Planning, Design & Access Statement...1.8 This development proposal will provide a sports pavilion, floodlit multi use games area, improved hard and soft landscaping and new vehicle

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Planning, Design & Access Statement

Full Application for Sports Pavilion Development Proposal, Liverpool Road, Widnes


October 2013

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 3

2 URBAN DESIGN ANALYSIS ............................................................................... 6

3 DESIGN PROCESS .......................................................................................... 11

4 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ......................................................................... 12

5 ACCESS AND MOVEMENT ............................................................................. 14

6 PLANNING CONTEXT ..................................................................................... 16

7 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ 23

Document: PDAS Widnes Sports Pavilion IBI Taylor Young Compiled by: IF The Plaza Reviewed by: PS Old Hall Street Date: 14th October 2013 Liverpool

Merseyside L3 9QJ Tel: 0151 702 6501 Fax: 0151 702 6509

E mail: [email protected]

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1 INTRODUCTION

The Planning Application

1.1 This Planning, Design and Access Statement supports a full planning application for a sports pavilion, floodlit multi use games area, hard and soft landscaping and new vehicle access on land at Widnes Recreation Ground, Liverpool Road, Widnes.

1.2 This statement introduces the content and background of the planning application, and together with other supporting documents enables the proposals to be fully assessed against policies and all other material considerations. It also explains the proposal in more detail, including its site context, the design process and evolution, and access and movement considerations. It should be read in conjunction with the suite of plans and drawings submitted as part of the planning application, as well as the following supporting documents:

Tree Survey (October 2013)

Flood Risk Assessment (October 2013)

Transport Assessment (October 2013)

Noise Assessment (October 2013)

Lighting Assessment (October 2013)

Ground Investigation Report (October 2013)

Development Background and Proposal

1.3 The existing sports facility is currently run by Halton Council. A booking system is in place for sports teams and clubs wishing to use the facilities.

1.4 The outdoor pitches operate from 09:00-16:00 on weekends. Pitches are also used on weekday evenings however not to the level of usage that occurs on weekends.

1.5 Peak usage times for the facilities are Saturday and Sunday afternoons around 14:30 prior to adult rugby or football matches. Junior sport is typically played in the mornings.

1.6 Before the original sports pavilion burnt down there were 7 major sports, 24 sections, 55 teams and over 600 participants using the sporting facilities on a regular basis. The level of usage of the sport pitches has dropped significantly since then.

1.7 This park is regularly used for amateur football and rugby matches and the proposed indoor space will allow a number of teams to prepare for their games at the same time.

1.8 This development proposal will provide a sports pavilion, floodlit multi use games area, improved hard and soft landscaping and new vehicle access into and out of the site.

1.9 The sports pavilion will consist of rooms to provide services for the existing outdoor recreational space including changing rooms, toilets, meeting rooms and equipment store areas in addition to a large reception area for service users to congregate and register for their activities.

1.10 The floodlit multi use games area (MUGA) will allow recreational activities to be played during hours of low visibility will reuse the land which housed the original sports pavilion which was cleared after it burnt down.

1.11 The hard and soft landscaping improvements will consist of improved footpaths and linkages to the new developments.

1.12 A new entrance and egress will be opened at the west side of the existing car park. This will connect into the existing turning circle that is already used for Ditton Primary School. The existing junction to the north of the car park will be closed off before occupation of the site takes place.

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Plan 1: Site Location Plan

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URBAN DESIGN ANALYSIS

1.13 This section describes the existing context of the site and its surrounding environment. This analysis defines the key physical influences that have shaped the scheme and its design.

Context and Location

1.14 The development site is situated on the south side of Liverpool Road which is a busy through road. It is located between large areas of green space which consist of Widnes Golf Club and King George’s Park, a park that has several public playing pitches.

1.15 There is a large residential area to the east and west of the site in addition to Ditton Primary School which has just under 300 pupils and is also to the west of the site.

1.16 The site currently comprises an area of car parking, the site of the former Widnes Recreation Ground sports pavilion, a small brick building used as changing facilities, the access point to the adjoining school and an area of playing field. There is a large area of derelict land which once housed a sports pavilion, which was cleared after fire damage. The existing changing room facility which sits on the site will be demolished to be replaced by the new Sports Pavilion.

1.17 The site is situated in the Kingsway ward. This ward falls into the top 10% most deprived wards nationally. The health of people living in this area is generally worse than the borough average. Increased participation in sport is given a high priority in Halton. A particular focus in Halton is to increase participation rates especially in the most deprived wards as there is a clear correlation of low sports participation in the most deprived areas.

Movement and Linkages

Vehicular Access

1.18 Access to and from the site is currently through a junction on Liverpool Road which is located to the north of the site.

1.19 The rest of the site is open playing fields and can be accessed by foot from the car park or from the south, from other access routes within King George’s Park.

Highway Network

1.20 Liverpool Road is a 30mph road that serves as a key route connecting West Halton with Widnes town centre.

1.21 The road is lined with residential property, a golf course and schools in addition to the development site.

1.22 The site is well located for access to strategic routes. The A562 is located 2km south of the site for access to the Runcorn Bridge southbound and routes to the M56 and North Wales. Taking the A4562 northbound connects the site to Liverpool Airport and Liverpool City Centre.

Public Transport

1.23 The development site is served by a high frequency of bus services providing links to a number of local and regional destinations. 2 bus stops are located directly off the site on Liverpool Road and allow access to Liverpool and Warrington.

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1.24 There are 2 train stations situated close to the site. Hough Green is 1.3km away to the west and Widnes Station is 2.3km away to the north east. These stations provide connectivity to Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester.

Pedestrian Access

1.25 In general, all footways within the vicinity of the site are of good quality and are of acceptable width, with dropped kerbs provided at crossing points. A suitable level of street lighting is present throughout the area. Surrounding roads are equipped with footways, and many of the junctions in the vicinity of the development site are equipped with traffic signals including pedestrian crossing facilities. All controlled crossing points have lowered kerbs and tactile paving, and non-controlled crossing points at other junctions are gradually.

Cycle Facilities

1.26 200m east of the development site, a shared use cycle route is located on Leigh Avenue heading eastwards towards Widnes town centre. The same distance away a traffic free cycle route is located near to the Liverpool Road/Foxley Heath junction running southwards towards Dundalk Road and St Michael Jubilee golf course where it connects to wider southern and eastern cycle routes.

Buildings and Townscape

1.27 The development site currently has a surface car park, a vacant site which once housed a sports pavilion, a small brick building and a large area of playing fields.

1.28 Ditton Primary School sits west of the site and is a single storey building with fields to the rear and hard landscaping and car parking facilities at the front.

1.29 Along Liverpool Road there are houses dating from the 1950s. There are several detached properties located across from the development site. Further to the west, the houses become terraced and eventually disperse into a large housing estate. There is a large housing estate to the east of the development site.

Public Realm and Open Space

1.30 The development site is on open greenspace and King George’s Park is to the south of the site, a large playing field that consists of a mix of pitches.

1.31 3 former bowling greens are situated east of the site which are now overgrown and vacant.

1.32 Widnes Golf Club is situated to the north of the site.

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Existing car park within development site

Site of the original sports pavilion

Existing access into the site from Liverpool Road

Existing changing facilities

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Proposed shared access into the site from Liverpool Road Ditton Primary School existing overflow car park

Proposed shared exit from the site onto Liverpool Road Proposed entrance site into the existing car park from Ditton Primary

School car park

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Townscape on Liverpool Road outside the development site

Pedestrian crossing west of the development site

Townscape on Liverpool Road outside the development site Two bus stops outside the development site

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2 DESIGN CONTEXT

2.1 This section sets out the design parameters and principles that have informed the detailed design development.

Vision and Objectives

2.2 The Client’s vision and objectives is to construct a modern community sports facility for existing users with the hope of attracting new participants from the wider community.

Design Response

2.3 The design process has taken into account planning policy guidance and has involved an analysis of the site’s context and an understanding of the development potential of the site. Pre application meetings with Halton Council and specialist consultants have all informed the process of setting the design principles and refining the proposed development.

2.4 The following paragraphs summarise the assessment of the local physical, social and economic potential of the proposal.

Physical

2.5 The sports pavilion, MUGA and landscape improvements to the existing car park and surrounding playing fields will create a modern, exciting recreational facility.

2.6 It will provide a visually enhanced outlook for the local area and the new building and MUGA will utilise an underused area of the site that is currently in poor condition, improving the visual aesthetic.

Social

2.7 The new sports pavilion and MUGA will provide social and sports facilities which will be used by service users in the local area. The proposal will vastly improve the experience and recreational offer for service users. The sports pavilion will be fit for purpose and at a capacity to meet space standards.

2.8 Its high quality design will provide a welcoming feeling and transcend to give service users a confidence in the high quality services on offer.

Economic

2.9 The proposal constitutes a significant investment in the area and will contribute to the ongoing redevelopment of Halton . This can have a profound positive impact on the local area.

2.10 Due to the enhancement of the existing facilities, it is expected that more people and teams will be attracted and encouraged to come use them. The floodlit aspect of the MUGA will extend the opening times of the sports facilities which will enable additional income due to the extended hours of service.

Consultation

2.11 At appropriate stages of the project, the team has met and been in dialogue with Halton Council’s Planners and Highway Engineers to agree the principles and detail of the design.

2.12 The feedback on the proposal has shaped the evolution of the design and site layout.

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3 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

3.1 This section sets out the planning and design details of the proposed development.

Use and Quantum of Development

3.2 The proposal primarily comprises a new sports pavilion, multi use games area, hard and soft landscaping improvements and new vehicle access.

3.3 The sports pavilion will have a gross external floor space of 1060 square metres, will be a one storey building and 5.05 metre in height.

3.4 The MUGA’s site area will be 685 square metres with a 3 metre high fence and will be floodlit around each site of the playing area.

3.5 The sports pavilion will provide improved and more spacious facilities for existing service users who currently have limited facilities to prepare prior to using the services.

3.6 The MUGA will promote a varied use of sports to the area and will allow service users to use the facilities all times of the day due to the games area being floodlit.

3.7 The improved hard and soft landscapes will help promote the new facilities and will make the area more appealing. The site will have increased lighting to increase security and reduce vulnerability.

3.8 Access to the MUGA and sports pavilion from the car park and between these two areas will be landscaped to provide suitable and pleasant access.

3.9 A new vehicle access is also proposed into the site to improve movement to and from and within the site, resulting in quick and efficient access. This new access will come from the existing turning circle to the west of the site currently used solely by Ditton Primary School.

Layout

3.10 The proposals will partly be located in the same position as existing facilities.

3.11 The proposed sports pavilion will be located on the site where access to all services will be unproblematic (see location plan). The building will act as a central hub for all other recreational facilities on the site.

3.12 The MUGA will be situated on the derelict land that once housed the original sporting pavilion to the north of the site area.

3.13 The car parking facilities will remain in their current location. The new vehicle access entrance will be located to the west of the car park and will be part of the existing junction that is currently being used just for Ditton Primary School.

3.14 The existing junction which currently allows access into the car park will be closed off. A new pedestrian access will be provided to Liverpool Road.

Materials and Design Quality

3.15 The materials used in this development will be to a high standard and complement the existing area.

3.16 The sports pavilion materials will consist of several wall materials which include a blue facing brick with metal rain screen cladding, a glossy architectural block. The roof finish will be composite steel panels. Windows will consist of polyester powdered coating with aluminium framing identical to the doors.

3.17 The MUGA will consist of a tarmac surface with a powder coated metal fencing.

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Landscape and Open Space

3.18 Proposed soft and hard landscaping will consist of:

Realignment of existing car park;

New paths connecting car park with sports pavilion;

Planters at the front of the sports pavilion; and

New trees within the car park.

3.19 The sports pitches will also be remarked to give a high quality feel to the area.

Safety and Security

3.20 Security lighting will be situated in the car park for added safety and increased surveillance.

3.21 There will be additional lighting along the approach from the car park to the sports pavilion and the MUGA.

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4 ACCESS AND MOVEMENT

Existing Access and Movement

Vehicular Access

4.1 Access to the site is currently available through a junction on Liverpool Road at the north of the car park and has an entrance and exit lane.

Pedestrian Access

4.2 Pedestrians can access the site via the 2 junctions on Liverpool Road. The entrance leading to the existing car park and the entrance to Ditton Primary School.

Parking

4.3 There are currently 92 car parking spaces on the site car park.

Public Transport

4.4 The development site is served by a high frequency of bus services providing links to a number of local and regional destinations. 2 bus stops are located directly off the site on Liverpool Road.

Proposed Access and Movement

Vehicular Access

4.5 There will be a new improved access from the west of the existing car park. A new entrance will be created into the existing route that enters Ditton Primary School. This access will provide a more efficient entrance and exit in and out of the car park.

4.6 The original access point to the existing car park will be closed preventing vehicles from entering the car park via this route.

4.7 By moving the car park access to this location it will reduce a build up of vehicles entering and leaving the facility making the traffic flow onto Liverpool Road more efficient, as there will be one less junction being incorporated into this route.

Pedestrian Access

4.8 Pedestrian Access will continue to be provided from the junction near Ditton Primary School once the car park entrance at the north of the site is closed.

4.9 Footpaths within the site are to proposed, allowing safe, easy access from off the site to the Sports Pavilion and other facilities.

4.10 A new footpath will provide pedestrian access from Liverpool Road directly in line with the main building entrance.

4.11 Further information on existing and proposed access can be found in the Transport Assessment within the supporting documentation.

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Access for All

4.12 The proposal will be fully DDA compliant. The building will benefit from disabled toilets and corridors and doors will be wide enough to provide disabled friendly movement.

4.13 The building will be designed to meet standards of Section M of Building Regulations.

4.14 Disabled parking will be available and there will be 10 spaces close to the sports pavilion for easy access.

Parking

4.15 No additional parking is proposed, however due to the new access arrangements there will be additional parking available to the west of the existing car park. 34 parking spaces currently identified as overflow parking for Ditton Primary School will act as an overflow car park.

4.16 Parking bays will be relined and reorganised to provide easy navigation.

Emergency Access

4.17 Access onto the site for emergency vehicles will be from the main entrance off Liverpool Road.

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5 PLANNING CONTEXT

5.1 This planning policy appraisal reviews national and local planning policy relevant to the development of the site and proposal, and assesses the development in light of planning policy and other material considerations. This presents a case in support of this planning application.

5.2 This should be read in conjunction with the other supporting documents that accompany the application and all plans and drawings.

5.3 Relevant policy context includes:

National Planning Policy Framework

Halton Local Plan

Halton Unitary Development Plan

Determining Planning Applications

5.4 Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires Local Planning Authorities to determine planning applications in accordance with the statutory Local Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. If the LocalPlan contains material policies or proposals and there are no other material considerations, the application should be determined in accordance with the Local Plan. Furthermore, where there are other material considerations, the Local Plan should be the starting point, and other material considerations should be taken into account in reaching a decision.

National Planning Policy Framework

5.5 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was formally released March 2012. It provides a new national framework different to the previous Planning Policy Statements and Planning Policy Guidance Notes, which sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. There is a presumption in favour of sustainable development and

economic growth, whilst balancing and protecting the needs and priorities of communities without adversely impacting on future generations.

5.6 From the 27th March 2013, planning authorities should give 'due weight’ to relevant policies in their existing plans according to their degree of conformity with the NPPF.

5.7 Three key themes running through the NPPF include:

Planning for prosperity (an economic role) – ensuring that sufficient land of the right type and in the right places is available to allow growth and innovation;

Planning for people (a social role) – promotion of strong, vibrant and healthy communities, meeting the needs of present and future generations, and by creating a good quality built environment with accessible local services;

Planning for places (an environmental role) – protecting and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment.

Built Environment

5.8 The NPPF attaches great importance to the design of the built environment (para 58). It specifically aims to ensure that developments:

establish a strong sense of place;

optimise the potential of sites to accommodate development;

respond to local character and history, reflecting the identity of local surroundings and materials;

create safe and accessible environments; and

are visually attractive.

Transport

5.9 Transport also forms an important part of the NPPF with sustainability being a central theme. It encourages solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce congestion and supports sustainable modes of travel. This includes providing development in accessible locations, nearby to local services and

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community facilities (para 30).

Community Need and Social Facilities

5.10 The NPPF states that decisions should plan positively for the provision and use of community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments. It is also important to ensure that facilities and services are able to develop and modernize in a way that is sustainable and retained for the benefit of the community (para 70).

5.11 Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities (para 73).

Design Quality

5.12 The NPPF attaches great importance to the design of the built environment. It specifically aims to ensure that developments establish a strong sense of place; optimise the potential of sites to accommodate development; achieve design quality that responds to local character; and create safe and accessible environments (para 58).

5.13 The document states that although visual appearance and the architecture of individual buildings are very important factors, securing high quality and inclusive design goes beyond aesthetic considerations. Decisions should address the connections between people and places and the integration of new development into the natural, built and historic environment (para 61).

Halton Local Plan

5.14 Halton’s Local Plan is the lead document of the Halton Local Development Framework and sets out the overall strategy for future development in the Borough looking ahead to 2028.

5.15 On 17th April 2013 Halton Borough Council resolved to approve the formal adoption of the Halton Core Strategy Local Plan as part of the development

plan for the Borough, and to delete certain areas of the saved policies from the Halton UDP. The remaining policies will eventually be replaced by policies in other documents within the Local Plan

5.16 Planning decisions will be taken in accordance with the Local Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

5.17 The following Local Plan policies are relevant to this planning application:

Policy CS2 – Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

Policy CS19 – Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Policy CS21 – Green Infrastructure

Policy CS22 – Health and Well-Being

5.18 Specific consideration has been afforded to the following policies which are of particular relevance, and provide the framework for the planning justification, covered in Section 3:

CS21 Green Infrastructure o Ensure that new development maximises opportunities to

make provision for high quality and multifunctional green infrastructure.

o Supporting the delivery of programmes and strategies to protect, enhance and expand green infrastructure.

CS22 Health and Well-Being o Health environments will be supported and healthy lifestyles

encouraged across the Borough by ensuring opportunities to widen the Borough’s cultural, sport, recreation and leisure offer are supported.

Halton Unitary Development Plan

5.19 The proposed development site is designated as ‘Greenspace’ within the UDP, Further Greenspace is allocated to the North and South of the site and Primarily Residential Areas (Policy H8) lie to the east and west.

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5.20 The following UDP policies are relevant to this planning application:

BE1 – General Requirements for Development

BE2 – Quality of Design

BE18 – Access to new buildings used by the public

BE20 – Disabled access in public places

GE6 – Protection of Designated Greenspace

GE8 – Development within Designated Greenspace

GE12 – Protection of Outdoor Playing Space for Formal Sport and Recreation

GE13 – Intensifying Use of Existing Outdoor Sports and Recreation Provision

GE27 – Protection of Trees and Woodlands

PR2 – Noise Nuisance

PR4 – Light Pollution and Nuisance

TP1 – Public Transport Provision As Part Of New Development

TP6 – Cycling Provision As Part of New Development

TP7 – Pedestrian Provision As Part Of New Development

TP12 – Car Parking

TP14 – Transport Assessments

LTC4 – Development of Local Leisure and Community Facilities

5.21 Specific consideration has been afforded to the following policies which are of particular relevance, and provide the framework for the planning justification:

GE6 Protection of Designated Greenspace o Development within greenspace will not be permitted unless

it is ancillary to the enjoyment of the greenspace. o Exceptions may be made where the loss of the amenity value

is adequately compensated for via funding improvements to the area, suitable greenspace replacement.

GE8 – Development within designated greenspace o New buildings required for recreation will be permitted

within designated greenspace.

GE12 Protection of Outdoor Playing Space for Formal Sport and Recreation

o Development that results in the loss of outdoor playing space would not be permitted unless:

A quantified documented assessment of current and future needs has demonstrated that there is an excess of playing field provision in the area.

The existing facilities are of a poor quality and are underused and development on a small part of the playing space would fund improvements than enhance the quality of these facilities. Provided that the development will not affect land forming part of a playing pitch or bowling green including any safety margins.

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GE13 Intensifying Use of Existing Outdoor Sport and Recreation Provision

o Proposals to increase the use and availability of existing outdoor sports and recreation provision by the introduction of artificial surfaces and floodlighting will be permitted provided that they would not have an unacceptable effect on adjacent land uses or the highway.

BE18 Access to new buildings used be the public o Proposals will be permitted provided they have suitable

means of access for people with disabilities or restricted mobility and which is well sign-posted and easily accessed from adjoining streets, pedestrian routes and car parks.

BE20 Disabled access in public places o All development proposals must provide for ease of access

and movement for disabled people between and within public areas by siting and design of parking areas, paths, dropped kerbs, pedestrian crossing, street furniture and open space.

LTC4 – Development of Local Leisure and Community Facilities o Development of local leisure and community facilities will be

permitted in or adjacent to town and neighbourhood centres.

Support for Proposed Use

5.22 Local planning policy supports development proposals which contribute to the and encourage healthy lifestyles (CS22). This proposal will do this by increasing and enhancing the Borough’s sport, recreation and leisure facilities.

5.23 The proposed plans comply with the NPPF. Community facilities and local services will be enhanced and will benefit the overall area. High quality open spaces will be accessible to the public.

5.24 Several UDP policies are also fulfilled within the proposed development. The greenspace that the development falls within will still be enjoyed and enhanced (GE6) with the new sports pavilion building being used for recreation purposes (GE8).

5.25 Although a small amount of outdoor playing space will be lost with the sports pavilion footprint, the MUGA will create new playing space as it will be built upon existing derelict land which is currently underused.

5.26 The Council’s updated Playing Pitch Strategy (2013) clearly demonstrates the underplay of adult pitches here and records the overplay of mini pitches. The proposed sports pavilion responds by developing on part of an area used formerly for an adult playing pitch and providing additional mini pitches and a MUGA, to the benefit of the community. The Council has undertaken extensive consultation and concludes that there is a strategic need for an improved facility at the Recreation Ground.

5.27 The proposed schedule of sports provision, set out in Figure 1 demonstrates that this sports pavilion development will deliver significant benefits to community sport as well as the existing sports clubs.

Existing Facilities Proposed Facilities 5 x Adult Football Pitch 5 x Adult Football Pitch 1 x Under 12s Football Pitch 1 x Under 12s Football Pitch 1 x Under 10s Football Pitch 3 x Under 10s Football Pitch 1 x Under 8s Football Pitch Cricket Pitch 1 x Rugby Pitch 1 x Rugby Pitch 1 x Floodlit MUGA Changing rooms consisting of: - 6 changing rooms - Communal Showers

Sports Pavilion consisting of: - 10 changing rooms - Male and female toilets - Social Space - Reception Area - Meeting Room - First Aid Room

Building facilities (Gross Area ) - 123sqm

Building facilities (Gross Area ) – 1060sqm

Figure 1 – Schedule of Sports Facilities at Widnes Recreation Ground

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5.28 As detailed within the Halton Playing Pitch Strategy (2013) "there is an adequate supply of pitches to meet current and future demand. Implementation of the recommendations that have been identified for each sport will ensure that the borough can meet demand for the next 5 years" [para. 9.2]. So over the next 5 years, general pitch provision is sufficient across the Borough, and thus the development on this site and the changes to the mix and configuration of the playing fields will not undermine the target supply of sporting provision.

5.29 The Strategy also records that due to current levels of use the area holds a

strategic reserve of playing fields. Through investment in new changing

facilities at this site the facility would be able to support increased playing

pitch usage for the foreseeable future.

5.30 As can be seen in Figure 1, there will be a new MUGA and 2 more mini football

pitches, than there are at present. This directly responds to the Playing Pitch

Strategy and the need locally for more mini football pitches, where there is

currently a overplay. Proposals here will result in a net increase in the number

of pitches, increasing the availability of pitches and improved sporting

facilities to the benefit of the wider community.

5.31 The Playing Pitch Strategy highlights the pressures on grass pitches, and the

need to allow them time to recover. It is likely the proposed MUGA will have

a tarmac surface. This demonstrates once again, that this development will

unlock improvements to sporting facilities that directly respond to this

Strategy, which "provides a sound strategic approach to meet the need for

playing pitches in Halton" [para9.9].

5.32 The development will also help enhance local leisure and community facilities and the new sports pavilion will enable the whole site to be more effectively used which is stated in LTC4.

Design , Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

5.33 The proposal responds to several local and national policies in terms of the sustainable location of development and in delivering an essential service on a previously developed site.

5.34 The development answers NPPF’s policy on built environment design by ensuring development is established with a strong sense of place, creates a safe and accessible environment and is visually attractive.

5.35 As Policy CS2 reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the NPPF then the development also complies with this policy. The development will improve the economic, social and environmental condition in the area by providing a service that enhances and maintains greenspaces in the local area.

5.36 The proposal takes climate change impacts into account in the location and design of development and in order to minimise the use of energy in the building.

5.37 The proposed designs have addressed sustainability throughout the process and aims to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and adapt to climatic conditions. The design has been reviewed against BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and energy efficiency systems will run throughout the sports pavilion. These standards comply with Policy CS19.

Accessibility for All

5.38 Disabled parking, internal and external circulation space and connections between the car park, sports pavilion and outdoor facilities have all been considered and applied to ensure accessibility for all.

5.39 The building will comply with the Equality Act 2010 and DDA where relevant.

5.40 This proposal complies with CS18, CS22 and UDP BE20

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Natural Environment

5.41 No trees will be removed, although trees within the development site may have to be thinned, where their canopies overhang within the footprint of the car park and MUGA.

5.42 Please see the supporting Tree Survey for further information.

Flood Risk

5.43 The site is within an area of low probability to experience river or sea flooding (less than 1 in 1000 chance in any one year).

5.44 The scheme will be served by adequate drainage and water attenuation to accommodate the potential surface water run-off.

5.45 There have been no recorded incidents of flooding at the site.

5.46 Please see the supporting Flood Risk Assessment for further information.

Cycle Facilities

5.47 In order to make cycling a viable method of transport to access the site, 14 cycle parking spaces are proposed, for use by service users. These will be secured within a compound outside the sports pavilion.

5.48 This complies with UDP TP6 and other policy guidelines.

Car Parking

5.49 Halton’s UDP require a provision of 1 space per 22 square metres

5.50 In compliance with CS18, CS22 and UDP BE20, 10 disabled parking bays are clearly demarcated and positioned adjacent to the entrance to the building.

5.51 In total there will be approximately 92 parking spaces available to service users in the existing car park area (excluding any that may be made available from the school overflow area).

Traffic Impact

5.52 Service users will use a new access and egress points at the site. This will allow easier access into and out of the site, avoiding congestion that may have had an impact on Liverpool Road.

5.53 The proposed development does not represent a material increase in parking capacity therefore there will be little or no change in congestion into the site.

5.54 Please see the supporting Transport Assessment for further information.

Lighting Impact

5.55 The lighting within the development site will have very little impact on surrounding areas.

5.56 The MUGA will have floodlights which will allow service users to use this facility in times of low level natural light.

5.57 This facility will have very little impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods and will not cause any visual intrusion which complies with CS23 and UDP PR4.

5.58 Please see the supporting Lighting Assessment for further information.

Noise Impact

5.59 There will be very little noise impact from the Sports Pavilion due to the actual use of this building being a service centre for the outdoor recreational facilities.

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5.60 The only additional noise to this site will be the from MUGA. However, this impact will be very minimal as the games area will be close to Liverpool Road which will mitigate the noise due to road traffic.

5.61 Please see the supporting Noise Impact Assessment for further information.

Greenspace and Recreational Use

5.62 The development complies with various policies relating to the use of greenspace and recreation. The sports pavilion and enhanced facilities will maximise opportunities for this area of land by providing new and up to date services for the local area. Not only does this adhere to the Local Plan’s policy CS21 but it also addresses the NPPF’s policies on community need and social facilities.

5.63 The design fulfils several UDP policies. The development is ancillary to the enjoyment of greenspace, and the sports pavilion that will result in the slight reduction of grassed area will enhance the use of this area overall for recreation services (GE7 and GE8).

5.64 The existing land and facility is of poor quality and is unwelcoming with the existing changing facilities looking uncared for and tired. This development will alleviate this and will make this area an exciting place to use.

5.65 The floodlit MUGA will not have an unacceptable effect on land or the adjacent highway and will increase the use of the outdoor facilities and which enables this development to comply with GE12 and GE13.

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6 CONCLUSION

6.1 This application is for a new sports pavilion, multi use games area, hard and soft landscaping and new car parking access that will give Halton a modern sporting facility and services to enhance leisure amenities.

6.2 Although some playing field area will be taken up with the new sports pavilion this will help promote, enhance and sustain the existing greenspace and will be much more beneficial to the site. The MUGA will use an underused area to create a new recreation space which previously was a vacant site.

6.3 The application as a whole shows that the proposal complies with national and local planning policy and guidance, and should therefore be granted full planning permission.

Documents

Planning, Design & Access Statement...1.8 This development proposal will provide a sports pavilion, floodlit multi use games area, improved hard and soft landscaping and new vehicle