Issue - meetings

(A)   That the Indoor Sport Assessment and Strategy, attached as Appendix A, B C and D be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications; and

(B)   That future updates of the Indoor Sport Action Plan be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth; and

(C)  That any minor amendments to the content of the Indoor Sport Needs Assessment and Strategy be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the Indoor Sports Needs Assessment and Strategy, which would provide an updated evidence base for the new Local Plan and future planning decisions.

Members were advised that the assessment reviewed the district’s indoor sports facilities and identified generally good provision, although some small localised unmet demand for swimming facilities remained following recent leisure centre closures. The study also highlighted the importance of community halls, school sports facilities and planned new provision to meet future needs.

The accompanying strategy set out priorities for protecting, improving and enhancing indoor sports facilities across the district, supported by an action plan to guide future investment and developer contributions.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Wellbeing seconded the proposal.

Members discussed the findings of the assessment and highlighted the importance of ensuring that future provision was considered alongside sustainable travel options, noting that access based solely on drive times could present challenges for some residents. It was advised that the study had been prepared in accordance with Sport England guidance, which considered both driving and walking accessibility and confirmed that sustainability considerations would continue to inform future work.

Clarification was sought regarding cross-boundary provision and relationships with neighbouring authorities. It was confirmed that the assessment had taken account of links with adjoining councils and that ongoing collaboration would continue as part of the Local Plan process, including work relating to Gilston and Harlow.

Members welcomed the recognition of the need for swimming facilities and highlighted the importance of efforts to reopen Ward Freeman Pool. The role of school sports facilities in meeting community demand was also discussed and officers confirmed that the Council was working closely with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure future educational developments reflected identified sports provision needs.

Members thanked officers for their work in producing the study and supporting evidence.

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

RESOLVED – that (A) the Indoor Sport Assessment and Strategy, attached as Appendix A, B C and D be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications; and

(B)   future updates of the Indoor Sport Action Plan be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth; and

(C)   any minor amendments to the content of the Indoor Sport Needs Assessment and Strategy be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.