The report considered the future arrangements for the Shenfield Cricket Club in its occupation of the Courage Playing Fields in conjunction with the past and recent negotiations. 

The report also set out an approach for the use of the Courage Playing Fields by the Shenfield Cricket Club consistent with other sports clubs use of the Council’s public open spaces with particular respect to income generation from the Council land holding. 

Mr Maxwell, a representative from Shenfield Cricket Club, made a statement to the Committee.

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Poppy SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a full discussion a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY

1.    That Members note that the decisions below will supersede and amend the earlier decisions of the 27 March 2015 Asset and Enterprise Committee (Appendix A of the report) and the 14 March 2015 Community and Health Committee (Appendix B of the report). 

2.    That the recommendations contained in the Health and Safety Report, set out in Appendix D of the report, be implemented without delay and prior to the 2018 cricket season. 

3.    That a report be made to the January 2018 Policy, Projects Resources Committee recommending that the Courage Playing Fields car park be included in the Brentwood Borough Council Off Street Parking Places Order under reasonable restrictions that accommodates the use of Cricket Ground by the Club and any existing agreements made between the Club and any existing users. 

4.    That a consultation exercise is undertaken with the adjacent affected residents on the proposal that the Club transfer its use of the adjacent cricket ground in response to the Health and Safety Report, to the land “part 776” as set out in Appendix E of the report enabling the Club to have greater use of the field for its new initiatives. 

5.    That new signage be erected at the car park indicating that Courage Playing Fields is a public open space in the ownership of the Council, consistent with similar open spaces within the Borough.

6.    That a report be made to January 2018 Policy, Projects and Resources Committee asking Members to consider the provision of a management agreement with the Shenfield Cricket Club for the use of the cricket field as summarised in this report.   

7.    That a report be made to the January 2018 Policy, Projects and Resources committee asking Members to consider the provision of a license with the Shenfield Cricket Club in respect of the land used, for the provision of the pavilion, Score Box and the practise nets as approved under 14/00836/FUL.

8.    That Officers review the condition of the car park and make a report to the January 2018 Policy, Projects and Resources Committee. 

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

To ensure that the Council’s Assets are managed in accordance with good estate practice through the preparation of a “License to Occupy” and a “Management Agreement” consistent with the advice provided through Counsels opinion. 

To regularise the operation and management of the Car Park consistent with other car parks operated by the Council.