Agenda item
Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Indoor Built Facilities strategies
To consider the recently approved Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Indoor Built Facilities Strategies.
Minutes:
A report of the Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces providing information about the recently approved Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Indoor Built Facilities Strategies, was submitted (item 5 on the agenda filed with these minutes).
During discussion of this item, the meeting became inquorate and as the Committee is a non-decision-making body, it proceeded with the agreement of the Chairman on the basis that any views were of the members present and not those of a properly constituted meeting.
The Strategic Director for Corporate Services, Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods, and Community Wellbeing, the Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces and Head of Leisure and Culture assisted with consideration of the item and the following summarises comments and observations made by Members of the Committee present and responses to questions raised:
· In response to a question about developer contributions, it was explained that the S106 process identifies the needs of the community upfront and the expectations are known to the developers and set out in the strategies
· Positive comments were made about the provision of walking netball and football for older persons and members suggested that further promotion be undertaken
· In response to a question about providing full size children’s pitches, it was explained that the Football Association provides funding for clubs to provide multi-use pitches and portable pitches for organised games. For recreational purposes there are several MUGA’s for family use throughout the borough
· The ability of the local community to tap into the state-of-the-art sports facilities at Loughborough University was seen as important. It was explained that there are various links with the University in this regard and local people benefit from the proximity of the University.
· Positive comments were made about identification in the action plan on page 43 for the replacement/refurbishment of the ageing swimming facilities at various leisure centres in Loughborough as the swim school had grown enormously
· In response to a question about assessments for playing pitches and proximity to residential housing, it was explained that as part of the planning approval process reference is made to Sports England guidance
· Concerns were raised about floodlit all weather pitches near to residential homes. It was explained that Sports England provides guidance and pitches near residential homes have restricted hours and have in place pay as you go timer devices to limit light pollution into homes
· Positive comments were made about the new and improved skatepark in Southfields Park which had received many positive comments from local residents
· An update was given on the burial provision at Nanpanton. It was explained that the area to the rear of the sports ground had been identified and approved by Cabinet. Ground studies were underway with the expectation a planning application being submitted in summer 2019.
· Garendon Green was identified in the strategy in order to serve the needs to of new and existing residents
· Positive comments were made about the improvements in all wards for natural and semi natural open space for the benefit of wildlife. It was noted that more areas had been identified as nature reserves.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
REASON
To enable members to be informed about Open spaces, Playing Pitch and Indoor Built Facilities Strategies.
Supporting documents:
- LAC Report Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Built Facilities, item 24. PDF 126 KB
- Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Built Facilities APPENDIX A, item 24. PDF 167 KB
- Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Built Facilities APPENDIX B, item 24. PDF 51 KB
- Open Spaces, Playing Pitch and Built Facilities - Appendix C, item 24. PDF 46 KB