Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy.

Executive Councillor: S Taylor.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy 2022 – 2043; and

(b)  recognised the strategic recommendations as set out within the Strategies as outlined in Appendices 2 and 4 of the report now submitted.

In conjunction with a PowerPoint presentation and report by the Sports Development Manager (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were presented with detail of the new Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy 2022 – 2043. The report presented a comprehensive review and assessment of facilities and pitches.

Members were acquainted with the background to the study, the findings of the report including the coverage, the context locally and nationally and provided a summary of the outcomes of the Strategies to address future provision.

Arising from questions from Members on funding criteria for swimming pool provision, the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene explained that Government funding was facilitated through Sport England and the Head of Leisure and Health confirmed that they had been engaging with operators of Sawtry Swimming Pool in preparation of fact finding work to support an application for funding once the framework is released and was anticipated to take place in July – August 2023 with the outcome expected late August – September 2023.

Further discussion ensued on the encouragement of team sports, particularly with focus on the rural areas and behaviour change and the availability of existing provision that had been reflected in the Strategies. The Strategies would be published to help support the wider communities and clubs to support further funding in local areas to encourage wider participation.

In addressing the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) held on 8th June 2023, the Executive Councillor drew attention to the recognition of availability of gymnastic facilities for residents within a 30-minute drive within the Strategies and confirmed the Hinchingbrooke Sports Hall facility provision as well as support for running groups and events acknowledged within the Strategies.

In expressing her support for the Strategies, the Executive Leader on behalf of the Council placed on record her recognition for the service of the Sports Development Manager who was leaving the authority after 18 years’ service. Whereupon, the Cabinet has

RESOLVED

(a)  to approve the Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy 2022 – 2043; and

(b)  to recognise the strategic recommendations as set out within the Strategies as outlined in Appendices 2 and 4 of the report now submitted.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy.

Executive Councillor: S Taylor

By means of a report by the Sports Development Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Indoor and Built Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that in house assessments had been undertaken in recent years and were available on the Council’s website. The Panel were also advised that the work undertaken on the assessment being considered had cost in the region of £37,000, however this assessment has been endorsed by Sport England and will help the Council make informed decisions across many of its services such as Planning. By creating the independent and verified report, ensured a robust report which would support these decisions.

In response to a question from Councillor Bywater, the Panel were advised that independent sports clubs and external partners could use the report to apply for available funding across the leisure sector. In particular it was mentioned that the Leisure team were in contact with the operators of the Sawtry swimming pool and would support them with their funding bid to Sport England.

The Panel also heard, following a further question from Councillor Bywater, that Outdoor Gyms would be added to the Action Plan which would be developed following the approval of the report. Councillor Lowe added an observation that, in her experience, some Parish Councils had purchased outdoor gym equipment and located this within the park facilities that they maintain.

The Panel were advised that a future review of the One Leisure swimming pools would be undertaken and that this would include the supporting operational plant for energy efficiency purposes. This review will aim to align with the Council’s Climate Strategy.

Councillor Shaw observed that the report made mention of facilities outside of the district within a 30 minute radius, and enquired where the 30 minutes was measured from. The Panel were advised that this detail would be sought and reported back at a future date.

Councillor Alban expressed concern surrounding the discrepancies that the Panel had observed within the report considering the cost. The Panel were advised that the consultants had been very supportive and would feed this back to them.

Councillor Shaw drew attention to what appeared to be conflicting information surrounding the number of Badminton courts at Hinchingbrooke, the Panel were advised that this would be checked and the findings reported back to the Panel.

The Panel heard, following an enquiry from Councillor Alban, that the Athletics track at the One Leisure St Ives Outdoor Centre once again had England Athletics accreditation. The officer advised that the industry had recognised national issues within these type of facilities and had revised their accreditation criteria accordingly. The Panel were also advised that although the infield space within the track was used for athletics, it can also be used for mini soccer outside of the athletics season.

In response to concerns from Councillor Alban relating to the promotion of the Courts For  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7