Councillors Jill Whitehead, Alan Salter and Hamish Pollock previously reported that Sutton Council’s Planning Committee unanimously threw out Carshalton Athletic Football Club’s two major planning applications on 22nd January 2014. These applications were for (1) the increased use of the floodlights; and (2) the replacement of the turf pitch with a “3G” plastic pitch.
The Football Club appealed against the Council’s decision. The appeal was heard by the Planning Inspectorate based in Bristol, an unelected Government agency with no local connections. The Council had no right to oppose this appeal under planning law.
The Planning Inspectorate visited the site on 26th January 2015, and made a decision on 5th February 2015. They allowed CAFC’s appeal overturning Sutton’s Council’s decision. The Planning Inspectorate granted CAFC planning permission for:- 1) the use of six floodlights under application C2008/59870/FUL; and 2) the replacement of the natural turf pitch with an artificial pitch (3G) at the War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, under application C2013/68433/FUL.
However, the Planning Inspectorate imposed several planning conditions including:- 1) That the artificial pitch will not lead to an increase in flood risk either within the site or elsewhere; 2) To install approved drainage arrangements before the pitch is used; 3) A limitation in hours of use from 9am to 9.15pm on weekdays or Saturdays (except weekday fixtures when it may be used until 11pm) and until 8pm on Sundays; 4) The site shall only be used as a community facility and it shall NOT be operated as a commercial 5 a side football centre.
We understand that CAFC will be applying to the Sports Foundation, another government agency, for funds to install the artificial 3G pitch.