This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Correspondence and communication between Sport England and West Berkshire Council'.

From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
RE: 20/01530/OUTD - Faraday Rod Stadium - Sport England Ref: PA/20/SE/WB/56294
Date:
Thursday, October 22, 2020 1:16:00 PM
Attachments:
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For clarity 
, and to be fair I am aware of the limitations of the planning system on
induvial planning applications. 
 
I have concerns of the piece meal approach of the applicants in dealing with this site, which
is why there is some confusion.
 
One question for you, do these attachments solely relate only to 20/01530/OUTD?
 
We have got another PA 20/01966/COMIND which is different and we have slightly different
issues. 
 
It may be advantageous to have a Teams Call with 
 and myself.
 
Many thanks
 
 RIBA MRTPI Principal Planning Manager - South Team 
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From: 

Sent: 22 October 2020 13:04
To: 
>
Cc: 
Subject: 20/01530/OUTD - Faraday Rod Stadium - Sport England Ref: PA/20/SE/WB/56294
 
Dear 
 
Thank you for the email and comments.
 
I do understand Sport England position and concerns on this site and the wider issue of
football club provision within Newbury. As a Local Planning Authority we can only consider
and determine the application as submitted and based on the individual planning merits.
 
Only the amended site plan has been re-submitted to support the club house application,
whilst the Design and Access Statement has been amended for the pitch application only. I
have attached these for your information. The additional amendments are outlined within our
re-consultation letter.
 



 
Thank you for re-consulting Sport England on the above named application.
 
We had trouble accessing the documents on the web site and could only find drawing
689/20/PL02 – proposed Site Plan – stand as additional information.
 
It is disappointing our comments which we made in our formal response on the 2nd
September have not been addressed.  I think they are worth repeating at this juncture.
 
The proposal and impact on playing fields

 
The proposal is for outline permission for replacement of club house and new spectator stand
at Newbury Football Ground. Matters to be considered: Access and Layout.
 
Assessment against Sport England Policy
 
The site has been designated for redevelopment in the Local Plan and the facilities to be
replaced on a more suitable site in the West Berkshire Playing Pitch Strategy.  There is work
currently being undertaken by WBC to identify a site and to  prepare a scheme, which is
supported by the Football Association/Football Foundation (FA/FF) and Sport England.  It is
unlikely  that public funding will be invested into a site with a limited life.
 
Notwithstanding this, we have an application before us for a replacement club house and
spectator stand, and in the absence of a replacement site at present we have a duty to
assess the current outline planning application.
 
I have consulted with the FA/FF and they are supportive in principle of the proposal. 
However there will be a need to ensure that the building and stand will meet the league
standards and therefore they would require to be consulted on the Reserved Matters.
 
I would echo the FA/FF request to assess the reserved matters to ensure full compliance with
league requirements and basic internal safeguarding and equity matters.
 
We also have a concern that the proposal is not underpinned by a robust business plan.  On
this type of development it is a crucial component to ensure the building is able to be run in a
sustainable financial way and is not a drain on the public purse or becomes a white elephant.
 
I have mentioned this to the applicants and as yet have not been privy to their business plan. 
It is unlikely this site would be able to continue on a sound financial basis once the
replacement site is built.  But this is to be proven one way or another.
 
Conclusion
 
Having assessed the application, Sport England is satisfied that the proposed development
meets exception 2 of our playing fields policy, in that:
 
'The proposed development is for ancillary facilities supporting the principal use of the site as
a playing field, and does not affect the quantity or quality of playing pitches or otherwise
adversely affect their use.'  However there is a need to ensure that the club house and stand
are fit for purpose.
 
This being the case, Sport England does not wish to raise an objection to this application,








subject to the following planning condition:
 
No development shall commence until details of the design and layout of club
house and spectator stand have been submitted to and approved in writing by the
Local Planning Authority [after consultation with Sport England]. The club house
and spectator stand shall not be constructed other than in accordance with the
approved details.
Reason: To ensure the development is fit for purpose and sustainable and to
accord with Development Plan Policy **.
 
Informative:  the applicants’ attention is drawn to league requirements for ground
grading and the associated requirements for internal spaces to play in a particular
league.
 
The absence of an objection to this application, in the context of the Town and Country
Planning Act, cannot be taken as formal support or consent from Sport England or any
National Governing Body of Sport to any related funding application, or as may be required
by virtue of any pre-existing funding agreement.
 
If you would like any further information or advice please contact the undersigned at the
address below.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Principal Planning Manager - South Team
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