Fleggburgh
It is important to be aware that the Fleggburgh Neighbourhood Plan was ‘made’ in 2022 and is part of the Development Plan and the policies it contains may be of relevance to proposals for this area of Fleggburgh.
Policy POFLE1: Broadland Sports Club
- The continued use of the area for sports facilities will be supported.
- Any proposal to improve and provide new facilities will be supported if:
- It is of high standards of design, materials and landscaping;
- Steps are taken to reduce existing light pollution;
- New lighting installations are fully justified and designed so they do not contribute to light pollution;
- It manages flood risk on the site and does not increase flood risk elsewhere;
- It avoids adversely impacting designated nature sites;
- Access to the site by walking and cycling is improved and promoted; and
- Any proposals for additional car parking are thoroughly justified. These will be considered in light of how the proposed scheme meets criterion vi on walking and cycling.
- Any development permitted here would be subject to a condition requiring the production and implementation of a robust travel plan for the entire site.
Constraints and features
- Part in flood zone 2 and 3 (EA mapping), 2 and indicative 3b (SFRA 2017)
- Adjacent to the Trinity Broads SSSI and the Broads SAC
- Contains cropmarks of a ditch and bank.
Reasoned Justification
The Authority supports the continued use of the Sports Club to reflect the benefits it provides to health and wellbeing of the community. The Authority is aware of Club’s aspirations to improve the venue and raise the standard of its facilities to be a regionally important area for racquet sports, and to improve the swimming pool provision and storage to expand the exercise offer.
The venue is subject to some constraints such as flood risk and proximity to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Broadland Sports Club is also remote from significant areas of population and attracts people from as far away as Winterton on Sea. These will be important considerations for future proposals. On the issue of transport and access to the venue, the requirement of the policy for a robust, deliverable travel plan will assist the venue in accommodating demand for parking, especially at peak times. Further, the policy requires improvements for walking and cycling. The aim is to shift away from single occupancy car use, reducing the demand for car parking spaces. Such a travel plan needs to address the usage of the entire site.
The Trinity Broads area is one of the darkest areas of the Broads. As part of any proposals there may be opportunities to address current external lighting. New lighting proposals will need to be line with Policy PODM27 on light pollution.
Reasonable alternative options
The original policy, with no amendments.
An alternative option could be to have no specific policy relating to Broadland Sports Club; any application would be considered using existing policies. To not have a policy is considered a reasonable alternative option in this instance as the various criteria listed are addressed in other policies.
Sustainability appraisal summary
The following is a summary of the assessment of the policy and alternative(s).
A: No policy: 0 positives. 0 negatives. 9 ?
B: Keep original policy: 9 positives. 0 negatives. 0 ? Overall, positive.
C: Preferred Option - amend policy: 9 positives. 0 negatives. 0 ? Overall, positive.
How has the existing policy been used since adoption in May 2019?
According to recent Annual Monitoring Reports, the policy has been used and applications have been determined in accordance with the policy.
Why has the alternative option been discounted?
Broadland Sports Club is important to the health and wellbeing of the local community but is also in an area with some constraints to consider. The amendments to the original policy fundamentally reinforce the location of this popular attraction – being in an edge of settlement area, drawing in people who tend to use their cars. The preferred policy is favoured as it emphasises the importance of dark skies and walking and cycling. Not to have a policy was discounted because this is a unique and successful facility in the Broads, so by setting out the key considerations, the policy supports appropriate change at the site.