THE FATE of an “unauthorised” dome installed above a school tennis court will be debated next week – the outcome of which could result in its removal.

The future of an “air dome” covering a sports area at Holmer Green Senior School, on Parish Piece, in Holmer Green, hangs in the balance as council members convene to discuss its flaws and merits.

The controversial structure has garnered almost 600 responses as the school applies for retrospective planning permission; 104 of which object to its presence, while 482 are in support.

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In addition to PE classes, the school argues the dome was installed to provide “additional indoor space for exams, breaks and lunchtimes…and social distancing”.

It also wishes to attract users of Great Missenden Tennis Club.

Bucks Free Press:

Those objecting to the edifice however cite noise, light cancellation and its sheer prominence among their grievances.

The dome itself measures nearly 65 metres long and 37 metres wide with a more than ten-metre high vault.

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At a November 17 planning meeting, committee members will consider its benefits, its impact on the character of the area, and its effect on neighbouring properties – not least Holmer Green Infant School, and homes on Glebe Close and Stevens Close.

However, it is not considered the benefits outweigh the harms, according to council documents, and that the dome is “completely out of keeping with the scale of development in the surrounding area”.

Bucks Free Press:

Its white PVC membrane is said to be in “striking contrast” to the character of the area, and the structure itself “appears as an alien and incongruous feature”, the report states.

The dome also prevents natural light from reaching the infant school to an “unacceptable level”, while casting ‘glaring sunlight’ into neighbouring properties.

The sound of tennis playing and netballs reverberating off the dome also exceeds an ‘acceptable’ level.

When illuminated at night, it “has the potential to create light pollution”.

One objector called the dome ‘an imposing eyesore’.

Little Missenden Parish Council lists dozens of objections to the dome, not least its ‘visibility from Penn Wood’.

The council is urged to refuse retrospective planning permission for the dome and to possibly demand it be taken down, according to the report.

“Given that the recommendation is to refuse planning permission, it is also therefore recommended that enforcement action is taken to require removal of the dome,” it says.

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