Liverpool Playing Pitch Strategy

Presentation by:

Mike Kearney

Development & Outdoor Services ManagerSport & Recreation Service (Appendix 10ii)

Liverpool Playing Pitch Strategy

Playing Pitch Policy

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyNational Planning Policy Framework

• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out planning policies for England

• Framework for local people and their councils to produce distinct local and neighbourhood plans,

• ‘sound’ planning policies – robust assessment of need for open space, sport and recreation facilities – ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’

• Methodology – companion guides i.e. PPG17 now replaced by NPPF – however still offers relevant guidance for needs assessments

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyNational Planning Policy Framework

• Sport England – statutory consultee – Sec. of State• NPPF states existing open space, sports and recreation

sites, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

• An assessment has been undertaken, which has clearly shown that the site is surplus to requirements.

• The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location.

• The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyWhy?

• 2005 open space study out of date• National pilot with Sport England / NPPF• Provides a clear, strategic framework for

existing playing pitches 2013 – 2018• Covers sports of football, rugby, cricket, hockey

and AGP’s• Support external funding bids and maximise

support for outdoor sport and physical activity facilities and playing pitches / NGB Facility Strategies e.g. new school developments

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyOverview

• Informs emerging planning policy/land allocations;

• Provides guidance to assess development proposals affecting playing fields;

• Basis for on-going monitoring and review of use, distribution, function, quality and accessibility of playing pitches;

• Supports other City Council Strategies

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyOverview

• Provides a vision for the future improvement and prioritisation of playing pitches

• Generic management objectives which provide a strategic framework

• Sport by sport objectives – linked to NGB’s• Area-by-area Action Plan• Implemented from 2013 – 2018• Not yet adopted by LCC – why? – FA Modelling

Work! PPS refresh ongoing

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyPriorities to Address

• Poor grass quality for football • Spare capacity where no assigned play• Shortfall of AGP’s (FA Modelling Work)• Improving and providing new cricket pitches• Overplay of rugby pitches• Accommodate displaced teams• Availability of Education sites (Secondary

schools)

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyFA Modelling Work

• LCC has deferred the adoption of the PPS due to: Emerging Physical Activity and Sport Strategy, Facilities

Strategy and the FA’s Modelling Work…• Context 10 year strategic vision for the City – address key health

issues / partnership with CCG / most active city by 2021 3 national pilots with Sheffield and Birmingham 80% of football played on LA owned pitches Liverpool – 130+ LA grass pitches Current football not sustainable financially FA Chairman’s Commission – investment £m’s

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyFA Modelling Work

• Shift from natural turf to artificial turf (new 3rd generation (3G) pitches

• Liverpool - FA’s priority city – immediate funding opportunities – £10m 3 year investment plan

• Emerging findings recommend that Liverpool requires 20no. New floodlit and full size 3G AGP’s (8 North / 12 South) 4no. Constructed

• All net income generated reinvested in Football• Steering Group / Working Party (NGB’s) set up

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyFA Modelling Work

• Model requires sites capable of accommodating 2/3 x 3G AGP’s

• Surplus of circa 50 (40%) grass pitches• Some sites retained as informal open space!• Some sites declared surplus for development!• Sport England acknowledge challenges ahead -

NPPF• Chancellor has approved £50m government

cash injection over 5 years - £300m FA investment

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyFA Modelling Work

• Next Steps: FA to commence feasibility study to identify

sites –completed end of November 2015Working party discuss potential sites (SWOT)Robust financial business plans to be drawn up Savings to be identifiedManagement options i.e. in-house or 3rd party?Briefing paper for the Mayor3G AGP’s completed by October 2016

Liverpool Playing Pitch StrategyFA Modelling Work

Any Questions?