Plans for sports clubhouse at Chapel Gate in Christchurch

A planning application requesting a change of use has been approved for part of the clubhouse building at the Chapel Gate sports facility in Christchurch.

The application, submitted by Savills on behalf of BU, relates to the first floor of the building which currently is currently comprised of a lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms, storage, and a bathroom area.

It was used as steward’s accommodation up until December 2019 when it was determined to be no longer needed.

Since July 2021, BU has utilised the accommodation for general office use and meeting place for BU staff and sports clubs.

The latest planning application has seen permission obtained for the floor’s ‘flexible mixed use’, allowing it to be used by SportBU and the various sports community groups who use the Chapel Gate facilities.

It has also been earmarked for groups of academics and students undertaking sport and health related teaching and research, and an existing nursery group at the clubhouse.

The clubhouse's location within Chapel Gate (Image: BU/Savills)

BU said the proposed uses require no physical external or internal structural alterations, and will take up “part” of the floor.

In recommending the scheme for approval, BCP Council planning officer Natasha McCann said it would have ‘economic and social benefits’.

She wrote in her report: “The scheme has economic benefits increasing employment at the site and during the refurbishment phase. There are also social benefits in the provision of an improved wider community use.

"The environmental impact is considered neutral. Overall, the economic and social benefits of the scheme are considered to be significant and the proposed is recommended for approval.”

“The change of use would allow for the continued use of the site for the community benefit remaining ancillary to the wider sports complex.”

Addressing the loss of a steward’s accommodation at the clubhouse, the officer said: “The refurbishment and continued use of the site acting incidental to the wider community use is considered beneficial and therefore the loss of accommodation which is no longer required is outweighed.”