A SCHEME to build a new sports pavilion and three floodlit all-weather pitches in a Ryedale village looks set to be approved by planners.

Heslerton Sports Club also proposes to create a new vehicular access and car park area at the existing sports field in Sands Lane, West Heslerton, near Malton.

Members of Ryedale District Council's central area planning committee will be recommended to approve the club's application when they meet tomorrow.

A report prepared by planning officer Rachel Smith states that the site is located to the north of the A64 on the corner of Sands Lane.

She says the club proposes to replace its old pavilion with a larger, L-shaped structure on basically the same site.

An outline drawing of the bungalow-style pavilion states it would have brick walls and a pantile roof.

To the east of the pavilion, it is proposed to develop three all-weather sports pitches suitable for tennis, five-a-side football and basketball.

These will be illuminated by six metre tall floodlighting columns.

Ms Smith states: "In this instance, the site has already been established for sports use, but the provision of a much larger pavilion and all-weather courts with fencing around them will have a greater impact on the visual amenities of the area.

"However, the design of the building is considered to be acceptable, although a minor amendment to the roofline has been requested."

She adds: "It is likely that the development would attract an increased volume of traffic, but its location so close to the A64 is unlikely to cause problems."

Ms Smith concludes: "It is clear that such facilities will benefit the social activity of the villages which can otherwise seem isolated."

The sports club will be required to submit precise details of the proposed floodlights, including their level of illuminance.

It will also have to submit to the district council and the highway authority details of any security lighting and other site illumination.

Planners and highways officials will have to be satisfied that such lighting would not give rise to glare, creating a hazardous distraction to drivers passing the site.

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