Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004 - Stroud District Council

Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004
In considering this element, the views of the Environmental Health Officer have been sought as
well as consideration of the applicant's own noise consultants report. The development will
generate noise when the stadium is in use and it is accepted at the nearest properties this will
involve a change from that which exists at present. However, the noise from match days will be
limited as the stadium will not be used every weekend for matches and there were few evening
matches during the last season. Such matches would be expected to finish by about 10:00 p.m.
Whilst a small number of properties will be affected a larger number of dwellings would be
located further away from the stadium than that which exists at present. Overall, therefore, from
a public perspective there will be some gain in locating the stadium to the new location where
other factors such as new lighting can be provided which will be less obtrusive than the existing.
Car parking can also be provided in the new location and this would result in less noise and
disturbance being created in the proximity of 'The Lawn' again reducing any incidence of noise to
a wider range of residents.
RPG 10 sets out the strategy and planning policy guidance for the South West. Section 6 deals
with Tourism, Culture, Leisure and Sport. It recognizes the wide and diverse range of leisure
activities and these help to maintain a quality of life. Many people partake and watch sporting
events and this is important for quality of life. The philosophy 'sport for all' recognizes sports
contribution to the health and well being of the population. Local Authorities in their plans,
proposals and policies should maximize the use of high quality managed areas of sports facilities.
They should maximize the positive benefits of sport, leisure, recreation, and cultural development
for the environment, local communities, local economics and visitors. Management strategies
should be prepared taking into account recreational demands and the need for environmental
protection.
Surface Water
The Environment Agency has expressed concerns regarding surface water run off and the
possibility of contamination. The applicant has undertaken studies which confirm there is no
presence of methane on the site and that samples of soil taken do not contain contaminants from
the adjacent land which was formerly used as a tip.
Surface water will be dealt with via soakaways and deep trap gullies will also be used on the
access roads. These will enable clean water to be discharged into the groundwater system. The
car parking areas will be gravelled to enable SUD's techniques to be incorporated into the
scheme.
Archaeology
The County Archaeologist has requested that a site survey be undertaken to enable an appraisal
to be made in respect of its archaeology. This has been undertaken by trenching the site and no
significant finds or archaeology were found. Therefore the issue of archaeology is not one which
would have any significant effect on restricting the development.
Landscape
The site (stadium) is situated on the edge of the settlement of Nailsworth and within the defined
urban boundary as defined in the Stroud District Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as
amended June 2001). The site is bounded by the School, a scattering of residential properties
(including a guest house) and a former tip. An area of woodland lies below the site and this area
has been designated as a key wildlife site. The site itself is designated as protected outdoor play
space. The land generally is flat but rises to the west and falls away to the south. The boundary
of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies to the west of the site and in the
immediate vicinity this area of land within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
comprises a former tip. The land has tree screening on this boundary and an overgrown
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