Agenda item

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The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture presented the report.

The Chair thanked the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture and invited questions and comments from the Panel.

Councillor Long referred to the Pre-Screen EIA and suggested, health inequalities should be a positive rather than neutral. He also referred to discrepancies in the report as mentioned locations had been sold and no in longer public use. He urged that all members should consider the report and facilities within their areas.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained the information included in the report was originally from 2023 and although it had been update in 2025, welcomed Members input so that the information could be reviewed.

Councillor Long proposed an email be sent to all members to review the report and feedback to the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture with correct information in their wards.

Councillor Kemp commented on the St James Swimming Pool facilities being relocated and the concerns of residents accessing a new location out of the town centre. She commented further on policies to promote the footfall in the town centre.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained St James Swimming Pool was at 100% occupancy and locations were identified by consultants, however Lynnsport fulfilled the demographic of Sports England and Swim England. He added further, a traffic management plan would be considered to ensure accessibility for residents. He highlighted this was supported following the public consultation results.

In response to a further question from Councillor Kemp, the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained the public consultation included Alive members, Active Norfolk, Ward Members, National Governing bodies, Sports England, Social media and groups affected.

Councillor Colwell referred to page 94 and commented his appreciation of the details on 5G pitches in the report. He commented on previous issues with 5G pitches and the impact on the surrounding local area and encouraged Officers to consult with local high schools. He highlighted on page 264, an issue in Fairstead Centre Point was limited capacity due to the lighting.

Councillor Heneghan supported Councillor Longs comments and asked if the report could be simplified before sending to members.

The Assistant Director for Operations and Commercial commented on Fairstead Centre Point and explained the flood lights were on timers and could be used by a button. He added, he would follow up to ensure there were no maintenance issues.

Councillor Bullen commented he had visited all Alive sites and recognised the commitment and professionalism of the Alive Leisure staff. He highlighted the award Lynnsport had been nominated for and the importance of engaging and supporting local sports clubs.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained Lynnsport had applied for centre of the year award for the region and were shortlisted for the final five or six centres out of forty. He added the award ceremony was on 30^th October.

In response to a question from the Chair, the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture confirmed the current 3G pitches were owned by Alive Leisure and confirmed an alternative location had been identified which was to be announced in due course.

Councillor Devulapalli asked if there were any plans for additional indoor tennis courts or padel courts. In addition, she asked if there were any future plans for Downham Market facilities and it was explained there was currently no indoor tennis courts but there was an upcoming project next year. He added a report on Padel was on the Forward Decision List for November and this included Lynnsport and Hunstanton but there was no demand identified in Downham Market.

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring commented on the importance in developing the strategies and focussing on ensuring all sports were catered for. He recognised the success of the public consultations with currently over 800 responses so far. In addition, he welcomed the knowledge of members and facilities within their ward. Councillor Ring acknowledged Downham Market was to become a sports and leisure hub for rural areas.

Councillor Long questioned if fouling of playing fields within the protection order included cricket pitches/fields and was advised the public protection order was on the dog control webpage but did not currently include recreational spaces including cricket grounds. He advised further the order was last reviewed 1^st December 2024 and valid for three years. He explained the difficulties with enforcement and including sports clubs in the order would be considered at the next renewal. 

Councillor Devulapalli commented on foot and cycle paths and walking was the primary exercise for residents but there was lack of routes for example there was no way of crossing the A10.

The Assistant Director for Operations and Commercial provided assurance Officers were working with Norfolk County Council on Walking and Cycling.

Councillor Colwell agreed there was no safe way of crossing the A149. He commented active travel should be encouraged and suggested a potential route for the new development at Knights Hill.

Councillor Devulapalli asked for the report to include capacity for cycling and walking.

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring explained the report was based on demand for sports such as padel etc. He recognised the importance of walking and cycling but advised the report reflected the demand from residents. He reiterated this was a Norfolk County Council issue.

Councillor Kemp additionally commented on the transport strategy and the importance of active travel.

Councillor Long commented the points raised were a transport issue. He referred back to the additional proposed recommendation that an email was sent to all members to be made aware of the report and use their local knowledge to identify leisure facilities within their wards.

RESOLVED: The Panel supported the following recommendations to Cabinet and provided the additional recommendation:

All Members to be made aware of the report and notify of any corrections in the report on current leisure facilities within their wards to the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture and Portfolio Holder.

Cabinet Resolves: 

To recommend to Full Council the adoption of the playing pitch and sports facilities strategies. 

Recommendations to Full Council: 

That Council agree to adopt the playing pitch and sports facilities strategies.