The use of temporary grandstands in Ellesmere Port & Neston is governed by the Cheshire County Council Act 1980 : Section 29, the terms of which are outlined below.
For the purposes of this Act, a stand is defined as `Any raised platform for spectators or performers'
Anyone who wants to put up a grandstand, whether indoors or outdoors, that will accommodate 20 or more people must apply to the borough council for permission.
The application form (available at the bottom of the page) should be accompanied by such plans, sections, calculations, specifications and other particulars as may be required by the council to determine compliance with the above.
Such plans and particulars should be deposited with the Council at least five weeks before the proposed erection of the stand.
The council may under the above Act approve the plans, etc., subject to conditions regarding maintenance and removal.
The council will consult with Cheshire Fire Brigade regarding access to the stand for their appliances and any other fire safety issues that are relevant.
Unless you have heard from the council to the contrary but no later than five weeks of providing them with all the details they require, your plans, etc., are determined approved.
Any person aggrieved by the withholding of an approval or requirement of a conditional approval may appeal to a Magistrates Court.
If a person does not comply with the requirements of Section 29 of the above Act, he/she will be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 500.
If the Council consider any erected stand to be dangerous, or present a hazard to the public they may require on notice all necessary remedial work to be carried out, prevent the use of the stand (until such time as it is made safe) or have the stand dismantled.
If the Council need to carry out any of the above actions in default, they will charge the owners with their reasonable costs incurred in doing so.
The stand when erected externally should be sited on ground capable of bearing its loaded weight. All long grass and vegetation should be cut and cleared from the site of the stand prior to its erection.
You are advised to ensure all the relevant requirements contained in the Institution of Structural Engineers guidance document `Safety Considerations for the Design and Erection of Demountable Grandstands' are complied with - note should also be taken of Section 12 of the `Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds - Temporary Stands and other Temporary Structures'.
The council's Building Control Surveyor expects to inspect the completed stand with the owner/erector prior to its occupation and in sufficient time to affect any remedial works, if required.
Should you require any advice or guidance regarding the erection of a stand, please contact either:
Mr D M BurrowsBuilding Control Manager. email: Dave Burrows
Mr A G Schofield Senior Building Control Officer. email: Greg Schofield
Mr P D Glover Senior Building Control Officer. email: Paul Glover
Tel. 051 356 6676.
To download an application form, click on the link below:
