Issue - meetings

Appendices A and B are available online only. Please visit www.scambs.gov.uk then ‘The Council’ followed by ‘Councillors minutes and agendas’.

The Planning Portfolio Holder:

(a)   endorsed the following strategies in their current form:

·                Playing Pitch Strategy 2016 (Appendix A to the report)

·                Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2016 (Appendix B to the report)

(b)   agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and New Communities to make any subsequent minor amendments and editing changes, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder.

The Planning Portfolio Holder considered the Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council Playing Pitch Strategy 2016 and Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2016.

The Sustainable Communities and Partnerships Manager summarised the report, highlighting the methodology adopted in each case, and the Strategies’ significance as part of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Development Plan process. One particular challenge was to anticipate the likely post-2031 demands as a result of population growth in such areas as Waterbeach.

The Portfolio Holder led a discussion on the need to recognise demand for facilities not currently available in the area, such as an ice rink and dry ski slope, and new and emerging sports and pastimes. Councillor Bridget Smith said that many recreational activities took place in locations such as community centres, and stressed the importance of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy in providing evidence of the need for community facilities that were ‘fit for purpose’.  Councillor Kevin Cuffley called for better liaison with the Football Association, and highlighted the expense involved in complying with the latest standards. He also stressed the need to provide facilities for disabled people. Councillor Lynda Harford urged officers to be mindful of viability. It would be unfortunate if formal facilities were provided at the expense of the provision of more informal recreational pursuits, such as cycling and dog walking.

The Planning Portfolio Holder:

(a)   endorsed the following strategies in their current form:

·                Playing Pitch Strategy 2016 (Appendix A to the report)

·                Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2016 (Appendix B to the report)

(b)   agreed that delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and New Communities to make any subsequent minor amendments and editing changes, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder.