Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the headline findings of the Playing Pitch Strategy 2026 – 2029 Part 1.

2. Approve and formally adopt the Part 1 Strategy as the evidence base for:
   1. Local Plan review to 2040
   2. Planning decisions
   3. Developer contributions (via Sport England PPS calculator)
   4. Investment planning with National Governing Bodies

3. Agree to receive a further report on the Playing Pitch Strategy Part 2 which will set out the response to the recommendations contained in Part 1, including Rotherham Council’s vision and implementation plan.

4. Agree that the PPS is monitored annually and reviewed every 3 years, or sooner if significant changes occur.

5. Delegate implementation oversight to the Service Director for Culture, Sport and Tourism, supported by the Sport & Physical Activity Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the Playing Pitch Strategy – Part 1 (PPS) for approval. The PPS provided an up-to-date, robust, Sport England compliant assessment of the supply, demand and future needs for outdoor sports facilities in Rotherham. It covered football, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, hockey, tennis and padel. It was essential for:

·       Planning Policy (evidence base for Local Plan review to 2040)

·       Developer contributions (Access to Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator)

·       Investment (supporting bids to the sports funders such as the Football Association, English Cricket Board and Lawn Tennis Association)

·       Protecting playing fields as per the National Planning Policy Framework requirements

·       Meeting participation demand, across all pitch sports

The Strategy identified significant current and future shortfalls in multiple sports, particularly football (youth formats), cricket, rugby union and 3G pitches. It provided a clear action plan for the next 3-5 years, with strategic direction to 2040.

The most recent PPS for Rotherham was produced in 2005, followed by a subsequent review which led to adoption by Cabinet in 2009. However, the methodology utilised by Sport England had been updated and they no longer

recognised the 2005 version. The new Sport England guidance was produced in 2013. It was not possible to produce a new strategy until now, due to lack of resource: the loss of the Sports Development Team due to Local Government austerity and changes to Sport England grant funding. Following the availability of funding via Section 106 in 2024 and the creation of the new Sport and Physical Activity Manager post, it had been possible to deliver a new Strategy.

The PPS would be presented in two parts. Part 1 covered the needs assessment related to playing pitch provision in Rotherham.  Subject to approval of Part 1, Part 2 would outline a clear vision, cover how the recommendations would be implemented and resourced, working in collaboration with the stakeholders on the Playing Pitch Steering Group. 

Paragraph 2.1 of the report set out the aims of the Strategy and detailed how the aims would be achieved. Paragraph 2.3 outlined the headline findings from the PPS for each individual sport. Paragraph 2.4 detailed the monitoring and delivery of the Playing Pitch Strategy.

The report was considered by the Improving Places Select Commission who advised that the recommendations be supported. A report would be taken back to the Improving Places Select Commission once delivery of the Strategy was underway.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Note the headline findings of the Playing Pitch Strategy 2026–2029 Part 1.

2.    Approve and formally adopt the Part 1 Strategy as the evidence base for:

a.    Local Plan review to 2040

b.    Planning decisions

c.     Developer contributions (via Sport England PPS calculator)

d.    Investment planning with National Governing Bodies

3.    Agree to receive a further report on the Playing Pitch Strategy Part 2 which will set out the response to the recommendations contained in Part 1, including Rotherham Council’s vision and implementation plan.

4.    Agree that the PPS is monitored annually and reviewed every 3 years, or sooner if significant changes occur.

5.    Delegate implementation oversight to the Service Director for Culture, Sport and Tourism, supported by the Sport & Physical Activity Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces.