Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

At this point in the meeting, Members and co-opted members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest, or other registerable interest, they might have in respect of business on this agenda, if they have not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

[Please see attached sheet for further guidance for Members].

Members were asked to declare at this point in the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest or other registerable interest they might have in respect of business on the agenda, if they had not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. Cllr Steward noted that he had attended St Peter’s School and Cllr Burton noted that she had attended Queen Anne Grammar School. There were no further declarations of interest.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. Members of the public may speak on agenda items or on matters within the remit of the committee.

Please note that our registration deadlines have changed to 2 working days before the meeting, in order to facilitate the management of public participation at meetings.  The deadline for registering at this meeting is 5:00pm on Thursday 9 April 2026.

To register to speak please visit www.york.gov.uk/AttendCouncilMeetings to fill in an online registration form.  If you have any questions about the registration form or the meeting, please contact Democratic Services.  Contact details can be found at the foot of this agenda.

Webcasting of Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be webcast, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The meeting can be viewed live and on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme on general matters within the remit of the Planning Committee.

This item invites Members to determine the following planning application:

Members considered a report of the Head of Planning and Development, relating to the following planning application, outlining the proposals and relevant policy considerations and setting out the views of consultees and officers.

Erection of an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA) with associated boundary treatment and landscaping. [Clifton Ward]

Members considered a full application from St Peters School for the erection of an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA) with associated boundary treatment and landscaping at St Peters School, Clifton, York.

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application. He was asked and explained that:

The boundary between the fence to the North Parade properties boundary was 11m and he showed it on the screen. The Chair clarified that it was not known whether the structures next to the boundary were occupied. The Development Manager added that some of the structures were habitable.

The proposal did not include netting over the MUGA.

The boundary fence was 3m and the hedge approximately 3m, with variances in places. The tree planting in the plans looked to replicate the existing tree planting, which was approximately 6-8m high.

The size of the MUGA.

The storage of the cricket nets would not be micromanaged.

The depth of the single storeys on the North Parade properties adjoining the boundary wall was approximately 4-5m.

Regarding noise impact, Public Protection colleagues had been consulted.

The cricket pitches had been in use post 2017.

The Senior Planning Officer gave an update on the application, noting the additional policy clarification regarding policy ED8, an additional representation regarding the noise impact assessment and two additional conditions regarding the restriction of uses and new landscaping.

Public Speakers

Tim Bradbury, a resident on North Parade, spoke in objection to the application.  He explained that the noise impact assessment was not fit for purpose, adding the noise profile out of lessons was different to informal lessons. He noted that here was no noise management plan or complaints policy. He noted his concerns regarding a lack of a construction management plan. He was asked and described the current noise situation. He was also asked and explained that noise for neighbouring houses varied with the different house extensions.

Giles Roberts (Director of Operations at St Peter’s School) spoke in support of the application. He explained that the application included the existing grassed area and that it would make the area more usable primarily for Years 7 and 8. He explained the hours of use, that there were no floodlights on the pitch and that the MUGA would not be available for use by the general public. He explained that the landscaping would protect neighbours’ privacy and would provide a noise barrier. He noted that it was not felt that a construction management plan was needed.

Giles Robertswas joined by his colleague Tracey Allain (Head of Senior School) and Janet O'Neill (Planning Consultant) to answer to any questions in relation to the application. In response to Member questions, they explained that:

·        School started at 8.20am and it was not envisaged that more than 15-20 pupils (supervised) would use the MUGA before school. It was currently envisaged that Years 7 and 8 would use the MUGA.

·        The MUGA would be used as a playground and for informal use for Years 7 and 8 during  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.