Issue - meetings

That:

1)        the release of S106 funding be agreed to progress a planning application for the co-located Wokingham Sports Hub facility at Grays Fruit Farm in South Wokingham to serve the North and South Wokingham Strategic Development Locations (SDLs);

2)        the release of S106 funding be agreed to progress a planning application for the Sports Hub to serve the South of the M4 SDL and implement any proposals which may be authorised within the budget identified in the “Financial Implications” table within the report;

3)       authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources to forward fund the Ryeish Green Sports Hub scheme through short term borrowing where needed.

The Executive considered a report relating to the proposed Ryeish Green and Grays Fruit Farm Sports Hub projects which would provide a much improved outdoor sports offer for both existing and new residents of Wokingham and Shinfield.

Members were advised by the Executive Member for Environment that S106 funding would cover the cost of the work.  In relation to Grays Fruit Farm although the Council would not take control of the site until September 2017 it was important to start the process of consultation on the project including what facilities and sports would be provided.

With regard to Ryeish Green Councillor Ross advised that a lot of the consultation process had already been undertaken over the last few years and contributions had already been received from the Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) and the most important thing was the phasing of the project.  It was noted that the phasing would require taking up some existing sports facilities at Ryeish Green to undertake drainage work and some of this work may require forward funding. 

Councillor Ross also confirmed that in addition to the proposals for Grays Farm and Ryeish Green there were outdoor and indoor facilities being developed for all of the SDL developments and an internal working group was currently considering what specific types of provision should be offered in all these areas and these would be matched to the needs of each area and the communities therein.

RESOLVED That:

1)        the release of S106 funding be agreed to progress a planning application for the co-located Wokingham Sports Hub facility at Grays Fruit Farm in South Wokingham to serve the North and South Wokingham Strategic Development Locations (SDLs);

2)        the release of S106 funding be agreed to progress a planning application for the Sports Hub to serve the South of the M4 SDL and implement any proposals which may be authorised within the budget identified in the “Financial Implications” table within the report;

3)       authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources to forward fund the Ryeish Green Sports Hub scheme through short term borrowing where needed.