On behalf of the landowner, Chapman Lily Planning has been assisting AFC Bournemouth and Savills in advancing a planning application for a state of the art training centre in North Poole. The proposal will see the redevelopment of Canford Magna Golf Club, the creation of nine full size training pitches, a covered stand and the creation of a pavilion and indoor pitch. The training centre will house the first and second teams, together with the youth academy, allowing AFC Bournemouth to attract the very best talent.
In considering the application, the Planning Committee recognised the substantive economic and social benefits associated with the training centre and commended the inspiring youth programme operated by the Club. The Committee deemed the retention of a sporting use in the green belt acceptable and cited exceptional circumstances to justify the additional built form associated with the pavilion and indoor pitch. The Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant permission subject to referral to the Secretary of State.
Brett Spiller, Director of Chapman Lily Planning commented: ‘We were delighted to act on behalf of the landowner and assist AFC Bournemouth. Our role was primarily one of due diligence, but we were pleased to bring our knowledge of local environmental issues to bare in pulling together supplemental information. The Planning Committee recognised the benefits that the training centre would bring to the Borough and in particular to role that sport plays in health and inspiring young people. The application now needs to be referred to the Secretary of State owing to its Green Belt location – we would expect to see a decision as to whether the Secretary of State wishes to call in the application during January’.
We wish AFC Bournemouth every success in 2018.