Planning application - local requirement
When this requirement applies
You will need to submit this plan with any planning application for new and replacement sports and recreational facilities.
Why it's necessary to manage artificial pitches and playing surfaces
3G pitches are constructed using longer pile artificial grass, with a rubber crumb infill. These crumb granules are typically made of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), originating from shredded waste tyres.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that planning policies and decisions should aim to avoid new and existing developments contributing to land contamination, soil degradation and water pollution.
Development will only be permitted provided a Management Plan is submitted with an application for a new artificial grass pitch in accordance with policy LCR6 of our Local Plan Partial Update (below). This principle also applies to managing public safety when playing on these surfaces. Users should follow the safety recommendations made by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).
What the Management Plan should include
The Management Plan should cover the following areas:
- Describing the materials used to form the artificial playing surface, with consideration of potential sources of pollution
- Considering the period from the installation phase, through to end of life, including disposal of the materials when the pitch is no longer fit for use.
- Considering both chemical and solid wastes, including microplastics.
- Remediation measures, to ensure any identified potential harm can be suitably mitigated, as well as how to implement, monitor and report these measures, through the lifetime of the pitch or playing surface