A long-abandoned set of tennis courts in Torrington could soon be transformed into a new floodlit sports play zone after councillors approved the scheme despite concerns from nearby residents over noise, parking and light pollution.
Torridge District Council’s planning committee backed proposals for the new multi-use games area at the former tennis courts off Bests Lane during a meeting on Thursday, May 14. The application was formally approved on Tuesday, May 19.
The development will see the disused courts replaced with a sand-dressed floodlit “PlayZone” featuring sports fencing, hardstanding and integrated goals. The facility will measure 30 metres by 20 metres and include four eight-metre floodlight columns.
Planning officers told councillors the site had become rundown and inaccessible.
During the meeting, the committee heard the courts were “a bit of a mess” and had deteriorated significantly, with overgrown areas, damaged fencing and redundant floodlighting remaining on site.
The site sits immediately north of Torrington Football Club and is surrounded by homes, a scout hall and other community facilities. Planning officers said the area already had a strong recreational character.
Five objections were submitted during the planning process, with residents raising concerns about potential anti-social behaviour, noise from evening use, floodlighting and a lack of parking.
Councillor Doug Bushby supported the plans, telling the committee the scheme would provide “an absolutely fantastic addition” for young people in Torrington.
He said: “Here we have a disused tennis court in Torrington that, I have to say, is kind of a bit of a mess.
“What’s proposed is an absolutely fantastic addition to the amenity of things that are available for youngsters in Torrington.”
Councillor Doug Smith also backed the application.
He said: “There’s a huge amount of work gone into this. It’s much needed in Torrington. Anything like that that we do have in town is very well accepted.”
Committee members also questioned whether the facility would be available for children who were not part of organised clubs.
Adrian Avery, Torridge District Council’s community projects officer, said free play sessions would be included alongside the bookable system.
He said: “We’ve done substantial work working with the Football Foundation and recognising that from the town council as well, that it’s essential that there’s elements of free play involved.
“That will also be managed by Active Torridge so there’ll be staff on site to manage all that.”
The PlayZone will operate between 8am and 9pm under planning conditions imposed by the council.
Additional conditions require a detailed lighting assessment, acoustic fencing and a noise management plan to protect neighbouring properties and wildlife.
Planning officers said the scheme would deliver an 11.34 per cent biodiversity net gain, exceeding the mandatory national target of 10 per cent.
The project forms part of the Football Foundation’s PlayZone programme, which aims to improve access to sports facilities in communities identified as having the greatest need.
