Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report presenting the draft Assessment of East Herts Sports Facilities and a range of recommendations and long term aspirations.  The Assessment would be used as guidance for local planning decisions up to 2021 and as a technical document to support the evidence base of the Local Development Framework.

The Executive noted that, at its meeting held on 14 June 2011, the Community Scrutiny Committee had recommended its use as planning guidance.

The Executive approved the proposals as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the views of Community Scrutiny Community be received; and

(B)     the recommendations/aspirations for indoor sports facilities be acknowledged and the Assessment be noted and published.

The Head of Community and Customer Services submitted a draft assessment of East Herts sports facilities and recommendations in terms of long term aspirations.  It was noted that the intention was that the recommendations contained within the report now submitted, would be delivered by a number of agencies.

Councillor J Ranger queried the issue of indoor bowls and stated that many villages had indoor bowls facilities.  Councillor J Mayes referred to the different types of bowls facilities within the District adding that there were not many full length ones.

Councillor C Woodward sought clarification on how facilities in towns had been taken into account.  The Head of Community and Customer Services stated that the report endeavoured to provide a snap-shot of what facilities existed at the moment. 

Councillor P Ruffles queried the aspirational desire to have an additional 2.5 sports halls.  He referred to the shortage of sports halls at primary school level and of the need to have continuous dialogue with the County Council’s planning officers.  The Officer acknowledged that there was a shortage in relation to one or two forms of entry at primary school level and any development work at these proposed sites would be assessed over the coming months against competing demands.

Councillor C Woodward queried whether the assessment of swimming pools in the district took account of anticipated demand.  He referred to the poor quality of the pool at Grange Paddocks.  Councillor N Symonds referred to the steps at Grange Paddocks which caused difficulties for people with disabilities.  She queried whether a tiered form of steps could be provided.  The Head of Community and Cultural Services agreed to refer this issue to SLM, the leisure providers.

The Planning Officer assured Members that full consultation on the proposals would be undertaken.

The Committee received the draft assessment and recommended its use as planning guidance.

RESOLVED – that the draft assessment be received and that its use be recommended as planning guidance.