Havant Hockey Club

The project involved identifying the need to upgrade facilities at Havant Hockey Club, located at Havant & South Downs College, with the aim of delivering a modern sports facility that would support community use, health, and wellbeing. The proposals aligned strongly with the Havant Active Wellbeing Strategy and received support from Sport England and England Hockey.

Key planning considerations included potential noise impacts on neighbouring residents, accessibility and safeguarding requirements, and highways and parking constraints. A collaborative and proactive process was undertaken with the Council and consultant team to address these matters and develop a robust, policy-compliant scheme.

A detailed Noise Impact Assessment demonstrated that the proposed bar, balcony, and plant equipment would not result in adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity, subject to appropriate mitigation measures. The layout and design of the scheme were refined in collaboration with the architect to improve accessibility, safeguarding, and user welfare in accordance with modern standards. Highways concerns were also addressed by demonstrating that the proposals would not increase parking demand, with use restricted to the hockey club.

The approved development, which secured delegated planning permission from Havant Borough Council, includes a new clubhouse, upgraded changing facilities, and a second-storey extension. The project delivered a significant enhancement to the club’s facilities, creating a modern, inclusive, and accessible environment for a wide range of users while ensuring no adverse impact on neighbouring residents. The scheme also demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting sports participation, health, and wellbeing through the effective redevelopment of an existing community facility without placing additional pressure on local infrastructure.