Issue - meetings

Mr Egerton informed the Committee that the Sports Facilities Strategy and Playing Pitch Strategy formed part of the evidence base for the review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan.  These strategies also informed development management decisions and provided the Council with an evidence base for future budgetary needs or grant funding applications.  The strategies were developed in consultation with key stakeholders, in accordance with Sports England requirements.  The data demonstrated the level of provision in the Borough based on the quantity, quality, accessibility and availability of the Borough’s indoor and outdoor sports facilities and playing pitches.  Consultation on these strategies had taken place and amendments had been made accordingly.  The responses to the consultation were publicly available.

The Committee commented that there were facilities and pitches in South Ward that had not been captured in the strategies.

In response to a question from the Committee, Mr Egerton stated that the evidence was collated in 2016, and this was to be reconsidered once the review of the Local Plan had progressed further.  This would present an opportunity to include additional information.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  The Sports Facilities Strategy be approved as part of the Council’s evidence base for the review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan, subject to the addition of Pegasus Gym and Heavenly Fitness.

2.  The Playing Pitch Strategy be approved as part of the Council’s evidence base for the review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan, subject to the addition of the Mangravet Recreation Field.

Voting: Unanimous