A PLANNING application to modify and upgrade the Paringdon Sports Club in Harlow is set to go in front of the Harlow Council planning committee.

The application states:

The proposal is for extensions to an existing sport and leisure facility to facilitate use as a
gym.

The extensions are relatively modest and are acceptable. The car parking requirement
is largely unchanged from the existing facility and adequate on-site parking is available.

The proposal includes removal of existing unsightly car storage at the site. It also includes
cessation of existing non-sport activities such as social events which have in the past
resulted in neighbour nuisance.

It is considered that the proposal accords with National and Development Plan policies, and
it is recommended to the Planning Committee for approval, subject to appropriate conditions.

There have been objections.

Four objections on grounds summarised below:
 parking overspill occurs from existing site to surrounding streets particularly at peak
times and weekends, causing congestion and inconvenience for residents;
obstruction and danger to accesses and pedestrians; damage to hedges; the
proposal would worsen this situation; imperative extended proposal has adequate
parking;
 existing noise nuisance, disturbance and anti-social behaviour late at night; waste
and pest issues; proposal would worsen these problems; 24 hour use is
inappropriate due to increased adverse impact on living conditions of local residents;
 area is residential not commercial; well-being and safety of local residents should be
preserved;
 existing illegal storage containers should be removed and illegal car storage cease.

One representation in support summarised below:
 as local resident and user of facility, there is a lack of sports facilities in this area of
the town;
 changes have been made over last 18 months to reduce noise and traffic, and the
plans do not include bars or event spaces as at present;
 parking overspill has occurred when heavy rain made half the site’s parking
unavailable during a football tournament;
 support preservation of football pitches which are used for youth football.

The full application can be found on the Harlow Council website.

Look for HW/FUL/24/00096

The meeting will be held on Wednesday August 7th.