Lewisham's Planning Committee A has approved a significant planning application for the development of a new 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) at Whitefoot Lane Playing Field, aiming to enhance sports provision and address a borough-wide need.
The committee granted planning permission for the creation of a 97m x 61m AGP, which will include perimeter fencing, hardstanding, 15-metre high floodlights, a storage container, new footpaths, a topsoil bund, and a 3.25-metre high acoustic barrier. The development is anticipated to deliver significant public benefits, including improved sports facilities and increased participation opportunities, particularly in Downham, one of the borough's most deprived wards with high inactivity levels. The AGP is expected to increase opportunities for physical activity, organised sport, and community participation, helping to reduce health inequalities.
Despite 14 objections from local residents raising concerns about light pollution, anti-social behaviour, noise, and ecological impacts, the application was recommended for approval. Sport England raised no objection, subject to planning conditions ensuring the pitch meets FIFA Quality standards, a community use agreement, and a management and maintenance schedule.
Mitigating Resident Concerns
To address concerns regarding light pollution and noise, specific measures will be implemented. A 3.25-metre high acoustic barrier is proposed along the western boundary of the facility. Environmental Protection officers have advised that conditions should be imposed to control the operation of the lighting and require verification of its performance. A Noise Management Plan will also be submitted and approved, including a booking and lettings system requiring users to sign a Code of Conduct, on-site supervision, a complaints procedure, and a behaviour and enforcement policy.
The lighting scheme is designed to minimise obtrusive light impacts on nearby residential and ecological receptors. It includes six 15-metre-high columns fitted with directional LED luminaires with no upward tilt. The lighting will be controlled by timers, dimming, and automatic cut-off controls to ensure operation only during permitted hours, with a short period beyond the final booking time for safe vacating, after which lights will be dimmed before being turned off. Conditions will be imposed to control the operation of the lighting and require verification of its performance. The floodlighting must also meet specific lux levels: a maximum of 2 lux vertical illuminance at the nearest residential façades during permitted hours, and light spill must not exceed 0.2 lux at ground level at the nearest residential receptor, as modelled.
Ecological Considerations
Specific ecological impacts raised by residents included concerns about impacts on ancient woodlands, ponds, and local ecosystems, as well as the environmental and health impacts of the rubber crumb infill and potential microplastic pollution. To mitigate these concerns, a robust Biodiversity Net Gain of +23.38% is proposed, exceeding the statutory 10% requirement. Design features to minimise infill loss include perimeter containment barriers, boot cleaning and decontamination units, and infill capture grates at pitch exit points. A detailed Infill Containment Management Plan will be submitted and approved.
Lighting modelling demonstrates that predicted illuminance levels at the nearest residential properties would be less than 0.2 lux at ground level. For ecological receptors, illuminance at the woodland and pond edges would remain below 0.5-1 lux, aligning with Bat Conservation Trust/ILP guidance thresholds. A Lighting Management Verification Report will be submitted to ensure minimal light spill to sensitive ecological areas. Strengthened infill containment measures and additional landscaping are proposed to mitigate impacts on the pond and woodlands, with the pond being physically separated from the pitch by a belt of mature trees and proposed soft landscaping.
Management and Community Access
The new pitch will be managed and maintained through a Management and Maintenance Scheme, which will be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, after consultation with Sport England. This scheme will detail the management structure, responsibilities, maintenance schedule, and measures to ensure the replacement and recycling of the Artificial Grass Pitch within its specified lifespan. The scheme will be complied with from the first use of the pitch and maintained for its lifetime.
A Community Use Agreement will also be secured by planning condition, prepared in consultation with Sport England. This agreement will detail the pricing policy, hours of use, access by non-club users, management responsibilities, and a mechanism for review. The pitch would continue to be used by local schools during the daytime and community clubs and grassroots football organisations during evenings and weekends. Local community groups will benefit from a discounted rate, reflecting their role in delivering activities for local residents.
The development addresses a clearly identified borough-wide need for full-size 3G pitches, contributing to a shortfall within the borough. The upgrade builds on the longstanding recreational use of the playing field and increases opportunities for sport, physical activity, and wider community use.
