Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report on the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy. She advised that the Council had agreed to undertake a review of the district plan including an update of the evidence documents needed to support the new District Plan.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth said that the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy 2025 replaces the previous playing pitch strategy, published in 2017. The report summarised the findings, provided a robust assessment of the supply and demand for outdoor sports facilities across East Herts and set out a framework for protecting, enhancing and providing new facilities to meet community needs up to 2043.

Members acknowledged some shortfalls in grass pitches for football, rugby and cricket and quality issues being a major factor in participation. There was a need for additional 3G pitches and a new full-size hockey pitch, alongside provision for emerging sports such as paddle. Demand for non-pitch sports was broadly being delivered; however, some clubs were operating at or above capacity.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. The Executive Member for Corporate Services seconded the proposal.

Members commented on the lack of running track facilities in Bishop’s Stortford and noted that as there was no existing club locally, feedback would not have been incorporated. Officers advised that whilst the evidence base followed Sport England Guidance, it also took account of the Governing Bodies with England Athletics on the steering group. Officers advised that dialogue was ongoing and did not preclude other options coming forward.

Members expressed a concern in relation to 3G pitches and their characteristics. Members noted that whilst Sports England were currently supporting them, there was research ongoing into the environmental impact of the microplastic particles and the potential for alternative infill materials.

Members welcomed the importance placed on sports, exercise and wellbeing and noted that being able to provide facilities at grassroots level was important.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – To recommend to Council that:

a) The Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy, attached as Appendix A, B and C be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts District Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications.

b) Future updates of the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Action Plan be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.