A retrospective planning application sought to regularise the installation of the MUGA on the site of an existing sports pitch at Halley Primary School.
The MUGA was installed in 2022, and the application sought permission for the change of use from Class F1 (learning and non-residential institution) to a mixed F1 and F2 (local community) use.
The school sought permission to rent out the MUGA to residents for sporting activities between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday, to generate additional revenue.
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Tower Hamlets Council received a significant number of objections, primarily concerning noise disturbances and light pollution affecting residents.
Shoshana Thompson, headteacher at Halley Primary School, said that the school needed to generate income due to a “funding crisis in public services”.
Oliver David, an objector, expressed concerns about the noise impact of the MUGA on nearby residents, particularly during evening hours.
The council’s strategic development committee discussed mitigation measures, including limiting the hours of operation and implementing a management plan to ensure responsible use of the MUGA.
The committee voted in favour of the application, subject to conditions.
