Agenda item

To consider the Head of Policy and Programmes’ report. 

Cabinet received the Leisure Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy report from the head of policy and programmes, which introduced the process and work undertaken to develop the South Oxfordshire Leisure Facilities Assessment and Strategy (LFAS) and Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS)

The cabinet member for planning introduced the report and recommended that Cabinet adopts the South Oxfordshire LFAS and PPS. Members were informed that the strategies were developed through a joint commission with Vale of White Horse District Council, ensuring a consistent approach to sports and leisure provision across both districts. They provided a high-level assessment of the key sports and leisure needs in the districts and outline where these facilities may be required. The strategies offer three main categories of recommendations: protecting existing facilities, enhancing current ones, and providing new facilities where needed. If the Cabinet agrees to adopt the strategies, they will move to the next phase and develop an action plan for delivery. This phase will involve specific projects, regular monitoring, and progress reviews.

Scrutiny Committee had supported the progression of the strategies but asked Cabinet to consider the following points:

•         To take and develop a network strategy to pan-district provision and vision in future strategies

•         For a monitoring presentation to go to Scrutiny annually. A spreadsheet on actions being taken was suggested to be sent out to members periodically.

•         Consideration for Mountain bike tracks.

•         Transport/Active travel between small parishes had to be safe.

•         Section 106 agreements between planning officers and Infrastructure Planning team should take place on large developments for funding.

The cabinet member for planning thanked Scrutiny Committee for its suggestions and noted that responses to their comments could be found in Appendix 7 of the report. Key updates had been made, such as adjustments to the location of gymnastics facilities, recommendations for skate park improvements, and updates on climate change goals.

During the discussion, it was noted that the Scrutiny Committee had recommended developing a network strategy for leisure facilities across the districts. It was clarified that the current strategies already adopt a networked approach, assessing whether existing facilities met the needs of residents. Any potential changes to this approach would be considered in future iterations of the strategy, in alignment with the development of the Joint Local Plan.

Concerns were raised about incorporating active travel, such as cycling and walking infrastructure, into the leisure strategy. Cabinet acknowledged that transport matters fall outside the direct scope of the strategy however, they were addressed in the Joint Local Plan and other relevant strategies, including local cycling and walking infrastructure plans. Future updates to the Active Community Strategy could consider integrating these aspects.

It was noted that the leisure facilities strategy was a high-level document, and the more detailed action plan would follow. The action plan would involve specific projects and further collaboration with officers. Cabinet expressed appreciation for the contributions from both the public and officers.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet

a)    Adopt the South Oxfordshire Leisure Facilities Assessment and Strategy

b)    Adopt the South Oxfordshire Playing Pitch Strategy