BCP Council (Poole and Bournemouth area) Planning permission has recently been granted for a change of use and installation of 4 beach volleyball courts with associated nets and picket fence enclosure at Sandbanks Beach (by the Saltwater Sauna) and also at Boscombe Beach (by Urban Reef) for BCP Council themselves. The plans were prepared by our friends at AG Design, (https://www.archigold.co.uk/)
Whilst volleyball courts have been in situ at both location for previous summers without any apparent complaint, there was uncertainty about whether they fell within the Local Authority permitted development so BCP Council approached Pure Town Planning to prepare, submit and manage the application processes on their behalf.
Within our supporting statement we put forward robust arguments explaining that aside from the health and well being benefits of playing any sport, the proposed purpose-built volleyball use contributes positively to function of both Sandbanks and Boscombe beaches as a key tourist destination, making best use of its unique beachfront location and adding to its customer offer.
One key consideration which needed to be addressed was the potential objection on grounds of loss of public open space. We put forward a strong argument around the theory that by directing volleyball activity and containing it within this safe purpose-built environment it will dissuade people from setting up their own ‘ad hoc’ games and providing a nuisance in and around the more densely populated parts of the beaches either side. However, it was also pointed out that it was not a permanent loss as for most of the time when the courts are not being used the space available to anyone.
Quite amusingly, we were required to provide a flood risk assessment. Matt seized his opportunity to provide a ‘tongue in cheek response’ – “if the courts are flooded following a prolonged period of rainfall (although puddles are quite difficult to achieve on the beach), then it wouldn’t necessarily stop a game of volleyball which is played in the air. If however, it is the perfect storm of high winds, prolonged rainfall, high sea levels, meaning the waves are lapping up over the promenade, then it is very simple – there it’s probably not a good day to play volleyball!”. He then followed this up with a short statement explaining how the use was ‘water compatible’ and providing an evacuation plan in the event of extreme weather.
Despite the application being for the Council themselves, both applications still went way past the original determination date, thankfully they have arrived just in time for Summer!