DLP Planning Ltd were approached by Henry Boot Construction Ltd on behalf of the Department for Education regarding proposals to develop a new sports hall and gymnasium facility at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall, Pontefract.

The site had a pre-existing Gymnasium which was dilapidated and an existing Sports Hall that was dated and under-utilised, having reached the end of its maintenance lifespan. The proposals for a new sports hall, gymnasium and hard surface play area would enable the college site to accommodate a wider range of sports and leisure activities and provide an attractive facility for school users as well as the wider community.

A pre-application enquiry was submitted to the local planning authority to a broadly positive response, noting a similar scheme approved in 2019. Supporting documents and reports were collated and submitted to demonstrate the proposal’s compliance with relevant policies including addressing highways impact, ecology and BNG, ground contamination and drainage.

The planning application was submitted in December 2022 and with no public comments and broadly supportive consultee comments, including the withdrawal of an objection by Sport England in response to requests for more information, the application was granted planning permission in June 2023 under delegated powers, and subject to planning conditions regarding construction, tree protection and community access. DLP Planning Ltd have continued to assist with the discharge of conditions submissions.