Noise concerns raised over plans for new sports pitch in Llanfair Caereinion

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a new all-weather sports pitch in Llanfair Caereinion (plans above) could be decided by Powys councillors after concerns were raised about noise and potential anti-social behaviour.

Llanfair Caereinion Town Council submitted a planning application in July to build a multi-use games area (MUGA) and storage building on land next to the football pitch at Mount Road, home of Llanfair United Football Club.

The proposed artificial pitch would measure 18 metres by 24 metres, with a 10-metre by 12-metre storage building. The existing spectator stand would also be relocated as part of the development.

Local councillor Gareth D Jones, who also chairs Powys County Council’s Planning Committee, has requested that the application be considered by councillors rather than decided by planning officers.

Cllr Jones (Powys Independents – Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl) said: “In my capacity as the local ward councillor, I wish to request that the application be called in for determination by the Planning Committee on the grounds of significant public interest.”

However, the council’s environmental protection department has objected to the proposal, warning that noise from the facility could disturb nearby residents.

Senior chartered environmental health practitioner, Carwyn Jones, said the department had previously investigated complaints involving similar sports facilities, particularly those close to homes in quiet rural areas.

He highlighted the proximity of neighbouring properties, saying that the nearest home is less than 10 metres away and several others within 50 metres.

Potential noise sources include footballs striking fencing, rebound boards and goalposts, as well as shouting from players, coaching instructions and cheering spectators.

There are also concerns about noise from sports equipment being moved across hard surfaces.

Mr Jones warned that the facility could become an evening gathering place for young people, potentially leading to further disturbance from music, shouting and anti-social behaviour.

He said these problems could become more pronounced during the summer months, particularly if floodlights were installed in the future.

But the applicant argues that the development would provide an important year-round recreational facility for the community.

Planning agent Gerallt Davies, of Roger Parry and Partners, said: “Mount Field is allocated as a public area for residents to use and the MUGA pitch will allow all-year use of the area, as winter months mean the current grassed areas are not usable.”

The proposed development would sit alongside the home ground of Llanfair United, a club with a history stretching back around 130 years and numerous Montgomeryshire league and cup successes.

A decision has yet to be made on whether the application will be referred to the council's Planning Committee.