Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee of 15 July 2025 in respect of the approach to maintaining and enhancing sports facilities in the Borough through the adoption of the Indoor Sports Facilities and the Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategies (Annexes 1 and 2 respectively).    These Strategies had been progressed as part of the evidence base for the Local Plan process to ensure delivery of sustainable development to support existing and new communities.   Due regard was given to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications.  Particular reference was made to the Joint Parish Skate Park (a tri-parish agreement between Borough Green, Platt and Wrotham) and it was felt that this should be included in 14.5.3 (BMX and Skate Parks) of the  Playing Pitches and Outdoors Sports Facilities Strategies (Annex 2).  This was supported unanimously.      On the grounds of maximising the Borough Council’s ability to support and deliver key facilities across the Borough and to inform the negotiation of s106 agreements where development would impact on facility use, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Taylor seconded and Cabinet   RESOLVED:   That   (1)            the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy (attached at Annex 1) be endorsed and adopted as the Borough Council’s current policy position on sports facilities, subject to careful consideration of comments received from local sports teams;   (2)            the Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy (attached at Annex 2) be endorsed and adopted as the Borough Council’s current policy position on sports facilities, subject to careful consideration of comments received from local sports teams  and the inclusion of the Joint Parish (Borough Green, Platt and Wrotham) Skate Park in 14.5.3 (BMX and Skate Parks); and   (3)            delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Community Services and Planning, to publish Stage E reviews of these Strategies to update the position to help inform the Local Plan and other Borough Council workstreams.