Agenda and minutes

No declarations were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Callan, Councillor Flood and Councillor Hawksworth.

Attached.

The Committee considered the Forward Plan for the period 1 April, 2014 to 30 June, 2014.

RESOLVED –

That the Forward Plan be noted.

Attached.

The Sports and Leisure Manager clarified the position with regard to the three related items on the Committee’s Work Programme.  The Sport and Leisure Strategy (Sport and Active Recreation Strategy as on the scrutiny work programme), the Playing Pitch Strategy, and the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy were all aspects of a proposed overarching strategy, yet to be developed, and would in future be listed on the Work Programme as aspects of that overarching strategy.  This would encourage officers to see their work as part of a cross-service strategy. Each aspect required its own action plan, but would be developed in a consistent corporate approach, and could be reported on collectively or individually. The strategy would be of benefit to the Planning Service in this format, and the collective work being done was required to support the recently published Core Strategy for the Council..

He explained the importance of having a strategy, because whenever there was a planning application to change the use of open space within the Borough Sport England was likely to object, unless it could be shown clearly in the strategy that that piece of land was not required for recreational use, or that removal did not leave the area under provided for. The strategy was also required to assess the demand for built sports facilities, showing how existing and new facilities related to population and need. Parks, open spaces and playing pitches were all key factors to be considered in terms of needs and evidence bases for the planning decision process and associated investment through funding such as the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Sports and Leisure Manager submitted a report on the preparation of a Sport and Leisure Strategy for Chesterfield Borough 2014-2031.  This update had been requested by the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 7 November, 2013.

The report was being prepared using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) and Facilities Planning Model (FPM) frameworks.

Questionnaires sent to sports clubs had been used to analyse their current use of sports facilities, and to identify future demand.

The FPM work had identified the likely future demand for swimming pool water space.  It had also assessed sports hall provision, at Queen’s Park and in community sports halls.  Artificial grass pitch provision was also considered using the PPS and FPM framework assessment.

The National Governing Body (NGB) strategic reviews would determine the likely future demand, and would identify strategic priorities, so that this information could be used in strategic facility planning.

The information gathered included details of public, private and third sector facilities, because in some cases the facilities already existed, in schools for example, but access to them by the public could be improved.

Staff had met with external stakeholders and NGB representatives to agree in principle on an overall approach to Indoor and Outdoor strategy development.

The report outlined current PPS and FPM work, including data checks, and the production of a PPS draft assessment for discussion with lead officers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Verbal report.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Attached.

The Committee considered an update on the implementation of approved Scrutiny recommendations.

A written update on implementing the parking policy would be required at the next meeting of the Committee.

It was also reported that an informal meeting between Scrutiny and Executive Members was being arranged for 8 April, to further discuss the Water Rates Payments Policy.

RESOLVED –

That the update be noted, and a written progress update on the parking policy implementation be requested.

Attached.

The Committee considered a list of items raised to date for its Work Programme.

RESOLVED –

1.      That the Work Programme be agreed.

2.      That an update on the following items be considered at the meeting in May, 2014:

-        Proposed Overarching Leisure and Culture Strategy (incorporating the three subsections of the strategy, as explained at Minute No. 51 above);

-        Housing Allocations Policy.

3.      That Housing Accommodation and Support Budget, and Older People’s Services be added to the Work Programme, and considered at the May meeting.

-        New Sport and Leisure Facilities

-        Taxi Licence Subsidy

Verbal reports.

New Sport and Leisure Facilities

There was no report.

Taxi Licence Subsidy

There was no report.

Verbal Report.

The Policy and Scrutiny Officer stated that there were no new developments to report.

Attached.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 16 January, 2014 were presented.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.