Objections raised against artificial sports pitch in Llanfair Caereinion due to anti-social behaviour fear

Powys councillors could be asked to decide a planning application for a new artificial sports pitch in Llanfair Caereinion.

In July, Llanfair Caereinion Town Council lodged an application with Powys planners to build a multi-use games area and storage building on land next to the football pitch on Mount Road – the home of Llanfair FC.

The MUGA would be 18 metres by 24 metres, with a storage building measuring 10 metres by 12 metres. The proposal also includes moving the existing spectator stand there.

Cllr Gareth D Jones represents the town and is also chairman of Powys County Council’s Planning Committee. He has indicated that he wants to “call in” the proposal to be decided by councillors.

Cllr Jones (Powys Independents – Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl) said: “In my capacity as the local ward councillor, I wish to request that the application be called in for determination by the Planning Committee on the grounds of significant public interest.”

Comments lodged with the application show that, during the consultation process, Powys County Council’s environmental protection department objected to the proposal.

Senior chartered environmental health practitioner Carwyn Jones said: “Environmental protection have previously investigated noise complaints from multi-use sports areas similar to that being proposed in this application.

“The noise impact is greater where the sports area is close to residential gardens, directly overlooked by bedrooms, located in an otherwise quiet rural area and positioned above surrounding properties.

“In this location, the nearest dwelling is less than 10 metres from the nearest dwelling and multiple properties are within 50 metres.”

He explained that noise is generated by users of the sports facility while they play, such as the impact of footballs hitting fencing/rebound boards, balls bouncing on hard surfaces, and balls hitting goals, posts and net supports.

The noise includes players shouting and calling to each other, goal celebrations, coaching instructions, spectators cheering, arguments, shouting and swearing.

Noise from equipment “being dragged” across surfaces before and after use is also a concern.

The facility could also become a source of anti-social behaviour.

Mr Jones explained that it could become an “evening gathering point for young people”.

This could mean that music is played through portable speakers, with noise generated from “general socialising, shouting, noise from alcohol-related activities which is worse during the summer months. This situation can be exacerbated if flood lights were introduced at a later date”.

Planning agent Gerallt Davies of Roger Parry and Partners said: “Mount Field is allocated as a public area for residents to use and the MUGA pitch will allow all-year use of the area, as winter months mean the current grassed areas are not usable.”

Llanfair Utd, who play their home matches at the ground, have enjoyed successful periods during their 130-year history, having won many Montgomeryshire leagues and cups.