Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Leadership presented a new Playing Pitch Strategy which set out current and emerging needs in respect of football, cricket, rugby, tennis and hockey pitches in the Borough.

The Cabinet Member advised that the new Strategy built on the version adopted in 2005 and reflected the latest Sport England and National Governing Body guidance.  The Strategy contained priority actions relating to football, cricket and rugby which included seeking external funding to improve the pitches and enhance changing and club house facilities.  It was also proposed to reduce the number of adult football pitches and increase those for youth and mini-football, to reflect shifts in demand. 

It was noted that the implementation of a new Strategy was essential to support future funding bids to Sport England and other agencies and would form part of a wider Parks and Open Spaces Strategy that was currently being developed. 

Arising from the discussions, the Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement suggested that the Strategy could be enhanced through increased reference to the important role of women and girl’s sports in the Borough and how their specific needs would be met.

The Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Approve the Playing Pitch Strategy at Appendix 2 to the report, subject to the inclusion of additional reference to women and girl’s sports and how their needs would be met within the Strategy; and

(ii)  Authorise the Strategic Director for Growth and Homes, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Leadership, to agree any minor amendments to the Strategy prior to its publication.