Council and councillors

To receive Report No. 183/2015 from the Director for Places (Development and Economy)

Report No. 183/2015 from the Director for Places (Development and Economy) was received.

The Portfolio Holder, Mr King, introduced the report the purpose of which was to present to the Panel the Draft Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy, which outlined the quantity and quality of sport and recreation facilities in the County; to seek feedback from Scrutiny of any aspects which had been omitted or needed updating; and to note the highest priority areas for future investment, using a variety of funding sources.

Members were reminded that this was a draft strategy from an external consultant.  Any concerns or modifications could be made before it went forward in a final format.  That this document would inform Council on the amount to seek in developer contributions and where there was a need to deliver sport or assistance.

A summary of headline findings was distributed at the meeting.

The following points were raised during discussion:

      i.        That this was a facility strategy, making sure that the facilities were in place to undertake the activities.  Tried initially to look at where activities could be undertaken in a generic hall; articulated where there was need for a particular facility.

    ii.        The report focused on main facilities and need through to 2036.  The report had tentatively picked up the growth level of the county.

   iii.        That the council was looking at a self-populating website, either Rutland County Council or Discover Rutland for the benefit of residents and tourists.  Clubs and organisations would have the ability to put information on to one location.  Reference should be made to this website in the strategy document.

   iv.        Members commented that some of the external report was not accurate and that it should be corrected before going public.  It was agreed that comments would be sent to the Head of Culture & Registration, Mr Clayton.

    v.        Figure 53: Community and village halls survey 2014 key findings – it was agreed that this table would be sent to all Councillors for comment on accuracy.  Members were advised that it had been sent to national governing bodies and would be sent to individual sports clubs for comment.

   vi.        That the report helped to inform where S106 funds available for sport in Oakham would be spent.

  vii.        That funding of a new swimming pool from S106/Community Infrastructure Levy would take several years.

viii.        That the information contained within the report did not justify the recommendation for a second high quality pitch for Oakham Cricket Club to enable the club to progress up a league, at the cost of £1.3m.  The Panel was advised that officers were unable to find anything defined in the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) standards therefore would be contacting the ECB to see if it was necessary at this time.

   ix.        That it would be useful to include skateboard parks in the county to help younger members of the community.

    x.        That S106 funds could be apportioned by the Council but would need to identify where the pressures were and to plan to go out with a second round of bidding.

   xi.        Officers would welcome more information on facilities for sports such as fishing and equestrianism.

AGREED:

1.    That the Panel NOTED the Draft Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy (Appendix A to Report No. 183/2015).

2.    That Members would send any comments on the Strategy to the Head of Culture & Registration, Mr Clayton.

3.    That Figure 53: Community and village hall survey 2014 key finds to be sent to all Councillors for comment on accuracy.