Purpose

Sheffield does not currently have a Built Facilities Strategy for Sport and Leisure. The BFS will provide a key strategic document to support future planning and investment and is a requirement to bid for Sport England capital funding.

Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services seeking approval to adopt Sheffield's Sport and Leisure Built Facilities Strategy 2026-2039. The Strategy provides the city's evidence-based framework for future investment, planning and partnership working across indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities. It identifies priorities to address ageing facilities, improve access, reduce inequalities and support population growth, whilst strengthening Sheffield's ability to secure external funding and align future development with the needs of residents.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

(a)  Approves the adoption of the Sport and Leisure Built Facilities Strategy for Sheffield 2026-2039 as set out in this report.

(b)  Notes the content of the strategy and report.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The recommendation to adopt the Built Sport and Leisure Facilities Strategy is made because it provides Sheffield with a robust, up-to-date and citywide evidence base to guide future decisions about sport and leisure facilities to 2039. The strategy has been developed through assessment, consultation and partnership working, and responds to the key issues identified in the report, including ageing facilities, peak-time capacity pressures, uneven access across the city and the need to reduce barriers to participation. Adopting the strategy will give the Council and its partners a clear framework for prioritising investment, protecting and improving important facilities, and directing resources to the communities where need and inequality are greatest.

1. 3.2

Adoption is also recommended because the strategy supports wider Council objectives and strengthens the Council’s ability to plan effectively for future growth. It will help ensure that planning decisions are informed by current evidence, support the use of Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy funding, and provide a key foundation for securing external investment from partners such as Sport England and National Governing Bodies. The strategy also promotes an inclusive and sustainable approach to future provision by prioritising access, health improvement, environmental performance and long-term resilience, making it the most effective basis for future decision-making in this area.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do not have a BSLFS

The option to not have a BSLFS was discounted for the following reasons:

• There is a risk that without an adopted strategy Sport England and the

Sport’s Governing Bodies will not consider applications for external

funding from the council or from any sports club within the city and it

would both the council and partners would miss out on opportunities to

secure external funding.

• The National Planning Policy Framework requires planning polices to

be based on robust and up to date assessments of the need for open

space, sport, and recreation facilities (including quantitative or

qualitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new provision.

Without the BSLFS there would be no up to date evidence base to

inform planning decisions.

• Without an adopted strategy the council may not be able to collect

developer contributions for key strategic sites.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: BSLFS only includes indoor facilities

The option to only include indoor built sport and leisure facilities in the strategy was discounted for the following reasons:

• The strategy would only provide an evidence base for indoor facilities and there would be no strategic evidence base guiding planning and investment into outdoor built sport and leisure facilities, which we know from our consultation are as important to people in supporting their ability to be physically active.