• CONTENTS
• List of Policies
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• List of Maps
• Introduction
• Part I Strategy & Policies
• Strategy
• Policies
• Part II Detailed Policies & Justification
• 1 Sustainability Appraisal
• 2 The Environment
• 3 Design
• 4 Housing
• 5 Industry and Employment
• 6 Rural Economy
• 7 Tourism
• 8 Shopping
• 9 Movement
• 10 Conservation of the Historic Environment
• 11 Countryside
• 12 Nature Conservation
• 13 Recreation & Leisure
• 14 Community Facilities
• 15 Minerals
• 16 Waste Planning Management
• 17 Implementation & Monitoring
• Appendix 1: Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks & Gardens
• Appendix 2: Licensed Non-landfill Waste Facilities
• Glossary

13 Recreation and Leisure

Recreation and Leisure Objectives

1. To safeguard and facilitate the provision of an adequate range and distribution of local recreation, open space and leisure facilities/opportunities to meet the needs of all of the County’s population.

2. To ensure that all leisure, recreation and open space facilities complement Monmouthshire’s natural and physical environment.

13.1 INTRODUCTION

13.1.1 The UDP provides the land-use and planning framework for the protection and provision of indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure facilities in the County. Recreation and leisure are all-embracing terms relating to the time spent on activities characterised by a sense of freedom from day-to-day chores. In this regard the Chapter is concerned with formal sport, recreation and leisure pursuits which include activities such as team games, children's play facilities and attending a cinema, as well as more informal activities such as taking a walk in the countryside. Tourism, on the other hand, comprises a range of different, but interdependent activities and operations, which overlap with sport, recreation and leisure. However, tourism is primarily concerned with holiday, social and business visitors spending time outside the places they normally live and work. Tourism issues are considered in Chapter 7.

13.1.2 Recreational and leisure facilities are an important generator of tourism and, in practice, the difference between facilities for locals and tourists is difficult to define. However, for the purposes of the Plan, policies which relate to recreation and leisure refer to activities primarily undertaken by local residents, as opposed to the more tourist-related activities associated with visitors.

13.1.3 Sustainability is one of the guiding principles that underpin the UDP. Recreation and leisure must embrace the principles of sustainable development to ensure the opportunities and qualities now enjoyed or strived for, will be available in the future. Therefore, as a strategic policy, the UDP will take account of environmental considerations in the planning of recreation and leisure facilities and support proposals which conserve and enhance the environment. However, the concept of sustainability is not simply about conservation. It also aims to ensure that each generation's use and management of resources is fair and equitable. The Plan therefore aims to deliver a balance of provision between both urban and rural areas which is accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, disability or level of ability.

13.2 RECREATION AND LEISURE PROVISION

13.2.1 Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) guidance in Planning Policy Wales (March 2002) and Technical Advice Note (TAN) 16: Sport and Recreation (1998) seeks to support the development of sport and recreation, and advises that such opportunities should, wherever possible, be available for everyone, including elderly people and those with disabilities. The guidance states that the planning system should ensure that adequate land and water resources are allocated both for organised sport and for recreation. Furthermore, the guidance suggests that Unitary Planning Authorities should take full account of the need for recreational space, the current levels of provision and deficiencies, and the impact on the locality.

13.2.2 The need for recreational and leisure provision in the County will continue to be important during the plan period. The demands for such facilities are a reflection of the continual demographic, social and economic changes that have occurred in recent years. This rapidly changing context mirrors the social and cultural significance of recreational activity, as recognised by The Sports Council for Wales (SCW). In the years up to 2011 it is expected that there will be a significant change in the age structure of the population, with fewer children under 15 years, a 'middle ageing' of the population and a significant growth in the number of people of pensionable age. Therefore, leisure provision for the over fifties will become a key issue during the period of the plan.

13.2.3 Changes in the general economic climate, levels of disposable income and employment structure have meant that the continued high growth in leisure activities predicted in the 1980s is unlikely to materialise. Whilst people generally have more leisure time at their disposal than before this is not likely to increase for those in work, particularly the well paid white collar sector. However this 'time squeeze' is likely to result in the enhancement of quality in leisure time as more money is spent on such activities.

13.2.4 The SCW has stated in its survey that participation in sport is increasing, with walking and indoor swimming remaining the two most popular activities. The survey also reveals a levelling off in the frequency of participation as more people take part in sporting activity, although there is a distinct seasonal variation with participation levels higher in the summer months. An examination of the results by gender and social class indicates that men, and those employed in managerial and professional positions are more likely than women and those in skilled, semi-skilled and manual employment to participate in sport. Overall, the study reveals that sport is ranked fifth in popularity after a visit to a pub, gardening, a visit to a restaurant and DIY.

13.2.5 The Council has limited resources for new recreational facilities, and these must spread fairly throughout the County. Other sources of finance include, for example, SPORTLOT. This has provided opportunities for the provision of new recreational and leisure facilities which otherwise would not be forthcoming. In order to meet the demand for such facilities and lever match funding, the Council will continue to promote co-operation and partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors to ensure, as far as possible, that a wide range of sport, recreational and leisure facilities are available and accessible to communities in Monmouthshire.

13.2.6 The Council is also a major provider of sport, recreation and leisure facilities. For example, within Monmouthshire there are leisure centres at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth, as well as country parks at Caldicot Castle and Rogiet and an outdoor centre at Hilston Park. In addition, the Council also manages museums, libraries, formal parks, the Borough Theatre at Abergavenny and other recreation areas, including areas for children's play. These facilities are supplemented by those provided by Community Councils, including village halls and recreation grounds. Monmouthshire is also served by a wide variety of private sector and 'community' provision. Whilst complementing the public facilities, private sector provision is provided for economic return rather than for the overall benefit of the community, for example Chepstow Racecourse, health and fitness facilities, golf courses and grass skiing. Many sports clubs are also run by communities and not as businesses, including cricket, tennis and football clubs, although not all of these are available to the public.

13.3 OUTDOOR RECREATION AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE STANDARDS

13.3.1 In order to assess the adequacy of the existing level of provision for outdoor recreation and open space within the County it is necessary to adopt a minimum standard against which current and future provision can be measured.

13.3.2 In setting out its guidance on sport and recreation provision, the WAG advises local planning authorities to include in their UDP's their own standards for the provision of outdoor sport and recreation, based on their assessment of need. To this end the Council will continue to adopt the National Playing Fields Association's (NPFA) minimum standard of 2.4 hectares (6 acres) per 1000 population for outdoor recreational playing space to meet the needs of both sexes, all age groups and people with disabilities. The Council will also continue to adopt a 0.4 hectare (1 acre) per 1000 population minimum standard for the provision of public open space (green areas where the general public have a legitimate right of informal enjoyment). This approach is supported by the Sports Council for Wales who have formally adopted the NPFA standards.

13.3.3 The Council's recreation and public open space standards are described in full in the Recreation and Open Space Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). However, in summary, the 2.8 hectares minimum standard per 1000 population can be broken down as in table 13.1

Table 13.1: Summary of the Council’s Recreation and Public Open Space Standards

Outdoor Sport	1.6 hectares (4 acres) Per 1000 Population
Children’s Playing Space	0.8 hectares (2 acres) Per 1000 Population
Public Open Space	0.4 hectares (1 acre) Per 1000 Population

13.3.4 The Council's standard is a minimum standard that will be sought throughout the County, in both urban and rural areas during the Plan period. In order to achieve the standard the Council will seek to maximise the use of existing facilities and seek the provision of additional facilities, where required. WAG guidance suggests that in urban areas, where land supply is limited, sport facilities which are capable of intensive use can help to reduce pressure on urban open space. Furthermore, in appropriate locations, and particularly in rural areas, WAG guidance suggests that the dual use of school facilities should be considered. The Council supports the dual use of educational facilities outside of school hours, particularly where pitches and changing rooms are under-utilised. Such provision can provide a recreational focus for a community where such facilities are absent. Currently within the County, all leisure centres are dual use facilities on secondary school sites. The improvement and upgrading of facilities can also contribute significantly towards meeting the NPFA standard. The potential for all-weather synthetic pitches, particularly when accompanied with floodlighting, allow for a very intensive use facility for a variety of team sports, and for training. This potential has already been recognised in the County, with new synthetic pitches provided at four of the County’s leisure centres. Chepstow leisure centre provides an opportunity for a new synthetic pitch provision during the Plan period.

13.4 SAFEGUARDING EXISTING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

13.4.1 In order to meet the recreational and public open space standard, it is necessary to protect existing facilities within Monmouthshire from development to other land uses. This is particularly the case within the development boundaries of urban areas, where pressure for development is most likely.

13.4.2 Sports grounds and other recreational facilities provided by both the public and private sector are increasingly being placed under pressure for other forms of development. WAG guidance considers that ‘playing fields are of special significance for their recreational and amenity value and, in towns and cities, for their contribution to the urban environment. When not required for their original purpose, they may meet the growing need for recreational land in the wider community.’ Therefore, it is important that playing fields remain in their existing use unless it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that they are surplus to the requirements of the community when judged against the recreational standards of the UDP, or that equivalent alternative provision can be secured.

13.4.3 The provision of allotment gardens throughout Monmouthshire is a function shared between the County and Community Councils, and provides a valuable recreational resource for the community. The Plan seeks to protect well-used allotment facilities from development. There are currently waiting lists for those allotments owned by the County Council, and whilst it is considered that the current level of provision meets the general demand, the growth in the population over the age of fifty during the Plan period is likely to lead to the need for new facilities. The Council will therefore consider favourably proposals to develop further facilities within its area.

13.4.4 Where it is agreed that development will lead to replacement provision, the Council will seek to enter into a Section 106 Agreement with the developer to provide a replacement that is ready and available for use at the time of loss, rather than at some unknown point in the future.

13.5 OUTDOOR RECREATION AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROVISION FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

13.5.1 New housing development will be expected to ensure that sufficient public open space, recreational space and facilities are available to meet the needs of the prospective residents of the development. Wherever possible, provision should be made on site as an integral part of the development, and in a location well related to the proposed residential properties. Where some of the provision needs to be made off site, a financial contribution may be appropriate, to allow facilities to be provided or improved in a suitable location nearby.

13.5.2 The needs of the proposed housing developments will vary, depending on the detailed requirements for the provision or improvement of recreational space in the area being considered. They will, however, be based on the UDP’s requirement for a minimum provision of 2.8 hectares per 1,000 population, and the recreational and open space requirements contained within that standard, as set out in table 13.1.

13.5.3 In addition, to ensure that any financial contribution is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development, the recreational open space needs will be assessed having regard to each individual development proposed. This will be in accordance with the draft Recreational and Open Space SPG which accompanies the Plan.

13.5.4 New housing is likely to create additional demands for recreational space and facilities in areas where the type of provision is considered to be deficient, when assessed against one or more of the basic criteria above. In such cases it would be reasonable to seek financial contributions from housing developers, related to those additional demands, where these facilities cannot be satisfactorily provided on the proposed site. Contributions would then be used to provide or improve facilities in an appropriate location nearby.

13.5.5 The Council has produced a Recreational and Open Space Strategy which examines the additional recreational demands created by new housing development within identified groups of Community Councils and within existing towns. This Strategy takes account of the anticipated scale and location of new housing development within the period of the UDP. The Strategy is published as Supplementary Planning Guidance to this UDP, and will be taken into account when determining planning applications for housing development. It will be used to assess the open space needs associated with the scale and nature of the proposed development.

13.5.6 A significant amount of housing development takes place within Monmouthshire on small housing sites (ie. less than 10 dwellings), and this is likely to continue to be the case during the period of the UDP. However, a contribution towards the improvement of existing off-site children’s play areas/facilities and adult outdoor recreation areas/facilities may still be sought from developers of these smaller housing sites where it is: inappropriate to provide them on-site; there are already deficiencies in the facilities that exist in the locality; and where these facilities are fairly and reasonably related to the proposed development. Contributions will then be used to provide or improve the appropriate recreational facilities within a reasonable time-scale. Where contributions have not been used within such time-scale, as may be agreed, then a refund will be made to the developer.

13.5.7 The Council considers that the best way of ensuring that recreational and public open space facilities are provided by a developer, maintained and kept in their intended use is to enter into a binding Section 106 Obligation with the developer as a prerequisite to the granting of planning permission. It should be noted that the Council has a policy of only adopting play areas, public open spaces, etc from developers if they are built to the Council’s standards and a single payment of twenty times the annual maintenance cost is made. Otherwise, the long-term maintenance liability will lie with the developer or property owners.

13.6 CONTROL OF RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE DEVELOPMENTS

13.6.1 The positive effects of the development of recreational, leisure and tourist facilities upon the amenity, social and economic fabric of the County are recognised by the policies of the UDP. However, such developments need to be planned and managed in a sustainable way in order to ensure that the positive benefits are not outweighed by their negative impacts. Accordingly, all recreational, leisure and tourist proposals will be examined against the criteria of other relevant policies in the UDP.

13.6.2 WAG guidance considers the impact of recreational and sporting activity on the amenity of nearby residents and adjacent land uses. Recreational and sporting developments will require a ‘buffer zone’ between the edge of a proposed activity and the boundary of the nearest residential property to take account of possible disturbance to adjacent residents from the development. The Council will apply the minimum ‘buffer zone’ requirements of the NPFA standard to all proposals for children’s play areas and will require a minimum 30 metre ‘buffer zone’ between new outdoor sporting facilities and adjoining residential properties.

13.6.3 For recreational, leisure and tourist activities the Council will also take into account how frequently noise will be generated and how disturbing it will be, and balance the enjoyment experienced by the participants against nuisance to other people. Permission may be granted, subject to conditions, limiting the hours of use, and the control of noise emissions (including public address systems) during unsociable hours. Special consideration will be given where noisy development is proposed in or near statutorily designated areas. The effect of noise on the enjoyment of other areas of landscape, wildlife, and historic value will also be taken into account.

13.6.4 The temporary use of land for most noisy sport is given a general grant of planning permission (known as permitted development) for not more than 28 days in any calendar year. An exception to this involves motorcar and motorcycle racing (including speed trials and practising) which can only be carried out for not more than 14 days. Such development is, however, not permitted if the land is, or within, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the land is to be used for clay pigeon shooting, any war game, or motorcar and motorcycle racing. Where complaints are received regarding such nuisance, the Council will continue to seek informal arrangements with appropriate groups and users to limit the nuisance caused. As a last resort, the Council may invoke the Article 4 Direction procedure withdrawing permitted development rights.

13.6.5 Similarly, where there are concerns about the impact on amenity from floodlighting and other forms of illumination, particularly in sensitive areas, conditions may be imposed limiting the hours during which the lights are switched on, or requiring the installation of light shielding.

13.6.6 The amenity of nearby residential properties should also be respected in terms of the general impact of proposals that are likely to generate a large number of people at any one time in the locality. The Council will balance economic benefits and the enjoyment of the participants against the frequency and timing of the nuisance caused by such a high level of activity.

13.6.7 Highway issues generally relate to the capacity and layout of the access, approach roads and junctions. Proposals in the countryside, which require major road works and the removal of hedgerows, can be detrimental to the lane network which forms an important part of the character of the County. In all locations the car parking and access requirements may vary according to the scale and type of activity for which new proposals are intended. Within settlements the amount of parking provided is likely also to be related to public transport facilities. Access and waiting areas should be designed to avoid congestion and minimise turning movements. Car parks should also be located so as to minimise their impact on the landscape, be informally laid out and screened if necessary.

13.6.8 In all areas, and particularly in the countryside, development of recreational, leisure and tourist facilities can play a key role in contributing towards the vitality and viability of an existing settlement. Suitable development located within, or close to, a settlement, which attracts residents and visitors alike, can help sustain local facilities including inns, hotels, guest houses, post offices and a range of tourist attractions.

13.6.9 Well-planned schemes can also have a positive benefit in the creation and management of habitats. In designing such schemes, regard should be given to existing rights of way to avoid danger and inconvenience to users, or to ensure that peoples’ enjoyment of these routes are not spoilt by the loss of views, or disturbance to the tranquillity of the countryside.

13.7 PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

13.7.1 Monmouthshire's countryside is a rich resource that includes the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a range of landscape types, the Usk, Monnow and Wye Rivers, Llandegfedd Reservoir, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, the Severn Estuary and a large number of forests and woodlands. Countryside of such high quality has obvious recreational and associated tourist potential and, consequently, there are many demands placed upon it. Issues of countryside management go beyond the land use issues of the UDP and, in this regard, reference is made to the Council's Countryside Environment Strategy and Action Plan for Monmouthshire 1998-2002. This is primarily an environmental Strategy and action plan for the countryside. One of its aims is to enhance opportunities for countryside access and enjoyment in ways that sustain the quality of the countryside environment. The document includes a number of objectives, including identifying new opportunities for recreational provision in the countryside. Further advice on such issues is also given in the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan in relation to the AONB, and the Severn Estuary Strategy Management Plan for the coastal zone.

13.7.2 Both the Sports Council for Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales believe it is possible to manage the use of the countryside so that most demands for sport and recreation may be met without the interests of acknowledged importance suffering significant or lasting damage.

13.7.3 Within the countryside the principal aim of the UDP is the conservation of the natural beauty, landscape diversity, nature conservation interests and natural resources. These important characteristics can attract visitors and serve to encourage participation in sport and recreation activities. Accordingly, there may be circumstances where certain activities will not be acceptable, particularly where they prejudice the interests of designated sites and buildings, especially within the AONB or other sensitive areas.

13.7.4 Whilst there is a general presumption against inappropriate development in the countryside, recreation is one of the land-uses that may be appropriate and may benefit the rural economy and maintain or enhance the environment. Locations nearby a settlement can contribute towards a reduction in the need to travel and the length of car journeys, as well as reducing the pressures of development in remote areas.

13.7.5 The countryside is best suited to low-key informal recreation and quiet, passive pursuits such as walking or using picnic areas. Proposals for organised recreational and sporting activities that will generate large volume of people are likely to be intrusive and require some form of development. Such proposals will need to satisfy the criteria of other relevant policies in the UDP and be located within, or adjoining, a town or village development boundary.

13.7.6 In rural areas of the County the provision of recreational facilities is deficient. The Council currently spends approximately 85% of its resources for sport and recreation provision in the four main towns of Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth. However, approximately 50% of the population of the County lives outside these urban areas. In order to address this imbalance the Council has prepared a strategic plan for Rural Area Sports Provision. The approach is to encourage, in partnership with community-based groups and organisations, the development of sport and participation, particularly by children of school age, in rural parts of Monmouthshire. The aim of the strategic approach is to provide, within the period of the Plan, one tennis court-size multi-use sports area in satellite villages which do not enjoy either easy access to a leisure centre, or regular access by public transport to a town. These satellite villages can then act as a natural ‘hub’ or ‘centre’ for a number of smaller settlements. Accordingly, priority will be given to intensive forms of sport provision within the Plan period based on the service catchment areas of the Leisure, Community and Culture Committee. The following villages within the Plan area have been identified:

• Abergavenny Area
  -Pandy
  -Llanfoist
  -Llanvapley
• Caldicot Area
  -Rogiet
  -Caerwent
  -Portskewett
• Chepstow Area
  -Mathern
  -Shirenewton
  -Devauden
• Monmouth Area
  -Cross Ash
  -Llandogo
  -Rockfield
• Usk Area
  -Little Mill
  -Raglan
  -Llangybi

13.8 PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE FACILITIES WITHIN SETTLEMENTS

13.8.1 The County's main towns are reasonably well served with formal recreational facilities. The Sports Council for Wales (SCW) has analysed the provision of sports facilities in Monmouthshire. With the use of a Facilities Planning Model the SCW considers that its analysis enables Councils to more accurately pinpoint unmet demand and areas where new facilities could be sustained. Although limited in scope (indoor bowling, athletics tracks, swimming pool, sports halls, artificial turf pitches, golf courses), for those facilities included in the study, the document considers that Monmouthshire is relatively well provided for in terms of most types of sports facilities. There is, however, unmet demand for indoor bowling in the County and unmet demand for sports hall facilities in the Caldicot/Caerwent and Chepstow areas. The Council also considers the Magor with Undy area as worthy of consideration for such facilities as well. The study concludes that extending existing facilities in those areas is the best option. The overall favourable status given to the County in the study should, however, not obviate the need for improvements in particular areas known to the Council. For example, developing new leisure facilities in the town of Monmouth, and meeting the requirements of the recreational and public open space standard, and the Rural Areas Sports Provision strategy.

13.9 AIR AND WATER RECREATION

13.9.1 Participation in air and water based activities has grown substantially over the past few decades, especially ballooning, gliding, hang gliding and microlight flying; and angling, canoeing and boardsailing. Within the County there is a gliding club near Usk and the Black Mountains near Abergavenny provide an area internationally recognised for hang-gliding and para-gliding. Llandegfedd Reservoir, the Monnow, Wye and Usk Rivers and the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal have a multiplicity of uses including boating holidays, angling, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. In addition, there is a rowing club in Monmouth and a small yacht club at St. Pierre Pill. The Council will consider favourably proposals for the improvement of such facilities within its area in accordance with the criteria of all the relevant policies in this Plan. At present there is no identified need for an additional small airfield in the Plan area.

13.9.2 The gliding club at Usk is operated by the South Wales Gliding Club. The Club has lodged with the Council an ‘Aerodrome Safeguarding Map’ and it wishes to be consulted on planning applications within this safeguarding area. While such a safeguarding area does not have official status, Welsh Assembly Government Circular 01/2003 asks that local planning authorities respond sympathetically to such requests for non-official safeguarding. The Council, therefore, will use the map as a basis for carrying out consultations with the Gliding Club on planning applications and the safeguarding area is identified accordingly on the Proposals Map.

13.10 GOLF COURSES

13.10.1 The rate of construction of golf courses became a major land-use issue in the area of Monmouthshire during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. There was particular pressure for facilities in the south of the county, along the M4 corridor, which did not necessarily reflect the area of greatest need, but the area of greatest commercial potential. The commercial potential for golf has also been seen to grow with the expansion in golf based tourism.

13.10.2 The current trends in the development of golf and golfing facilities has been examined by the Sports Council for Wales (SCW). Golf grew in popularity in the 1980’s with participation rising from 3.3% to 3.9%. Since then, participation rates have reached a plateau.

13.10.3 The SCW research also reveals that Monmouthshire is particularly well served in terms of 18-hole golf facilities, and these meet current demand. However, the study considers that new courses may be justified on the grounds of convenience, to provide greater access for pay and play and tourist use. Development pressure may also come from the need to provide par 3 courses and driving ranges, both of which serve the practice and beginners markets.

13.10.4 Concern has been expressed by the general public, in some areas, on the numbers and effects of existing and proposed golf courses within the Plan area. The Council considers that it cannot control the numbers of golf courses within the Plan area as this will be dictated by the free market. There are already signs that some courses with planning permission are finding it difficult to attract investors. However, the Council can, through its planning decisions, ensure that golf courses are located in areas where they do not have a detrimental impact on landscape, agricultural, conservation, ecological, geological and highway interests. The Council also recognises that such areas are limited in number and a stage may be reached when no more courses will be permitted.

13.10.5 Golf courses, by their very nature, require extensive tracts of land and may result in the remodelling of the topography of the area or require additional planting to screen the course or delineate the fairways. The style and maintenance required for tees, greens and fairways give them a manicured and artificial appearance which, together with the above planting and associated bunkers and water features, could be considered detrimental and alien, particularly within areas of protected landscape value and the AONB. There may also be a detrimental effect on nature conservation interests. Associated facilities such as clubhouses, golf shops, changing rooms, showers, storage/maintenance areas and car parks are also normally provided in any scheme for golf course development. Some proposals may also include an associated country hotel, restaurants, and chalets/housing etc, to provide tourist and other facilities. Such elements are not normally generally ancillary to golf use, and proposals for them will be considered against the other relevant policies in this Plan, including those on tourism and housing.

13.10.6 Associated facilities should normally use existing buildings that are suitable for conversion. However, where the only option is to provide a new building, careful attention should be given to siting, design and materials to minimise its impact on the surrounding landscape and land uses. Planning applications for significant associated developments, e.g. hotels, chalets etc, will be considered in accordance with all other policies in this Plan.

13.10.7 Driving ranges usually cover an area of 2.0-3.2 hectares (5-8 acres), have a long driving shed, a high surrounding fence and are normally floodlit. Therefore, proposals for such facilities could have an adverse affect upon the amenity of nearby residents or be visible in the wider landscape. Proposals for floodlit driving ranges in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or prominent parts of the Special Landscape Areas will not normally be permitted. Where acceptable locations can be found, floodlights should be directed, shielded and of an appropriate intensity to minimise the impact upon the environment. In areas where the amenity of nearby residents will be affected, the hours during which the lights may be switched on should be limited.

13.10.8 Proposals for golf courses and driving ranges will have a different impact on the interests outlined in paragraphs 13.6.1-13.6.9, depending on their location. However, the more important the interest, the more stringent will be the control applied in considering the proposal. Therefore, detailed layout and landscaping drawings and a statement regarding the impact on the above interests will normally be required with a planning application for golf developments. Additionally, these proposals may have a severe effect on the infrastructure of utility services and mitigating measure may be required to ensure the efficient use of natural resources and that no detriment is suffered by existing communities.

13.11 COMMERCIAL LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

13.11.1 The commercial leisure industry is fashion-led and changes quickly. Recent years have seen an increasing involvement of the commercial sector in leisure provision in the UK with the industry operating within a rapidly evolving market, often at the leading edge of new communications and technology. With audiences expected to reach 180 million in the UK by 2000 and a growth in attendance of 250% from its low point in 1984, the cinema industry is a prime example of the recent growth in this form of leisure activity.

13.11.2 Major leisure uses such as theatres, multi screen cinemas, bingo halls and bowling alleys can bring many beneficial effects to a town centre, not just in recreational terms, but also through economic and tourism benefits and the enhanced status modern comfort orientated leisure facilities can provide. However, trends have shown that pressure exists for the provision of such commercial facilities in locations outside of existing centres, often on greenfield sites where the commercial advantages of large-scale purpose built facilities, with generous car parking, exist. WAG advice seeks to counter this trend by encouraging new leisure and entertainment facilities to locate within town and neighbourhood centres where they can promote lively centres as well as reduce the need to travel to a range of facilities. Leisure developers will have to demonstrate that they have considered the ‘sequential test’ and thoroughly assessed all potential town centre options before they consider an edge-of-centre or out-of-centre development.

13.11.3 Leisure is recognised as the fastest growing area for travel. Research has shown that in the early 1990s 46% of mileage travelled in Britain was for social/entertainment and leisure purposes. All new commercial leisure and entertainment developments will therefore need to demonstrate that they do not generate unnecessary use of the private car, and can be integrated into a network of public transport, bicycle or pedestrian routes.

13.11.4 When properly managed and in the right locations cinemas, theatres, clubs and other speciality leisure developments can do much to bring life to a town centre at night. Government guidance also encourages town centre leisure facilities comprising D2 uses, and as part of mixed-use schemes including residential development. Careful consideration will be given to such proposals where the amenity of residents would be affected by noise, smells and late night licences for leisure facilities that are part of the evening economy.

13.11.5 The Council's ‘Three Towns Initiative’ study of Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth revealed significant demand for new cinema provision in Monmouthshire. Currently, there is only a one-screen cinema operating within the county at Monmouth. Modern alternative facilities are only available in Cwmbran, Newport, Coleford, Hereford, Bristol and Cardiff. Household surveys have shown that a new cinema is the single most important improvement or facility sought within Abergavenny. However, the Council's consultants consider that mainstream multiplex operators are unlikely to be interested in a town the size of Abergavenny. Alternatively, there may be potential for a smaller one or two screen cinema within the town. The feasibility of accommodating a cinema in Abergavenny town centre with associated leisure/community uses is being investigated. The ‘Three Towns Initiative’ study also revealed demand for cinema facilities in Chepstow, where such proposals will be favourably considered.

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