The report considered a possible option in the development of an alternative cricket pitch site in Courage’s Playing Fields. It recommends the further scoping of using soil relocation as a means of facilitating the development of an alternative viable cricket pitch within the whole site.

The Chair, informed the Committee of the advice received by the Health and Safety Officer to the viability of the second field used by Shenfield Cricket Club.  The Chair had meet with members of Shenfield Cricket Club and discussed their need for the Cricket Club to play on two pitches and expressed their concerns on the limitation with the current location of the second pitch.  A Health and Safety audit was undertaken and it was agreed that action was required before the start of the 2018 cricket season with nets needing to be installed to meet the Health and Safety requirements. However, it was felt that an alternative site for a second cricket pitch might provide a better long-term solution for the club and as such a review for the relocation of the second field would be investigated.

A presentation to Members was given by Mrs Anderson.

Cllr Rowlands, Ward Member.  Expressed that the relocation will be a good opportunity for Shenfield Cricket Club and asked that a full consultation is undertaken with residents.

Cllr Cloke, informed the Committee that a parking review around the site is currently under review.

A full traffic assessment will need to be undertaken before any Planning Permission submitted.         

Cllr Clarke, asked about the possibility of Shenfield Cricket Club’s second field being at different venue.  If the project is not viable, this may be an option.                                                                                                                  

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Poppy to approve the recommendation in the report. 

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.    That officers scope the viability of using soil relocation to provide a second alternative cricket pitch location in Courage’s Playing Fields.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comments received from Sport England as part of the Local Development Plan consultation, stated that a Leisure Strategy is required that assesses Council owned sports and leisure facilities in order that the Council can continue to work with partners to ensure that appropriate provision is made for the residents of Brentwood. The strategy should not only consider how the Council can provide services, but also how other partners can. The strategy should also use current sports facility evidence to identify strategic priorities to then inform what will be included in the Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Following this feasibility work, the Council will then be able to determine which projects will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and those funded by planning obligations.

The Council’s Asset Management Strategy 2014/15 also sets out the need to

obtain maximise income where possible from its asset portfolio.