Issue - meetings

Report DRR/17/065

Members were requested to endorse the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment 2017 which would be used for planning purposes.  This document contained information relating to the provision of open space, sport and recreation across the borough and provided data to assist in applications related to polices within the 2006 Unitary Development Plan and the draft Local Plan.

Mrs Mary Manuel (Head of Planning Strategy and Projects) and officers in her section, were commended for their work in producing this document.

Councillor Boughey disagreed with the statement in paragraph 7.22 which reported there was no facility provision for young people in and around Chislehurst.  A very good children’s playground and fitness trail was located in Chislehurst Recreation Ground.  Mrs Manuel agreed to amend the document to include these facilities.

Councillor Michael emphasised the importance of developing and providing as much open space, sport and recreation facilities as possible.  This document allowed Members to see where shortfalls occurred and developers would use it as an aide to improve provision through the planning process.  It would also be useful to other Council departments.

Referring to the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan produced by the Local Authority (page 231), Councillor Allen asked when Members were likely to have sight of this document.  Mrs Manuel confirmed she would seek advice on this matter and respond to Councillor Allen in due course.

Officers noted a request that location maps included in the document be larger in future reports.

Councillor Buttinger considered the market segmentation research undertaken by Sport England (pages 174-175) to be outdated and requested that future research be based on the more modern lifestyles of the present time.

RESOLVED that the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment be endorsed.