Issue - meetings

That:

1)     Subject to planning, Football Foundation funding and endorsement by formal public consultation prior to planning application, the outcome of the option appraisal analysis, Maiden Erlegh School, is progressed as the proposed 3G pitch site; and

2)     Funds for use of S106 finance for physical activity enhancements at Forest School be approved and released.

The Executive considered a report which gave details of a proposal to enhance sports and football facilities, addressing the shortfall in 3G pitches within the community.

The Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure Councillor Ian Shenton stated that the report sought approval to progress a 3G pitch proposal in Lower Earley and to approve the release of S106 funds to finance improvements to physical activity facilities at the Forest School.

Councillor Ian Shenton explained that problems had been identified with proposals for a 3G pitch at Laurel Park, however there remained a need for additional football facilities in the Borough, both for training and for weekend fixtures.  An analysis had been carried out which had identified the Maiden Erlegh site as the most suitable site.

Councillor Ian Shenton informed that extensive public consultation would be carried out prior to the planning application submission.  Following the planning application, a bid for funding from the Football Foundation would be submitted.  Installation was expected to happen during the 2023 summer holiday, with the facility opening in September 2023, whereafter income would exceed ongoing costs.

Councillor Ian Shenton explained that approval was also being sought for improvements to the swimming pool and sports facilities at the Forest School, including refurbishment of the gym and swimming pool floor.  Once the improvements were completed, the facilities would be available for the community to use.  The swimming pool would provide for ‘modest swimming requirements’, which would be a unique feature within the Borough’s swimming pool facilities.

Councillor Dave Hare wished to emphasise that the consultation should be thorough and that football clubs should be consulted too, he believed that the facility should be built to meet the needs of the community.

Councillor Ian Shenton confirmed that the consultation would be thorough, the final details were being finalised with comms.

Councillor Clive Jones agreed with the previous comments about the consultation and added that a workshop with Earley Town Council would also take place.

In response to a question Councillor Ian Shenton confirmed that the 3G project was dependent on the funding from the Football Foundation being obtained, which put some pressure on the timescales.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Subject to planning, Football Foundation funding and endorsement by formal public consultation prior to planning application, the outcome of the option appraisal analysis, Maiden Erlegh School, is progressed as the proposed 3G pitch site; and

2)     Funds for use of S106 finance for physical activity enhancements at Forest School be approved and released.