Decision details

PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY: LONG TERM SECURITY OF TENURE PROCESS

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

 

1. That the LTST and process of disposal as outlined in the report be supported.

 

2. That it be acknowledged that the proposed disposals will be at undervalue but will deliver social benefits to the local communities.

 

3. That decision making on future LTST applications be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place, including the grant of leases of up to 25 years at undervalue, under the terms of the report.

 

4. That authority to negotiate and agree the terms of the leases be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place.

 

5. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Governance and Community Strategy to complete any documents required to give effect to the proposals contained in the report.

 

Reasons for the decision:

The sites being used by sports clubs are with park and open spaces, which are protected in planning policy. To enable the Council to proceed with granting a lease the formal process of disposal is required and they are being disposed of (technically) under value, although in real terms the assets are being protected and sustained by the community sports clubs. The future decision making process will sit with the Director of Place and there will be an auditable process of decisions via the Leisure Project board, chaired by the Corporate Director, Place, which sits behind each expression.

Alternative options considered:

To do nothing and continue with the current management arrangements. Whilst a feasible option the medium to long-term implications could be adverse. A majority of the borough’s pitch stock (90%) is rated as standard or poor and in need of bespoke, one off or ongoing maintenance that the current service cannot provide as there is insufficient budget to do so, which will be worsened if this budget is reduced. This situation could be worsened if any of the current basic service is reduced via other pressures (financial/capacity). The subsequent impact is that pitches will continue to deteriorate in quality to a point where they can no longer be used for organized sport and activity. To do nothing and not provide security of tenure would remove the option for clubs to take advantage of external funding which the Council cannot access, and taking no action may also reduce the likelihood that clubs will invest their time and funds in assets that they have no security over; this would further compound the issue of quality and participation identified in the report.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Publication date: 27/11/2020

Date of decision: 23/11/2020

Decided at meeting: 23/11/2020 - Executive

Effective from: 05/12/2020

Accompanying Documents: