Farlington sports plans recommended for refusal despite strong local support

Plans to bring new sports facilities to Farlington have attracted strong local backing, but council officers have advised councillors to reject the proposals.

The application relates to Thirty Two Acres, on Eastern Road, near Farlington, and seeks permission to continue using part of the former St John’s College playing fields for commercial storage.

The proposals also include three netball courts, two padel courts and a multi-use games area on an overgrown section of land in the south-east of the site.

Other plans include a coffee kiosk, shelters, toilet facilities and parking for 30 cars.

The north-west section currently contains 29 green storage containers, 24 grey locker units, an office container and a toilet and welfare facility.

The containers were first placed at the site without planning permission in November 2023.

A previous application to retain the storage facilities was refused by Portsmouth City Council, with an appeal against the decision dismissed by a planning inspector in January 2026.

In their latest report, officers said the commercial storage use was unacceptable because the land is designated as open space and proposed to become Local Green Space under the emerging Portsmouth Local Plan.

They also raised concerns about the visual impact of the containers, inadequate surface water drainage and potential harm to protected wildlife habitats.

Natural England objected to the proposals, warning of potential adverse effects on Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area and Ramsar sites, as well as disturbance to wildlife.

While officers supported the principle of providing new sports facilities, they questioned whether the location was suitable, citing poor public transport links and concerns about air quality because its next to the A27.

The proposals received 35 representations, with 34 supporting the scheme and none objecting.

One comment read: “I very much welcome and support the application. It’s a great use of the space in this excellent location accessible to the local community and residents from surrounding towns who otherwise would have to travel some miles to enjoy these emerging popular sports.

“Sport is a fantastic social enabler, encouraging participation, reducing isolation, building cohesive communities and healthier active lives which is fantastic.”

The application, submitted by ENI Land Ltd, is due to be considered by the council’s planning committee on November 11.