The Leisure Strategy is one of the key strategies as set out in the Vision for Brentwood 2016-19 document. The Council has ageing facilities and needs to ensure that its leisure facilities are not only fit for purpose now but for the future. The Strategy and action plan sets out the vision, what the Council needs to achieve, the challenges it faces and how the priorities and outcomes have been identified. The Leisure Strategy is a large piece of work, so it has been split into workstreams to enable its delivery. The Strategy will cover a period of 10 years, but the supporting action plan will be a live document which will be reviewed and updated regularly to note the progress on the delivery of the Strategy.

A presentation to Members was given by Mrs Anderson.

Members thanked Mrs Anderson for the work carried out.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Poppy to approve the recommendations in the report, subject to an additional recommendation to state: -

2.3.     That the final Leisure Strategy will brought back to the relative committee for approval after consultation.

After a full discussion a vote was taken on a show of hands and it was RESOLVED.

1.         That Members agree to the draft Leisure Strategy and action plan.

2.         That Members refer the draft Leisure Strategy to Policy, Projects and Resources Committee on 12 March 2018 for their approval.

3.         That the final Leisure Strategy will brought back to the relative committee for approval after consultation.

4.       Subject to approval at Policy, Projects and Resources Committee on 12 March 2018 and the required resources and budgets being agreed that delegation is given to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair of Community Health and Housing Committee to appoint a Leisure Development Partner to develop a business case for the improvements to King George’s Playing Fields.

Reasons for the Recommendation

As part of the Council’s due diligence in delivering a successful Leisure Strategy, Members and officers need to have a complete picture of the current associated costs, risk profiles of the Borough’s Leisure facilities and identify opportunities for income generation.

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. 

(Cllr Ms Rowlands declared a pecuniary interest under the Council’s Code of Conduct by virtue of her position as a Trustee for Brentwood Leisure Trust, therefore Cllr Rowlands did not take part in the debate or vote. Cllr Wiles declared a non-pecuniary interest under the Council’s Code of Conduct by virtue for his position on being Council Representative on Brentwood Rugby Club and Hartswood Golf Course, both situated at King George’s Playing Fields).