Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment concerning an update on the delivery of the Gloucester Playing Pitch Strategy and Artificial Grass Pitch Strategy.

RESOLVED

(1)            That the progress that has been made in delivering the Gloucester Playing Pitch Strategy and Artificial Grass Pitch Strategy as set out in this report and at Appendix 1 – Action Plan Update (September 2016) be noted; and

(2)            That the draft priority list for playing fields and ancillary facility improvements as set out at Appendix 2 be endorsed.

Councillor Norman (Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources) summarised the report and reminded Members that the Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) and associated Artificial Grass Strategy (AGPS), had been adopted by the full Council in January 2016. He explained that a Delivery Group has been established, with wide representation, to monitor, evaluate and review the delivery of PPS and AGPS.  

Councillor Organ (Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning) expressed his wholehearted support for both strategies, particularly as part of the health and wellbeing agenda, the delivery of which would benefit the residents of the City.

Councillor James (Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy) welcomed the update adding that all areas of the City had begun to see the benefit of the work being undertaken.

RESOLVED

(1)          That the progress that has been made in delivering the Gloucester Playing Pitch Strategy and Artificial Grass Pitch Strategy as set out in this report and at Appendix 1 – Action Plan Update (September 2016) be noted; and

(2)          That the draft priority list for playing fields and ancillary facility improvements as set out at Appendix 2 be endorsed.

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment concerning an update on the delivery on the Gloucester Playing Pitch Strategy and Artificial Grass Pitch Strategy.

The Chair welcomed Councillor David Norman MBE, Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, who was attending on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Environment and David Pritchett, Neighbourhood Manager to the meeting.

Members were presented with a report which set out the key issues relating to the Gloucester Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS). Councillor Norman outlined the background and details of the report and opened up the matter to Members for debate.

Members discussed the following matters:-

1.    Councillor Haigh queried that the people impact assessment (PIA) in the report did not make clear how to make pitches accessible to disabled users. David Pritchett responded that through working with Active Gloucestershire, there was an aim to open school facilities up to the community and that those facilities would be of easier access for disabled users. Councillor Haigh welcomed the plan to work alongside schools, but questioned the quality of disabled access at school facilities. She also wished to raise the matter of access to single sex schools facilities.

2.    Councillor Haigh questioned the demand and necessity for new pitches, based on usage of current pitches. David Pritchett stated they expected high competition from clubs for any new pitches, but that sites would not be adapted to pitches if there was uncertainty regarding their future use.

3.    Councillor Haigh asked about existing pitches, some of which required improvement, and enquired whether they would be easier to upgrade and improve, as community consultation pointed towards improvements not only new pitches. David Pritchett said he would take this back to the delivery group, but that there had been consultation with all clubs and all were given the chance to comment on plans, however there was a small take up of this. He stated that both the FA and RFU had funding available for pitch improvements and this would be highlighted to clubs.

4.    Councillor Ryall  asked how poor quality pitches were defined. David Pritchett explained that an  assessment was made by an independent expert looking at a number of factors. He reiterated  that overplay meant that new facilities were needed and made Multi Use Games areas (MUGA) desirable. In response to a follow up question he confirmed that the quality of the pitches could be improved solely through a reduction in use..

5.    Members discussed the benefits of artificial pitches and the need to explore that option and the potential funding available to improve provision in the City. Councillor Dee highlighted the importance of investing in environmental protection to ensure that artificial pitches were viable.

6.    Councillor Hampson asked whether the MUGA at Linden Primary School could be added to the strategy as it had been built for community use but had never been used for this and was rarely used at all. David Pritchett stated he was already working with Active Gloucester to open up the use of this MUGA to a wider section of the community.

7.    Councillor Hampson asked for details of the stakeholder workshop. David Pritchett said it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41