The replacement clubhouse was intended to be smaller than the existing building but higher in quality. The inspector was concerned that the sheltered housing would take up most of the site, leaving little space for sports or other outdoor recreation. The proposal would be harmful to provision of open space, sports and recreation facilities in the borough, he ruled.
He remarked that such facilities underpin people's quality of life and attached substantial weight to this consideration. It was evident, he noted, that a very large number of new homes would be built nearby in the medium to long term, so it was likely that the appeal site's importance as a community resource would grow over time.
DCS Number 100-050-723
Inspector Andrew Poulter; Hearing.
