Additional representations:

Since the publication of the report, three additional representations have been received from the Chairman, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Parish Clerk of Lenham Parish Council. These all raise concern over the limited time frame for consideration of the Labosport Risk Assessment undertaken following discussions between the applicant, Councillors, Lenham Parish Council, Lenham Cricket Club and Council officers, in accordance with the resolution of the Planning Commitee, which was provided in support of the application on 10^th August 2015.

A copy of the Risk Assessment was made available to Lenham Parish Council and Lenham Cricket Club within a very short period of its receipt. Whilst I note the concerns expressed regarding lack of consultation, the report will have been available to the relevant parties for 11 days before the Planning Committee meeting, which is considered to be adequate in the circumstances of this case (supported by the submission of three separate representations on the matter).

The Risk Assessment, which is on the papers as Appendix B to the main report, is clear and unequivical in its recommendation that an 8m high cricket ball stop net along the western boundary of the site would provide an appropriate level of protection to persons and property on the site from activities taking place on the Lenham Cricket Club ground and thereby prevent conflict betweeen the adjacent land uses. The recommendation of the Risk Assessment accords with the original comments of Sport England. The height and approximate position of the net is therefore not a matter for further negotiation between parties.

I would point out to Members that the additional information relates only to the height and approximate position of the cricket ball stop netting, the details of which will be required to be submitted and approved to the Council prior to implementation of planning permission, in accordance with condition 6. These details are separate from the matters to be subject to the S106 agreement (means of safeguarding ongoing maintenance, funding for the same, etc.), which remain under discussion.

However, in light of the concerns of Lenham Parish Council, I wish to propose an additional informative as follows:

“The details submitted in support of the discharge of conditions 6 (cricket ball stop netting) and 17 (landscaping) shall be considered in consultation with Lenham Parish Council, Lenham Cricket Club and local Ward Members.”

Recommendation:

My recommendation remains unchanged, subject to the additional informative as set out above.