Decision details

To recommend that the Playing Pitch Strategy be consulted on. The Playing Pitch Strategy is an assessment of the playing pitches in Sefton for the four main pitch sports of football, hockey, rugby and cricket.  It assesses whether Sefton has an adequate provision based on the number and quality of pitches and taking account of the demand for pitches, both current and estimated future demand. It follows Sport England guidance and has been prepared by a working group within the Council in partnership with the key pitch sport National Governing Bodies and Sefton Sports Council.  

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided details of the draft Playing Pitch Strategy which had been prepared to support the emerging Local Plan The assessment underlying the strategy had found there was a shortage of playing fields for some of the key pitch sports (football, rugby and cricket) and the draft strategy outlined a number of ways of addressing this shortage, including better maintenance of existing pitches, greater community use of school playing fields, and the development of ‘hub’ sites.

Decision Made:

That the draft Playing Pitch Strategy be approved as the basis for consultation.

Reasons for Decision:

To seek the views of the communities of Sefton on the content of the draft Strategy.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not to consult.