Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:            1)         The recommendations from the Environment and Community Panels were considered but Cabinet did not agree that additional consultation should take place as this would be carried out in full as part of the planning process.

2)            That the development of a 3G pitch at River Lane playing pitches, subject to planning permission be approved.

3)            That funding for the 3G pitch as set out in section 4 of the report be approved.

Reason for Decision

There is a need for an additional 3G pitch to be developed at Lynnsport in order to meet demand of the affiliated game.

Additional local demand for 3G provision is being generated by the growth of the Women and Girls football with participation increasing within the traditional affiliated female game. Walking football is also seeing a rapid participation growth.

Football is also a strong tool to improve community cohesion and improve local issues such as anti-social behaviour. A new 3G pitch would enable recreational football programmes to be delivered which could improve community cohesion and social engagement.

Cabinet gave full consideration to the recommendations from the Environment and Community Panel but did not agree with its recommendations as a consultation process would be undertaken as part of a planning application.

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The Chief Executive presented a report which explained that Sport England and the Football Association had identified insufficient artificial football pitches in West Norfolk, the only one being located at Lynnsport. The existing 3G pitch had 92% utilisation Monday to Thursday 5pm to 9pm, therefore was operating at near capacity. Alive West Norfolk (AWN) were regularly having to turn down booking requests from local clubs and organisations who were unable to access a 3G pitch.

It was proposed to develop an additional 3G pitch on the River Lane playing fields to provide extra capacity in an area already designated for use as football pitches. The Local Football Facilities Plan produced by the FA highlighted this development as the top priority for West Norfolk. This would enable the local community to benefit from additional football facilities utilising the existing Dutton pavilion for changing.

The report explained that the Football Foundation funding covered development of a 3G pitch with floodlights and fencing only.  If the pitch was not located at River Lane there would be an additional cost of c.£250-300k for the development of changing rooms.  The Football Foundation also preferred developments to be located with leisure operators who had the expertise to maintain and programme the venues for the whole community.  River Lane currently had 4 grass football pitches which were underutilised due to regular water logging.  It was very rare that 2 pitches were used at the same time despite the 4 available.

The River Lane playing fields were registered under Fields in Trust who had confirmed that artificial pitches did not require their consent unless they took up the majority of the space. As this development was approximately 20% of the area no formal application was required.

It was noted that the River Lane and the Dutton Pavilion were subject to anti-social behaviour and vandalism.  Lynnsport received a number of nuisance calls related to drug use and anti-social behaviour in the area.  This development would support the community in making the River Lane playing pitches a vibrant and active place for residents to undertake recreational physical activity and formal sport.  Work was currently underway with the NHS, Freebridge and Greenpark Academy School to improve sport and physical activity opportunities for residents in North Lynn and the new 3G pitch will incorporate some of this programme as well as discounted off peak rates for local residents.  The programme and facility development would breathe life into an underused green space which is specifically designated for sport and activity

The Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and recommended that further consideration be given to the siting of the pitch and consultation be carried out with residents.

Under standing order 34, Councillor Rust addressed Cabinet. Reiterating her position on the previous item, requesting an alternative site be investigated.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce questioned the order of items considered.

Under standing order 34 Councillor de Whalley addressed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71