Cabinet Members for Thriving Towns & Rural Communities and Environment, Culture & Wellbeing
Minutes:
87.1 The Chair invited Councillor Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Wellbeing, to introduce the report.
87.2 Councillor Weller proposed the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Davis seconded the motion.
87.3 Councillor Hicks questioned where the project was in relation to commitment from health. Councillor Weller responded that this did not relate to package 1, however the Council was in dialogue with health for upcoming packages.
87.4 Councillor Hardingham questioned whether there were any alternatives to artificial pitches. Councillor Weller responded that the 3g pitch was what the Football Foundation would provide funding for, additionally, 5g pitches were a new science and there was currently little clarity on maintenance costs. Also, the pitch provided the needs of the community without incurring an additional cost to the Council.
87.5 Councillor Mansel questioned what the timescales between package 1 and package 2 would be. Councillor Weller responded that due to the reliance on grant funding availability the timeline was uncertain, however it would happen under the current administration.
87.6 Councillor Mansel further questioned whether there would be improvements to the car park, including EV charging points, under the scheme. Councillor Weller responded that this would not be under package 1, however this would be considered under a future package.
87.7 Councillor Carter questioned whether the pitch could be delayed until a more environmentally friendly pitch had undergone testing. Councillor Weller responded that the cost for the 3g pitch had already been budgeted. The Director – Economic Growth and Climate Change added that whilst there were pilots for 5g pitches undergoing tests there were not any more being accepted whilst this was under review in relation to health and safety and maintenance.
87.8 Councillor Walters questioned what infrastructure for connectivity would be put in place. The Regenerations Project Manager responded that there would be improvements to the route 51 cycle route through Stowmarket, additionally discussions around parking at peak times and with local bus providers were ongoing.
87.9 Councillor Marriott questioned why an artificial pitch had been chosen. Councillor Weller responded that as the pitch would be needed for extended periods throughout the year it needed to be durable, and an artificial pitch was in line with the offerings of other local authorities.
87.10 During the debate Councillor Pratt stated that he was in full support of the project as the current facilities were in poor condition and this was a good investment in the community which would encourage young people to engage in sports.
87.11 Councillor Lawrence welcomed that the Council had done financial balances between 5g and 3g pitches and similar considerations of financial costs should be used when considering third parties in the future.
87.12 Councillor Mansel highlighted that this was a step in the right direction, however the rest of the community such as young adults and young families needed to be considered, and collaborative working with sports providers on inclusion of all abilities was a necessity.
87.13 Councillor Willshere stated that the scheme was a long time coming but raised concern that the cost of activities and need for advance payments could be an accessibility barrier.
87.14 Councillor Whitehead stated that he was pleased to see the scheme come forward, however he was disappointed that the pavilion for the rugby and cricket club was not coming forward in package one.
87.15 Councillor Caston outlined that he supported the scheme and he hoped that the wellbeing hub would be delivered and highlighted that parking for the scheme needed great consideration so that it would not cause issues for residents.
87.16 Councillor Eburne outlined that there had been due diligence in the figures and consultation on the project, and she thanked other Members and officers for their work on the project.
87.17 Councillor Walters supported the project and commented that whilst there were issues with sustainability issues with the pitch it had been debated by the working group and engagement had been done with partners.
87.18 Councillor Carter stated that he was in favour of the scheme overall, however he still had sustainability concerns with the artificial pitch.
87.19 Councillor Weller thanked Members for their contributions and highlighted that the pitch needed to be available for use and would provide a greater access for residents to services.
By 29 votes for and 1 abstention.
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That Council approve the addition of this project to the Capital Programme as outlined in the recommended funding strategy, specifically the Councils commitment of £450,000 from the Council’s Strategic Reserve towards the total cost of delivery of Work Package 1.
1.2 That Council note the Full Business Case (FBC) for Work Package 1, approved by Cabinet, in respect of the Stowmarket, Health, Education and Leisure Facilities as attached as Appendix A (confidential).
1.3 That Council note the full delivery of this element of the project as outlined in the FBC which will include pitch and land-based elements of the overall masterplan.
1.4 That Council note Cabinet’s approval of the recommended funding strategy detailed in Appendix B (confidential) as the preferred method of delivering the project, SUBJECT TO the securing all internal and external funding outlined in the recommended funding strategy.
1.5 That Council note work carried out to date on a sustainable management model for the wider Stowmarket, Health, Education and Leisure Facilities (as outlined in Appendix A – Business case confidential) and that a further recommendation on the preferred model will be brought back to Cabinet for consideration early in 2024.
A short break was taken between 19:25pm and 19:35pm.
Supporting documents: