St Joseph’s College cricket pavilion public use plan refused

Ipswich Borough Council’s planning and development committee discussed the application relating to the cricket pavilion and nets at St Joseph's College, in Belstead Road.

The pavilion was previously restricted by the condition that it will be solely used as the educational and sporting facility associated with St Joseph’s College and will not be available for public use. 

Prior to the meeting planning officers had recommended allowing a 12-month temporary planning permission.

A petition with 29 signatures against the plans was sent to the council.

The signees said: "Whenever events are held at the school, residents suffer from anti-social behaviour and poor parking. Opening the pavilion and cricket pitch for regular use by external users will increase the frequency of these events.

"The pavilion is much closer to our homes than the main school, and is a negative change to our ability to enjoy our properties in the way we expected when we purchased them. Increasing usage of the pavilion outside of school usage will exacerbate this impact.

"The original planning application was on the understanding the facility was solely for school purposes. This has not been the case recently and has caused significant noise disruption to the detriment of us as residents.’

READ MORE: Howzat! School in Ipswich opens new cricket and sports pavilion
St Joseph's College's brand new cricket pavillion and nets, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for planning and museums, said: "This application was refused due to issues raised regarding concerns about noise levels outside of school hours affecting private amenities and enjoyment of private gardens of nearby residents." 

Councillor Carole Jones, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The new cricket and sports pavilion at St Joseph’s College opened in June 2019.