Tullygally Primary School will soon boast a new 3G pitch with associated sports facilities, having been granted planning permission for the major upgrade.
The Craigavon school, at 21 Meadowbrook Road/Tullygally East Road, had lodged plans for the replacement of their existing cinder playing field with a 3G pitch, as well as the provision of eight 15-metre-high floodlights, two team shelters, a fence-mounted digital scoreboard, a perimeter paladin fence, a toilet block and storage.
The planning application was lodged by Ostick and Williams Architects, Edgewater Road, Belfast, on behalf of Train 2B Smart Ltd, Castor Bay Road, Lurgan.
ABC planning officers note in their report: “This existing area of open space will be retained and enhanced through the upgrade to a 3G sports pitch, floodlighting, dug outs and toilet/storage block.
“The application site and existing pitch is well enclosed and set back from the Tullygally East Road some 170 metres north east of the site. The two team shelters are to be situated adjacent to the middle of pitch, and located eastern side of the pitch towards the existing car park.
“Given the size, scale and proposed finishes of the proposed shelters, and the fact that they are located within the grounds of an existing playing pitch, officers consider the design to be acceptable and will have no impact on the character of the wider area.
“The floodlights being 15 metres in height, are the most noticeable element of the scheme from any public vantage point. However, these are slim poles and given the limited public vantage points, officers are satisfied they will not be obtrusive in the landscape in daylight hours.
“The visual impact will be more significant during operational hours and for that reason, a condition limiting the hours of operation is proposed.
“The closest floodlight is located to the south-east of the site, approximately 32 metres from the side of No. 19, and 30 metres from the rear of No. 7, Carrigart.
“The floodlighting at this side of the pitch will be directed away from these dwellings, fronting onto the pitch.
“Notwithstanding this, Environmental Health have been consulted and have reviewed the consultancy’s presented floodlight impact models.
“Based on this report, and the fact there are no new closer receptors, they offer no objection in terms of impacting upon amenity, with suggested conditions.
“It is proposed that a condition will be attached to the permission, limiting the hours of operation for the floodlights to between 4pm and 10pm Monday to Friday; Saturday 4pm – 6pm; and Sunday 4pm – 6pm.
“Prior to the operation of the development, a noise management plan shall be produced which identifies good practice measures to reduce noise impact on neighbouring premises.
“This management plan shall outline noise management arrangements, including siting and operation of plant and equipment, patron noise, patron behaviour, control of public address or music systems; keeping doors and windows shut, facility operational hours and procedures in place for dealing with any received noise complaints from local residents.”
