pontypool Community Council who had been consulted on the application.

3. 3

   Minutes of Planning Committee - 21/05/2024 / Cofnodion Pwyllgor Cynllunio - 21/05/2024

   Minute

   3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 21st May 2024 were confirmed as a true and accurate record.

   Papers: Minutes , 21/05/2024 Planning Committee
4. 4

   Planning Application - 24/P/0138/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 24/P/0138/FUL

   Minute

   4.1 The Senior Planner presented the report to Members in detail and displayed photographs and plans of the site. 4.2 Following questions from Members, Officers responded as follows: · The existing site had drainage issues and a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme would form part of the application and would address the issue. The pitch would be permeable and runoff from impermeable surfaces would be directed to swales. The drainage scheme would require SAB consent who were the experts in this area. · There were trees that were proposed to be removed as part of the application, however many of the trees were Ash and were damaged or dying. There was also one purple plum tree and one acer tree due to be removed but these were also damaged or not in good condition. A condition would be attached to any permission granted to ensure that there was a replacement planting scheme which ensured that three trees were replanted to every one tree removed. · The proposed floodlights would be directed into the courts and to minimise any impact the floodlights would be dimmable. However, there would be some minimal natural light spillage and in order to prevent any negative impact on bats that may be in the trees, a condition would be attached to prohibit the use of floodlights from April through to October. · The details of the age and species of the replacement trees would need to be agreed and a condition was attached requiring the details to be submitted for approval. · The trees which were proposed to be removed were to the south of the site and would not have a negative impact on neighbouring properties. · It was proposed to install two spectator stands and there would be 50 seats in each stand. · Officers would report back to Members as to whether the 3G pitch would have the extra padding needed to make it suitable to play rugby on. · The school would be responsible for managing and maintaining the pitch. · It was an existing facility which was being improved, there would be fencing surrounding the pitch, but it was not proposed to install additional fencing around the wider site. 4.3 Members commented that it was a fantastic application and a much-needed facility which would help promote health and wellbeing. 4.4 Members unanimously agreed to approve the application subject to the conditions laid out in the report.

   Papers: 24-P-0138-FUL

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

• Jon Horlor: Personal interest on Planning Application - 24/P/0138/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 24/P/0138/FUL

  Member of Pontypool Community Council, which was consulted on the application.

• Gaynor James: Personal interest on Planning Application - 24/P/0138/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 24/P/0138/FUL

  Member of Pontypool Community Council, which was consulted on the application.

• Jon James: Personal interest on Planning Application - 24/P/0138/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 24/P/0138/FUL

  Member of Pontypool Community Council, which was consulted on the application.

• Norma Parrish, ChairLabourPresent
• Alan Slade, Committee MemberReform UKPresent
• Alfie Best, Committee MemberLabourAbsent
• Chris Tew, Committee MemberThe Independent GroupAbsent
• Gaynor James, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Janet Jones, Committee MemberTorfaen Independent GroupPresent
• Jon Horlor, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Jon James, Committee MemberLabourPresent