playing pitch strategy

South Northamptonshire Council

Playing Pitch Strategy

December 2007

Introduction

1.1 During August 2006, South Northamptonshire Council commissioned PMP to review and update the previous countywide playing pitch strategy completed in April 2002, focusing specifically on the district. The strategy has been developed following the methodology outlined in “Towards a Level Playing Field.”

1.2 This strategy builds on the recently completed PPG17 compliant open space, sport and recreation study which considers the provision of open spaces district wide, including a range of outdoor sports facilities. The level of detail within this document provides a bespoke assessment of the supply and demand for different pitch sports and outlines specific priorities for future provision. This is particularly important in light of the population growth within the local area.

1.3 The key objectives of this playing pitch strategy are to:

• analyse the current level of pitch provision, including the geographical spread and quality of pitches

• assist the Council in meeting the requirements for playing pitches in accordance with the methodology developed by Sport England in conjunction with the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) and the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR)

• identify the demand for pitches in the district

• run the Playing Pitch Methodology (explained in detail in section five) to ascertain levels of under / over supply

• identify how facilities for pitch sports can be improved to meet the needs of the community

• provide strategic options and recommendations including

- provision to be protected

- provision to be enhanced

- re-allocation of pitches

- proposals for new provision

Playing Pitch Strategy 1

• provide information to help the decision making process and determine future development proposals including the production of specific local standards relating to playing pitch provision. These standards will provide a more specific outline of the requirement for grass pitches based on hectares per 1,000 population.

1.4 This playing pitch assessment is primarily concerned with voluntary participation, by adults and young people, in competitive association football (referred to in this document as ‘football’), cricket, rugby union and hockey as recommended in ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’. As a separate piece of work, South Northamptonshire Council have also commissioned a small report, investigating the feasibility of providing an athletics track in the District. This will be provided under separate cover.

1.5 The strategy presents the key findings arising from extensive survey work and consultation, highlighting areas of both concern and opportunity and sets a vision and strategy for the future delivery of sports pitches across the district.

1.6 It is important to emphasise that this document examines the provision of playing pitches (i.e. the playing surface, safety margins and the wider area for repositioning the pitch within the playing field) and not playing fields or open spaces (which include grass or other areas which are not used for sport). This is a key distinction since some of the areas surrounding pitches are not used for sport but are important in terms of open space. The wider use and secondary purpose of outdoor sports facilities is considered within the PPG17 assessment.

1.7 The following key areas are covered within this document:

• the current picture – a review of current participation trends and playing pitch provision in England, both at a national level, and specifically within South Northamptonshire

• methodology – a summary of the research process

• supply and demand – a quantitative and qualitative appraisal of the extent to which existing playing pitch provision meets the current (and future) competitive needs of pitch sports

• an application of Sport England’s Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM)

• key actions, recommendations and priorities for the future based on the development of the main issues arising from the supply and demand consultation and PPM analysis. An area-by-area-action plan will be provided in section six.

1.8 For the purposes of analysis, the district has been split into five areas, Towcester, Brackley, and North of the M1 motorway, rural area central and rural area west. These are referred to as sub areas in the report. These areas mirror


those used in the PPG17 assessment. This allows examination of the data at a more detailed local level, especially where there is expected to be larger population increases in some areas of the District.

1.9 These geographical areas are illustrated in Map 1.1 overleaf and a summary of the population within each area, both current and future estimation, is provided in table 1.1 below. These populations are based on 2006 mid-year population estimates.

1.10 All data collected as part of this study has been inputted into a complex excel spreadsheet. This toolkit has also been provided to the Council, enabling analysis of supply and demand issues at a geographical level. This allows detailed in-depth analysis and testing of future scenarios.

Table 1.1 – Population of each analysis area

P o p u l a t i o n2 0 0 6 M i d -

y e a r e s t i m a t e s

2 0 2 1 F u t u r e

P o p u l a t i o n

T o w c e s t e r 9 5 0 4 1 6 , 6 4 4B r a c k l e y 1 5 7 8 0 1 6 , 7 6 4N o r t h o f M 1 1 1 1 0 4 1 1 , 7 8 3R u r a l A r e a C e n t r a l 3 2 8 3 1 3 5 , 5 4 4R u r a l A r e a W e s t 1 5 9 7 4 1 7 , 1 3 4T o t a l 8 5 , 1 9 3 9 7 , 8 7 0


Map 1.1 – Sub areas in South Northamptonshire


South Northamptonshire Council Playing Pitch Strategy 5

South Northamptonshire Council

2.1 This section of the strategy assesses the current context for playing pitch provision both nationally and locally within South Northamptonshire. It contains the following information:

• context - a review of national, regional and local strategies relevant to sport and recreation in the district

• an analysis of demographic and participation trends

• playing pitch provision - the national context and the local context

• analysis areas - the assumed populations.

National context

2.2 Despite the explosion of local authority provision during the 1970’s and recent private health and fitness boom, participation has remained relatively static, with recently released statistics1 highlighting that 21% of the adult population aged 16 and over (8.5 million people) take part in sport and active recreation (a minimum of three times per week for thirty minutes).

2.3 The statistics provide detailed information on the different sports that people are currently participating in. Fitness related activities, often done on an individual basis or in classes, dominate the more traditional sports such as football, rugby, cricket and hockey. However football does feature in the top 10 sporting activities with a total of 2.9 million people participating once a month or more. The findings from the survey reveal that the popularity of different sports varies substantially between men and women and across different regions in England.

2.4 The breakdown of participation by sport is shown in table 2.1 below:

1 Sport England. Active People Survey. 2006

Table 2.1 – Sport by Sport results from the Active People Survey

Sport and recreational activities

Rank Order (out of 74)

% of the adult population (16 plus) taking part at least once a month

Number of adults (16 plus) taking part at least once a month

Football (all) 5 7.1 2,910,684Cricket 17 0.9 380,366Rugby Union 21 0.7 267,817Hockey 30 0.3 141,351Rugby League 37 0.3 110,553

Making the case for sport

2.5 Over recent years the role of sport and active recreation in being able to help deliver wider quality of life benefits, has been increasingly recognised at a national level.

2.6 This has been driven by Game Plan: a strategy for delivering Government’s sport and physical activity objectives (DCMS/Strategy Unit, December 2002). This report outlines the Government’s long term vision for increasing participation and high performance in sport, specifically:


“by 2020 to increase significantly levels of sport and physical activity, particularly among disadvantaged groups, and to achieve sustained levels of success in international competition”

2.7 The Government wants to encourage the growth of a mass participation culture, with the ambitious target of achieving 70% of the population active by 2020. However it is realised by experts within the field and those delivering sport and recreation that this target is challenging. It has therefore subsequently been recommended by the Government that a lower target of 50% of the population active by 2020 is set, with a 1% increase targeted year-on-year.

2.8 Game Plan’s remit is wider than sport alone and recognises the link between physical activity and improving health and the importance of focussing on young people. In achieving such links and targeted participation increases there is recognition of the need for more innovative solutions to provision. These are currently being explored through public health interventions mainly through local service delivery.

2.9 DfES: Learning through PE and Sport (2003) stresses the importance of PE and sport in schools (curricular and extracurricular) and reinforces the role of schools in serving the community. This is also highlighted through the government Public Service Agreement Targets (PSAs).

2.10 The case is further illustrated in Sport Playing Its Part: The Contribution of Sport to Building Safe, Strong and Sustainable Communities (Sport England, 2005) which is one of a series of documents published by Sport England outlining how sport can enrich people’s quality of life, raise self-esteem and confidence levels and provide enjoyment to individuals. Sport and active recreation also has the potential to contribute to strengthening community involvement, engagement, identity and civic pride.

2.11 Sport and other cultural (or leisure) services can be a powerful tool to engage all sections of the community and break down barriers between them. Marginalised groups are often more willing to engage with such activities than other government funded activities.

2.12 Community Cohesion - An Action Guide, Local Government Association, 2004, outlines the roles that sport can play in meeting wider corporate objectives including:

strengthening community involvement, engagement, identity and pride improving community cohesion


reducing crime and anti-social behaviour improving quality of built and natural environment and creating a sense of place encouraging sustainable travel.

2.13 The provision of high quality playing fields in the right location will be instrumental in driving forward the health and physical activity agenda and increasing participation nationally. This playing pitch strategy will guide the effective distribution of playing pitches across the District.

2.14 The Building Schools for the Future Programme, the largest investment into the school estate to date, provides significant opportunities to promote joined-up thinking and to provide community resources. This programme offers the opportunity to:

protect school facilities enhance the value of school playing fields to the local community create and enhance school club links and provide home grounds for more local clubs facilitate the growth of mini and youth seven a side soccer support and improve opportunities to play sport in school enhance joined up thinking with our partners.

Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (Planning for Open Space Sport and Recreation, July 2002) and its Companion Guide (September 2002)

2.15 Planning Policy Guidance Notes (and Planning Policy Statements) set out the Government’s national policies on different aspects of planning.

2.16 PPG17 states that “the government expects all local authorities to carry out assessments of needs and audits of open space and sports and recreational facilities”.

South Northamptonshire Council Playing Pitch Strategy

2.17 Well designed and implemented planning policies for open space, sport and recreation are fundamental to delivering broader Government objectives, which include:

8

supporting an urban renaissance supporting a rural renewal promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion health and well being promoting more sustainable development.

2.18 The policy guidance highlights the requirement for local authority decisions regarding open space, sport and recreation to be informed by local needs assessments and an audit of existing provision. Such audits should incorporate qualitative, quantitative and accessibility considerations as well as the overall non-monetary value of the land and the level of use. National standards are no longer considered to meet local needs, although they may be used as benchmarks.

2.19 The consultation findings from the PPG17 study highlighted a need to examine pitch provision within the district, with the main concern focusing on a perceived lack of pitches. This report will seek to further investigate those consultation findings and examine each sport by sub area through a detailed supply and demand analysis.

Regional context

Regional Spatial Strategy for the East Midlands (RSS8)

2.20 The aim of this policy strategy is to ensure that all development in the area enhances the East Midlands to become a region where communities are sustainable and environmental, social and economic well-being is evident.

2.21 The document supersedes Regional Planning Guidance (RPG8) and the policies in this document should inform local structure plans and set the context for the preparation of Local Development Framework (LDF) and Local Development Document (LDD) policy.

2.22 Policy 1 states that the main objectives of the strategy are to:

address social exclusion through community regeneration protect and enhance the environment


improve the regions health develop sustainable transport routes to include walking and cycling develop habitats and biodiversity by improved management of natural sites promote the environmental and social benefits of a ‘green infrastructure’.

2.23 The regional spatial strategy also states the importance of maintaining and enhancing the rich environment that the region provides including the Southern Sub Area where South Northamptonshire is located.

2.24 Policy 38 of RPG8, which states that playing fields and other recreational open spaces should be protected and that new developments should include provision for children’s play and informal recreation, has been refined and condensed into Policy 32 of RSS8. This policy now ensures that adequate recreational open space and other facilities are provided in both urban and rural areas to serve existing and new populations.

East Midlands Regional Plan for Sport

2.25 Following Sport England’s Framework for Sport, each regional office has produced a regional plan for sport. East Midlands Regional Plan for Sport, ‘Change 4 Sport’ was published in 2004 and runs to 2008. The planned priorities for the region include:

to build a more efficient and effective sporting system within the East Midlands to increase participation In Sport and Active Recreation to meet National Government Targets in line with Game Plan to make the East Midlands the most successful sporting region in England and to maximise its’ Contribution Towards

National (England and UK/GB) success to tackle inequality by increasing participation in Sport & Active Recreation by under-represented groups and

communities to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and well being of the inhabitants of the East Midlands through sport and active recreation make communities in the East Midlands stronger and safer maximise the contribution of sport and active recreation to and from Education and Lifelong Learning


to benefit the local economy and realise the potential sport and active recreation has to contribute to the development of the Regional and Local Economy, the East Midlands Development Agency has produced a regional economic strategy ‘Destination 2010’ which sits under the Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS)

the strategy has two high-level aspirations of equal weight – to deliver a Competitive Region and at the same time to ensure that the region has Sustainable Communities.

2.26 The playing pitch strategy for South Northamptonshire will help deliver and drive forward some of the priorities laid out in the plan, particularly those around sport and community development and improving health and well being.

Sub Regional Documentation

Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub Regional Strategy

2.27 Milton Keynes and the South Midlands was identified as a potential growth area in the UK and this strategy was developed to create specific sub regional planning policy in line with the relevant regional planning guidance so as to provide contextual preparation for Local Development Documents (LDD).

2.28 The main objectives which relate to the provision of playing pitches in South Northamptonshire are:

to ensure that any development contributes to an improved environment by high standards of design, protecting and enhancing environmental assets including landscape and biodiversity and promoting green space

to create sustainable communities by ensuring improved social, economic, environmental and cultural services.

2.29 More specifically, the strategy states that significant development will occur in some of the major towns in Northamptonshire, this includes Towcester and Brackley.

2.30 Northamptonshire Policy 1 states that between the years 2001 and 2021, an additional 6,600 dwellings will be provided in South Northamptonshire. The increase in population will affect the demand for pitches within the District and may provide opportunities to secure S106 funding for additional pitches where there is most need.

2.31 The Sub-regional strategy provides additional information for Brackley and Towcester as rural service centres, stating that their roles will be further enhanced as service centres for the rural hinterlands. Growth will be accommodated in line with


the sequential approach within existing built up areas or in the form of sustainable urban extensions. The centres of these towns should be the focus for enhancement proposals. Towcester particularly is referenced for the need for regeneration of the historic town.

Northamptonshire County Structure Plan

2.32 The Northamptonshire Structure Plan is the planning blueprint for the County. It not only sets out the land-use strategy for the period up to the year 2016, but also establishes the general basis for how it will develop beyond that date. Under the new planning system, the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East Midlands and the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy will provide the strategic planning framework. The existing Structure Plan continues to be in force with the exception of where policies in the RSS and Sub-Regional Strategy supercede policies in the structure plan.

Open Space and Recreation Policy

2.33 Policy RT2 states that planning permission will not be granted for development that would result in a loss of open space, for which there is a need, unless alternative provision is made elsewhere in the local area. Policy RT2 also defines that development proposals will, where appropriate, be required to make allowance for open spaces for formal and informal recreation.

The Environment

2.34 This strategy sets out polices for the protection and enhancement of the Environment and promotion of biodiversity and creation of new habitats within open space provision. Policy AR6 states that all registered parks and gardens are to be protected.

Northamptonshire Sport Partnership Strategy 2003-2007

2.35 Northamptonshire Sport has a number of aims and objectives, which relate to sports facility development. The partnership aims to increase the quality and quantity of provision by:

ensuring the consistency of provision providing easily accessible, locally based sport, physical activity and recreational opportunities


maximise the use of new facilities.

2.36 The strategy states that a greater emphasis is needed on how sport can assist with meeting non-sporting agendas, such as crime prevention, health, regeneration and social inclusion. Northamptonshire Sport believe that a strong focus should also be placed on cost, quality and value for money when providing facilities and services.

Northamptonshire Playing Pitch Strategy 2002

2.37 The existing playing pitch strategy provided analysis at a countywide level. This strategy places the provision into a local context reporting on areas of surplus and deficiency and identifying areas of recommended development for each of the district areas within the County.

2.38 The findings from the strategy highlight that South Northamptonshire currently has a shortfall of 27.4 junior football pitches, a surplus of 45.3 adult football pitches, a surplus of 9.4 cricket pitches, sufficient rugby pitches to meet demand and a shortfall of 2.3 synthetic turf pitches. The main areas of facility development include pitch improvements and ancillary accommodation development.

2.39 Developments within the district have taken place since 2002. Ensuring this information is up-to-date will allow the continued application of the findings of the study in conjunction with the findings of the open space study to provide a clear and detailed strategy for future provision.

Local context

South Northamptonshire Local Plan (1996)

2.40 The Local Plan, adopted formally in October 1997 reflects and develops the strategy of the County Structure Plan.

2.41 The main issues at the time of the Local Plan (1996) to note regarding recreation, tourism and community facilities include:

the potential for more intensive use of existing recreational facilities


the sports council identified the potential for dual use relating to school sports facilities at Bugbrooke, Middleton Cheney, Deanshanger and Roade, they also encourage more intensive use of Education Authority buildings/facilities to help satisfy wider needs.

2.42 Key issues to note more specifically about amenity and children’s play areas in relation to the open space, sport, play and recreation study include:

new residential development schemes (all but the smallest) should contain public open space in line with the revised National Playing Fields Association standards

in the case of larger developments, developers should be prepared to provide more substantial recreational and leisure facilities where the need has arisen as a direct result of the development.

2.43 When calculating open space requirements under policy RC10 the Council will apply an average household size of 2.5 persons per dwelling.

2.44 Policy RC10 states that: amenity and children’s play areas and other appropriate facilities shall be provided within residential developments of 50 dwellings or more, there should be:

amenity open space – 0.6ha per 1,000 population children’s play space and kick-about areas – 0.4ha per 1,000 population sports ground/playing fields – 2ha per 1,000 population.

Towcester and Brackley Urban Capacity Study (2005)

2.45 Guidance suggests that urban capacity studies should comprehensively and thoroughly explore the maximum capacity for housing developments within an urban area and should not be confined to identifying only the housing capacity needed to satisfy current strategic housing need. This up-date has built on the 2001 report and focuses on potential opportunities for new housing in Towcester and Brackley with particular emphasis on the re-development of previously developed land.

2.46 The work produced from this report will help the Council determine proposals for the new Local Plan and provide a basis for site-specific development briefs or action plans relating to potential allocations.


South Northamptonshire Community Strategy (2004-2009)

2.47 The South Northamptonshire Community Strategy hopes to influence and inform the decision making of all key agencies working in South Northamptonshire. It sets a long-term direction but also encompasses short and medium term priorities for the partners to action jointly.

2.48 There are a series of aims across six different themes including:

learning and skills economic social and community well-being health and housing community safety the natural and built environment.

2.49 Health and housing is of particular relevance to this document and it’s key indicators that are interlinked with playing pitch provision are:

support and encourage healthy lifestyles promote and address mental health issues provide comprehensive advice and information across the community about available support and services regarding

health and housing issues maximise opportunities to secure land for the provision of sustainable communities which meet local needs.

2.50 An action plan is currently being developed (the next stage of the community strategy) which will give a clear idea of how priorities will be achieved and where specific actions can be achieved.


A Sports Development Action Plan for 2004-2008

2.51 The South Northamptonshire sports development plan is based on four key themes including:

sports development developing communities health, physical activity and sport schools and sport.

2.52 The action plan focuses on these areas and sets specific targets to help meet the objectives and the associated timeframes for achievement of these objectives. The objectives of the sports development team will be considered in more detail in section 5 of the report. The achievement of some recommendations set out in the playing pitch strategy will aid the Council in the delivery of some of the wider objectives detailed in the action plan.

South Northamptonshire Council – demographics and profile

2.53 In analysing the need and demand for any new sport and recreation facilities it is important to assess the size and composition of the local leisure markets and the impact they will have upon facility usage.

2.54 South Northamptonshire is one of the seven Local Authorities that make up the County of Northamptonshire. It is a predominantly rural area, covering 63,352 hectares. The population is distributed around 80 villages and two historic market towns of Towcester and Brackley.

2.55 The total population of the District of South Northants in 2003 (mid-2003 population estimates) was 82,700 (currently estimated at 85,193 by 2006 mid-year estimates) of which 49.8% are male. Children under the age of five accounts for 6% of the population, which is similar to the national average while 16.3% are of retirement age, below the national average of 18.5%. This suggests that the proportion of residents in those age groups which more frequently participate in sport is higher than average, indicating that demand for facilities may be higher than in other areas.

2.56 In the twenty years between 1982 and 2002 the population of South Northamptonshire has grown by 25 per cent, compared with an increase of 9.5 per cent for East Midlands region as a whole. Other significant demographics include the fact that only 11.7% of all households have no car (compared to 26.8% nationally). This indicates that residents will


have a higher capability of travelling to reach pitches. The general state of health in South Northamptonshire is good (74.55%) and only a small amount of residents (12.9%) suffer with a limiting long-term illness (compared with 18.2% nationally).

2.57 Key national statistics, trends, issues and implications for future demand for playing pitches are outlined in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 – National trends in pitch sports

Key facts Key trends Implication for pitches and ancillary facilities

Active People Survey rates football as the 5th most popular sport, this follows a big growth in participation from 37% in 1994 to 43% in 1999

More children are playing due to popularity of mini soccer

More mini soccer sized pitches needed

Female soccer is now starting to grow nationally at a rapid pace

More women are playing the game

Improved quality of ancillary facilities and in particular dedicated changing facilities

A 300-400% growth in informal 5-a-side football

More mid-week fixtures, more non-grass pitches

Players defecting to five-a-side, therefore additional synthetic turf and indoor space may be required

Foot

ball

The FA forecast the number of youth players to increase by 10% over next five years

More pitches will be needed The vast number of children playing mini-soccer will result in the need for more junior pitches in five year’s time



Kwik cricket – a game devised for children is played by 1.1 million pupils in 90% of the country’s primary schools – 434,000 of these are girls

Increased participation by young people

More pitches used for Kwik cricket and new mobile pitches introduced in schools

Despite the declining men’s game, the number of women’s clubs increased from 4,200 in 1997 to 7,611 in 2001

Increased participation by women Improved access needed to quality training pitches and improved ancillary facilities in smaller clubs is required

Cric

ket

England won The Ashes in 2005 The England and Wales Cricket Board has reported a 50% increase in participation across all forms of cricket

Increased pressure on pitch availability, and requirements for additional ancillary accommodation

Rugby - Making An Impact is the most comprehensive study into participation trends in rugby union in England. 254 ex-players, 193 people involved in rugby at all levels, and 1,708 members of the public were interviewed between January and April 2003

Over the past five seasons, the average number of sides fielded by each active club has fallen to an average of 2.7 per club, from 2.9 in the 1997-98 season.

Clubs will be targeted to ensure they can run additional teams, therefore the demand for pitches will remain static or potentially increase (outcome of Rugby World Cup 2007 will have an impact)

Rug

by U

nion

The number of adult males playing rugby has decreased by 12% over last five years

Decline in the men’s game is recognised but many initiatives are in place to increase opportunities and promote the sport

May require better quality pitches with ancillary facilities



Women’s participation has increased significantly in recent years - from approximately 2,000 players in 1988, to 8,000 by 1998

Increase in participation by women. Women’s rugby is still a minority sport but is stronger than ever, particularly in universities.

Improved clubhouse facilities and increased access to pitches

Hoc

key

Hockey is one of top five most popular games in schools, although adult participation declined from 20% in 1994, to 17% in 1999 and the number of children citing it as enjoyable dropped from 13% to 10% over the same period

Slight decline in youth participation. Emphasis therefore is placed on promoting hockey among young people to secure the future of the game. However, many clubs still do not have access to STPs

Continuing requirement for STPs and improved clubhouse facilities to meet league requirements and to encourage club/team formation may be required.

Participation trends in key sports

2.58 Whilst the above provides a useful indication as to the changing nature of pitch sports, it must be acknowledged that

trends vary across the country. Therefore the local context is discussed below.

2.59 The analysis of participation rates for the district are extremely important to ascertain the propensity of residents to partake in physical exercise. Sport England have conducted in-depth research into the participation rates of adults for sport and recreation in each local authority in the country. The measure of physical activity is assessed as the percentage of the population meeting the recommended guidelines of taking part in moderate intensity sport and active recreation at least three days in a week (at least 12 days in the last 4 weeks) for a minimum of 30 minutes continuously in any one session. It includes walking and cycling for recreation, in addition to more traditional formal and informal sports.

2.60 A range of other important sport related measures are also considered, including club membership, involvement in competition, receiving tuition or coaching and contributing to sport through voluntary activity.


2.61 The survey results for the District, taken from the October 2005 – October 2006 survey, indicate that 22.2% regularly participate in physical activity, placing South Northamptonshire in the middle 50% of all Local Authorities in England. The national average for adults is 21%.

Map 2.1 – East Midlands Regional Map of participation by Local Authority Area

2.62 Analysis of participation in the East Midlands region indicates that levels of participation in South Northamptonshire are just outside the top ten within the region (12 out of 40). On average across the East Midlands, 20.8% of the adult


population (723,898) take part regularly in sport and active recreation whilst 27.9% or 971,911 people have built some exercise into their lives.

2.63 In relation to number of volunteers (those supporting sport for at least one hour per week), the district featured in the top 25% of all local authorities nationally and within the top 10 of all council areas within the region. It is essential that volunteering opportunities are maintained and volunteers are supported to facilitate the increase in sport and recreation participation, in line with government targets.

2.64 Each individual local authority can use Active People Diagnostic to extract further findings from the survey. The interactive web-based tool will provide further detail based on the responses for each authority area. This information should feed into any local physical activity strategy and may help inform where future funding should be targeted.

Playing pitch provision

Provision in England - A lack of reliable data

2.65 The Register of Recreational Land was undertaken in the early 1990s, however, the data collected has not been updated, and therefore it is an increasingly unreliable source and should be treated purely as historical data.

2.66 With regards to ownership of pitches, the register suggests that around 40% of adult size pitches are in local authority control (leisure services and town/parish council), 30% in education authority control and 30% in private/voluntary sport clubs control.

2.67 Despite this, the statistics tend to reflect the most recent pitch audit – the Register of English Football Facilities (REFF) – which was commissioned by the Football Foundation and the Football Association in 2001 and completed in February 2002. The information collected went ‘live’ on the REFF website (www.reff.org.uk) in November 2002. Research revealed that there are 35,044 grass football pitches in England (21,640 adult, 8,418 junior, 4,986 mini).

2.68 Most recently, analysis of football play by the FA reveals that 82% of all football is played on public sector land, of which approximately 25% is on school sites.


2.69 In July 2004 Sport England launched the Active Places website (www.activeplaces.com). This website contains information about all sports facilities in England (of certain types) and includes information on pitches in each local authority. The audit produced as part of this study should be uploaded back on to the Active Places website, ensuring that

http://www.reff.org.uk/

all pitches are included and details are up to date. The Council will then be able to use this tool to complement the pitch strategy and to consider the implications of different scenarios, alongside assessments of other types of sport facility. The Active Places database now indicates that 93% of residents are within a 20 minute drivetime of at least one playing pitch.

A lack of monitoring

2.70 With the exception of REFF and Active Places there are no other reliable data sources concerning the numbers of pitches in England. In addition, there is no nationally established system for monitoring change.

2.71 The exact number of pitches being lost to development or neglect remains a contentious issue. The DCMS has established a Playing Fields Monitoring Group, tasked with publishing some definitive data.

2.72 By virtue of statutory instrument made in 1996, Sport England is a statutory consultee on proposals for development that affect playing fields, land used as playing fields at any time in the last five years which remains undeveloped, or land which is identified for use as a playing field in a development plan. All applications that local planning authorities are minded to approve, but have attracted an objection from Sport England, will be referred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) for consideration.

2.73 The local planning authority must notify Sport England when a relevant planning application is received. Data stored by Sport England on statutory consultations since 1999 reveals the increasing pressure that is being placed upon pitches throughout the country (Table 2.3 overleaf).

2.74 Recently published figures suggest that sixty-two new playing fields were created in 2004/05 and in contrast, only two playing fields were completely lost, neither of which had previously been accessible to the general public. Of all applications regarding playing pitches, 96% resulted in either no change to the overall level of pitch provision or an improvement on the pitches previously there.


Table 2.3 - Statutory consultations with Sport England

Number of consultations received Region

1999-2000 2000- 2001 2001- 2002 2002- 2003 2003- 2004 2004- 2005

East 38 93 88 116 144 197

East Midlands 30 74 112 140 137 151

London 25 36 39 59 59 40

North East 37 36 71 74 96 85

North West 92 129 145 193 175 72

South East 147 214 162 234 237 227

South West 48 36 73 83 181 149

West Midlands 111 162 161 213 194 199

Yorkshire 97 95 134 185 190 151

England 625 875 985 1297 1413 1271

2.75 As shown in Table 2.3, Sport England was consulted on planning applications during 2003 / 2004 more than in any other year and the total level declined slightly by 2004-2005, although this is not reflective of the situation in the East Midlands where there has been a rise in the number of applications being submitted. During 2004 /05, Sport England objected to 98 planning applications which compromised the provision of outdoor sports facilities. Of these, 51 did not go ahead.


2.76 Recently released figures by the DCMS state that £157 million has been invested over the last year in 482 outdoor facilities and 157 indoor facilities. This includes synthetic pitches and sports halls amongst other facility types.

2.77 The DCMS commended these improvements, highlighting the role that investment in facilities can have in increasing the level of physical activity across the country. Sport England continues to safeguard pitches as well as helping to enhance sporting facilities by only giving approval for alterations where there are increased benefits for sporting facilities.

Summary

2.78 The box overleaf summarises the main implications that the contextual review has on South Northamptonshire.

Implications of the national, regional and local context for Playing Pitch provision in South Northamptonshire

• the importance of meeting wider national policy objectives, particularly: - provision of opportunities for identified target groups - promoting the health related benefits of sport and leisure activities - increasing mass participation levels - achieving the increased physical activity levels stated in the Regional Plan for sport of a 1% increase in participation

year-on-year

• need for meeting Local Area Agreement objectives • the need for more reliable facilities data at a national and local level • the importance of closely reflecting National Governing Body of Sport priorities • the need to ensure that sports development priorities and facility development are closely linked • the need to link into existing strategies, in particular the recently completed PPG17 Open Space, Sport, Play and Recreation

Strategy.


Methodology for assessing supply and demand

Previous approaches to identifying need

3.1 The first attempt to establish a standard of provision for public open space and playing fields was made by the NPFA in 1925 and has been subsequently refined on a number of occasions. It is known as the ‘Six Acre Standard’.

3.2 The current open space, sport, play and recreation strategy sets a standard of 2ha per 1,000 population for outdoor sports facilities, excluding golf courses. This local standard should be incorporated within the LDF to ensure the correct amount of open space is secured through developer contributions. A new local standard will be recommended for the provision of grass pitches specifically for the sports of football, cricket, rugby and hockey (through the provision of synthetic turf pitches).

3.3 The previous playing pitch strategy did not recommend a specific local standard for playing pitch provision in the District of South Northamptonshire.

The Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM)

3.4 The 1991 playing pitch methodology moved away from a standards approach, instead examining the number and characteristics of teams demanding facilities and pitches available to meet that demand. Since the original methodology was produced there have been changes and developments - particularly relating to trends in participation within the pitch sports, sports development initiatives and the general understanding, appreciation and perception of land in playing field use and its relation to other land uses.

3.5 ‘Towards a Level Playing Field: A manual for the Production of a Playing Pitch Strategy’ was launched in spring 2003 and updates the previous methodology. This revised methodology was produced by PMP following widespread consultation on the 1991 methodology, in conjunction with a steering group comprising representatives from the Central Council of Physical Recreation, Local Government Association, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Loughborough University and Sport England. The aim of the Playing Pitch Methodology is to determine the number of pitches required for each activity based on demand in an actual or predicted set of circumstances. The essential difference between the methodology and previous approaches based on standards is that, instead of using land area per head of population as the basic unit, it measures demand (at peak


times) in terms of teams requiring pitches and then compares this with the pitches available, thus providing a tangible measure of the adequacy of existing supply.

3.6 The particular advantage of this methodology is that it is related precisely to the local situation and the very task of collating and analysing the information highlights problems and issues from which policy options and solutions can be explored.

3.7 The revised methodology incorporates:

• a more holistic view of pitch provision as one element of open space

• the concept of ‘team equivalents’ and ‘match equivalents’ to reflect the requirements of the small-sided games

• the refinement of team generation rates

• the revised definition of a pitch

• the refined quantitative audits of pitches by the use of multiplication factors for: o availability / accessibility

o quality (to include the importance of ancillary provision at pitch sites as well as pitches themselves) o carrying capacity.

3.8 The Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM) comprises eight stages. Stages 1 to 6 involve numerical calculations, whilst Stages 7 and 8 develop issues and solutions. The methodology is employed to analyse the adequacy of current provision and to assess possible future situations, in order that latent and future demand (identified through Team Generation Rates), and the problems with quality, use and capacity of existing pitches can be taken into account.

3.9 PPM calculations take into account only those pitches that are secured for community use, in line with Sport England guidance.

3.10 The Football Association (FA) have recently begun collecting participation data through the county administration systems, enabling accurate benchmarking against like authorities and more accurate assessments of latent demand. The information available has been used to add value to the findings of the strategy, enabling more detailed investigation of the reasons behind key issues. This will be discussed further in section 5 of the report.


Our approach

3.11 The success of the methodology outlined above depends largely on obtaining as accurate a tally as possible of the number of teams and pitches within South Northamptonshire. To achieve this, a full audit of pitches, users and providers within the authority boundary was conducted. Questionnaires (which can be found in Appendix A) were sent to:

• all known football, cricket, rugby and hockey clubs based within the authority boundaries (identified in governing body and county association handbooks, league handbooks, pitch booking records, websites, local press, FA data or local knowledge)

• all known schools and colleges within the district.

3.12 Table 3.1 overleaf summarises the response rates. It was of paramount importance that a 100% response rate was received from providers of playing pitches. For this reason, all non-responding schools and colleges were contacted by telephone.

3.13 A 100% response rate was not needed from clubs. This is because missing club information was attained through a variety of sources including:

telephone calls to league secretaries, clubs and schools all providing qualitative information as well as adding to the quantitative detail. The league secretaries were particularly helpful in attaining the missing club information

current league handbooks extensive internet research, through national databases including the Football Association, Rugby Football Union,

England and Wales Cricket Board and England Hockey, League websites and clubs own websites consultation with sport development previous playing pitch strategy data audit undertaken as part of the PPG17 study.

3.14 The purpose of the club surveys was to crosscheck information and gather qualitative information (i.e. comments) from clubs. To increase response rates, a reminder card was sent before the original posting deadline.



Table 3.1 - Consultation audit response rates

Organisation Type Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned

Response Rate (%)

Schools2 58 39 67%

Football Clubs 70 20 29%

Rugby Clubs 4 2 50%

Cricket Clubs 26 16 62%

Hockey Clubs 2 1 50%

Total 160 78 49%

3.15 The total response rate is 49%, which is significantly higher than average for postal surveys (25% is normally considered ‘good’). The response from schools was particularly high (67%) and responses from all sports exceeded the 25% return rate benchmark.

3.16 In addition to the distribution of postal surveys, extensive consultation has been undertaken with internal officers, league secretaries and external bodies for all sports, including National Governing Bodies.

3.17 Additional information has also been collected on informal demand for pitches through the local consultations undertaken as part of the PPG17 study and the Green Space Strategy. Where appropriate, this information has been used to inform the findings. An assessment of the data obtained from the above research and consultation is detailed in Section 4.

2 N.B. All non-responding schools were telephoned to ensure a 100% response rate

Supply and demand

Introduction

4.1 This section outlines the current situation in South Northamptonshire in terms of pitch provision for, and demand from, football, cricket, rugby and hockey clubs. The overall supply is analysed, taking into consideration:

• overall pitch stock

• community pitches

• location of pitches

• site visits

• club consultation.

Supply: playing pitch provision in South Northamptonshire

Pitch stock

4.2 Overall, the research methods outlined in Section 3 identified 190 playing pitches in South Northamptonshire. This figure includes all known public, private, school and other pitches whether or not they are in secured public use. The full audit of pitches can be seen in Appendix B. These pitches comprise:

• 75 adult football pitches

• 36 junior football pitches

• 7 mini soccer pitches

• 38 cricket squares

• 19 adult rugby union pitches

South Northamptonshire Council Playing Pitch Strate• 6 junior rugby union pitch

gy 29

• 4 grass hockey pitches

• 5 full sized Synthetic Turf Pitches (STPs).

4.3 Of these pitches, 141 (74%) are full-size adult football, cricket, rugby and hockey pitches. This equates to circa one pitch for every 476 adults (16 plus) in the district. This ratio is significantly higher than the national average in 1991 (Source: The 1991 Playing Pitch Strategy) and compares favourably too many other authorities for which informal data is currently available (from PMP’s database) as shown in Table 4.1 overleaf.

4.4 The local ratio for specific sports in comparison to the estimated national average is shown in Tables 4.2 and 4.3 below. The

comparison with national figures indicates that there are more pitches per adult in South Northamptonshire than the national average for football, cricket and rugby.

Table 4.2

Local Authority Ratio

South Northamptonshire Council 1:476

St Albans City and District Council 1:540

South Somerset District Council 1:608

Colchester City Council 1:655

Halton Borough Council 1:677

North Lincolnshire Council 1:773


Local Authority Ratio

North Wiltshire District Council 1:804

Derwentside District Council 1:815

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council 1:867

South Ribble Borough Council 1:891

Swindon 1:926

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council 1:968

England 1:989

Northamptonshire County 1:1,015

St Helens 1:1,050

Portsmouth City Council 1:1,100

Wolverhampton City Council 1:1,537



Table 4.2 - Ratio of adult pitches to adults, for football, cricket and rugby3

Sport South Northamptonshire

(pitches: adults)

England1

(pitches: adults)

Football 1:895 1:1,840

Cricket 1:1,766 1:4,243

Rugby 1:3,532 1:8,968

1 = data extracted from The Playing Pitch Strategy (1991)

3 N.B. Due to changes in standards of play regarding pitch provision (e.g. the upward trend in use of synthetic pitches), there is currently limited national benchmark information. All data sourced for ratio of adult hockey pitches has been sourced through studies completed by PMP

Table 4.3 – Ratio of Synthetic turf pitches for hockey

Local Authority Ratio (Pitches: adults)

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 1:10,714

South Northamptonshire Council 1:13,422

South Ribble Borough Council 1:16,578

Swindon Borough 1:16,777

Broxbourne Borough Council 1:17,230

Sedgemoor District Council 1:21,263

Lichfield District Council 1:37,545

North East Lincolnshire Council 1:41,114

Halton Borough Council 1:46,351

Wolverhampton City Council 1:47,268

North Lincolnshire Council 1:61,065


Community pitches

4.5 In line with ‘Towards a Level Playing Field: A manual for the Production of a Playing Pitch Strategy’ (Sport England, CCPR

and the NPFA 2003), our definition of ‘community pitches’ is those pitches with ‘secured community use’, recognising that this has a considerable bearing upon the value of facilities both individually and collectively to the community at large.

4.6 In practice this definition embraces:

pitches which are in local authority management or other public ownership or management any facilities owned, used or maintained by clubs/private individuals which as a matter of policy or practice are available

for use by large sections of the public through membership of a club or admission fee. In either case the ‘cost of use’ must be reasonable and affordable for the majority of the community.

pitches at education sites which are available for use by the public through formal community use arrangements any other institutional facilities which are available to the public as a result of formal dual/community use agreements.

4.7 In line with ‘Towards A Level Playing Field’, pitches at educational establishments are only considered to be ‘secured’ for community use if one or more of the following is applicable:

• there is a formal community use agreement in place

• there is a leasing management arrangement between the Council and the school requiring the pitch to be available to community teams

• a policy of community use minuted by the school, including the provision of a tariff of charges

• minutes of the board of school governors allowing use of pitches by community teams

• written commitment from the school and,

South Northamptonshire Coun

• where it is the proved intention of the school to maintain access for community teams to its pitch(es) at peak times for the next two or more years.

cil Playing Pitch Strategy 34

4.8 For the purposes of this strategy, only those schools considered to have secured community use by the Council have been considered as accessible community pitches. The issue of securing the remaining pitches for community use will be returned to in section six. This links to the opportunities offered through the extended schools programme and the Building Schools for the Future Programme.

4.9 School sites are unable to offer the same opportunities as other pitches because many do not have separate changing facilities and pitch hire is frequently subject to school holidays. Furthermore, there is a cost to schools to open up their sites and this must be recouped through any fees payable for the use of the pitch. Many schools also cited the increased risk to school property in terms of vandalism and damage to pitches if they were to open for community use outside of school hours.

4.10 As a result of the reasons highlighted above, and the fact that curriculum use significantly reduces the capacity of pitches, those school pitches currently used by the community have been considered able to sustain only one community game per week.

4.11 Of the 190 pitches identified, 137 (72%) are secured for use by the local community. As demonstrated in Table 4.4 below, 72% is high in comparison to many other authorities. Schools that are used by the community but have no formal agreement is not included within the 72%. If the additional schools were included, this would increase the percentage to 82%. It is important to note that comparisons are made for information only, from a sample of other authorities that PMP have completed work for.

Table 4.4 - Percentage of secured community pitches in other Local Authorities

Local Authority % of pitches secured for community use

North Lincolnshire Council 77%

Wolverhampton City Council 73%

South Northamptonshire Council 72%


rthamptonshire Council Playing Pitch Strategy 36

Local Authority % of pitches secured for community use

Croydon 72%

South Somerset District Council 69%

Worcestershire County 66%

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council 64%

Maidstone Borough Council 61%

Mid Devon District Council 57%

Swindon Borough Council 55%

Halton Borough Council 54%

St Albans City and District Council 49%

South Ribble Borough Council 47%

Derwentside District Council 47%

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council 44%

Location of pitches 4.12 The location of the pitches in South Northamptonshire has been considered, using the geographical areas defined in Section

1.

South No

4.13 Table 4.5 below illustrates the area of playing pitches available for community use in each area (excluding the synthetic pitches) and the proportion of the total pitches available.

Table 4.5 – Total area of playing pitch provision in South Northamptonshire Council by sub-area

Sub-area Total playing pitch area (ha) Total playing pitch area with secured

community use (ha) % of playing pitch area

with secured community use

Towcester 13.52 7.00 51.8%

Brackley 22.52 20.52 91.1%

North of M1 26.78 24.06 89.8%

Rural Area Central 71.02 55.42 78.0%

Rural Area West 54.62 29.90 54.7%

Total 188.46 136.90 72.6%

4.14 The largest area of playing pitches available to the community is found within Rural Area Central, which has significantly more pitch space than any other area. It should be noted that population within the areas differs significantly. Rural Area Central is the largest of all the areas with a total population of 32,831 compared to the next largest, Rural Area West, which has a population of 15,974. The breakdown of analysis area populations can be found in Section one of the report.

4.15 Likewise, Towcester has the smallest population of all sub-areas and also has the smallest amount of pitch provision. The significant anticipated population growth in this area over the next 15 years may therefore have a significant impact on demand for pitches. This will be looked at in more detail within Section 5 of the report when assessing future supply and demand by sub-area.

4.16 It is evident from table 4.4 that Brackley and North of M1 analysis areas have the highest percentage of secured community use for pitches within the district. Low levels of secured community use pitches in Towcester and Rural Area West present opportunities for further increasing pitch provision.


Accessibility of pitches in South Northamptonshire

4.17 The open space sport and recreation study recommended that a local standard of 10-minute walk time, based on local needs should be applied to outdoor sports facilities within the district. This standard has been applied to secured community use sports pitches on Map 4.1 overleaf. All other pitch sites have been plotted as point data without the accessibility catchment.


rthamptonshire Council Playing Pitch Strategy 39

outh No

Map 4.1 – Overview of playing pitches with applied accessibility standard

S

4.18 Map 4.1 provides an overview of the playing pitches and highlights the good geographical spread of provision across the district. The map also highlights the location of pitches without secured community use and those currently operating with an informal agreement. Whilst map 4.1 provides an overview of the district, it is perhaps more meaningful to assess the accessibility of pitches within Towcester and Brackley as this is where the majority of residents are located and where population growth is most likely to occur. This can be seen in maps 4.2 below and 4.3 overleaf.

Map 4.2 – Playing pitches within Towcester with applied accessibility catchment


4.19 The map highlights the significant lack of pitches within the Towcester sub-area and the resulting high proportion of the urban area outside the recommended accessibility standard. At present there is one formal community use site in this area, Towcester Recreation Ground, Islington Road that provides two adult football pitches. There are a further two school sites containing an additional seven pitches, however at this time only one of these sites is operating with an informal agreement (St Lawrence C of E School).

4.20 Towcestrians Sports Club (RFC), Greens Norton Road is located on the edge of sub area Rural Area West, however the teams using this site primarily originate from Towcester town and therefore for analysis purposes the site has been included within the supply and demand assessment for Towcester.

4.21 The apparent lack of pitches within Towcester will be examined in more detail using the playing pitch methodology in Section Six and recommendations will made regarding opportunities to increase provision.

4.22 Map 4.3 examines the provision of pitches within the Brackley sub-area.


Map 4.3 - Playing pitches within Brackley with applied accessibility catchment


4.23 The application of accessibility catchments to sites in Brackley highlights a more even spread of provision compared to Towcester, however there are still obvious deficiencies where residents are outside the recommended travel time to sports pitches.

4.24 There are currently 11 sites with formal community use agreements in Brackley analysis area, however only five of these sites are located within Brackley urban area. These have been highlighted on the map with applied accessibility catchments. Furthermore, Brackley C of E Junior School allows informal community use. Formalising the community use agreement at this site would provide an additional two junior pitches and ensure a wider catchment of residents are served by pitches in the town.

4.25 The remaining areas of deficiency within Brackley will be examined in more detail using the playing pitch methodology in Section Six where recommendations will be made regarding opportunities to increase provision.

Quality of pitch and ancillary facilities

4.26 As stated in “Towards a Level Playing Field”, pitch quality is a key issue. Perceived quality of pitches (and ancillary facilities) is almost as important as actual quality as it can heavily influence the pattern of play.

4.27 The quality of pitches in South Northamptonshire was ascertained through site visits. All sites were visited in October 2006, which may have caused some difficulties in assessing the true pitch quality of cricket wickets, however every effort has been made to visit each site to provide an overall site score.

4.28 The visits assess the degree to which a sports pitch site is fit for purpose, and differ from the assessments carried out as part of the PPG17 assessment in 2005, which takes into account the characteristics of the whole site. An assessment matrix (Appendix C) was used to assess the overall site and the quality of the pitches and ancillary facilities where available.

4.29 Perceived quality of pitches has also been considered from a user perspective through the consultation questionnaires with local sports clubs. This will be returned to later in this section in the consultation summaries.

4.30 The main community use sites throughout South Northamptonshire were assessed, including all sites maintained by the Council. It is important to note that the assessments are a snap shot in time and therefore any natural influences such as the


weather may affect the quality of the pitches. Likewise, with the time of the visits for football and rugby being early in the season the quality is likely to be better than if visited in winter due to the wear and tear caused by wet ground etc.

4.31 Site specific improvements will be covered in Section 6, and full details of the analysis for each pitch are provided in appendix D. Key issues emerging from site visits included:

• the average score for sites within the district (of all sites assessed) is 62% - this indicates that the majority of pitches are of average quality when measured against the Sport England site assessment matrix (appendix C)

• the quality of ancillary accommodation (including car parking and changing facilities) is varied. The main concerns include a significant lack of changing accommodation, although this is generally at single pitch sites, and the poor provision of parking at sites (often coupled with poor changing facilities).

• where changing facilities are provided, these have been rated as excellent/good quality, with no site scoring poorly (where there is changing available)

• provision of parking is varied with 33% scoring ‘good’, 33% scoring ‘average’ and 34% scoring ’poor’ (indicating no parking at the site)

• the quality of pitches also varied, suggesting there are some site specific quality issues which will be raised as part of the recommendations in section six of this report. Good weather conditions at the start of the seasons when pitches were being assessed ensured that the majority of pitches had good grass coverage and made it difficult to assess the true drainage at sites.

4.32 The site assessment matrix rates both the ancillary facilities (changing rooms, parking, etc) and pitches and provides a percentage score for each site. 11 sites that were visited scored 100%, these include:

• Brackley Cricket Club

• Brackley Leisure Centre, Fields

• Bugbrooke St Michael's FC

• Bugbrooke Playing Fields, Camp Close (Community Centre)

• Caroline Chisholm School


• Campion School, Kislingbury Road

• Cogenhoe Football Club, Compton Park

• Great Houghton PF

• Kingsbrook School

• Roade FC, Hyde Road

• Croughton Playing Fields, Wheelers Rise, Croughton.

4.33 Whilst there are a high number of sites that are considered excellent and examples of good practice scoring 100%, there are equally a high number of sites that need significant improvement. Based on the overall site scores (which does not assess the quality of pitches at sites but considers the provision of parking, changing and vandalism) it can be seen that sites scoring under 30% include:

• Castle Park Ground

• Cricket Ground, Northampton Road, Roade

• Claydon’s Field Eastcote Road, Tiffield

• Coffee Pot Field, High Street, Yardley Gobian

• Greens Norton Playing Field

• Hackleton Playing Field, Hackleton

• Pattishall Recreation Ground

• Playing Field, Bedford Road, Bradfield on the Green

• Shutlanger Playing Field, Shutlanger.

4.34 The percentage scores translate into the following ratings:


Ancillary facilities

• over 90% - excellent • 60% to 89% - good • 40% to 59% - average • 30% to 39% - poor • less than 30% - very poor. Pitches

• over 90% - excellent pitch • 64% to 90% - good pitch • 55% to 64% - average pitch • 30% to 54% - below average pitch • less than 30% - poor pitch.

4.35 The ratings for each pitch can be found in appendix D.

Demand: pitch sport clubs in South Northamptonshire

4.36 Table 4.6 overleaf illustrates the distribution of football, cricket, hockey and rugby union teams playing in the district. Most clubs are based in the area where they play their home matches.


Table 4.6 – The spread of teams across South Northamptonshire

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Brackley 6 1 0 16 2 13 5 0 4 0 2 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0North of M1 15 0 0 17 1 9 10 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 1Rural Area Central 29 1 0 23 0 14 16 0 3 2 0 6 5 10 6 2 4 4 0 1Rural Area West 11 0 0 9 0 8 18 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Towcester 1 0 0 7 0 4 3 1 5 0 0 4 12 0 0 2 0 3 1 0TOTAL 62 2 0 72 3 48 52 2 30 2 2 13 23 10 7 5 8 8 1 2

HOCKEYFOOTBALL CRICKET RUGBY

Football

4.37 It can be seen that 58% of teams in South Northamptonshire are football teams, and there is a relatively even split between adult, junior and mini, with junior teams dominating overall. There is clearly a high demand for football in South Northamptonshire.


4.38 36% of football teams play their matches within the Rural Area Central, which contains the largest area of secured playing pitches in the District, and 39% of total pitch area. Participation is relatively consistent across the other areas. The number of teams participating is reflective of the number of pitches available. This is particularly true in Towcester where there are fewer teams playing, however this is mirrored by a significant dearth in pitches (1 junior football pitch) which highlights potential latent demand within this area. Some teams are travelling outside of their home town in order to reach a pitch.

Cricket

4.39 There are 88 cricket teams playing within the District, made up predominantly of adult teams, although encouragingly there are a good amount of junior teams playing at clubs in South Northamptonshire. Participation in cricket is high and the most active club in the District is Towcestrians Cricket Club with a total of 9 teams.

4.40 The majority of teams play in Rural Area West and Rural Area Central, again this is reflective of the supply of pitches currently provided in these areas, the top two areas with cricket provision. It is also reflective of the total population for each area, particularly in Rural area Central with a total population of 32,831.

Rugby

4.41 There are currently four rugby union clubs within the District and they cater for a total of 46 teams between adult, junior and mixed juniors. In servicing this demand there are 14 adult rugby union pitches and 1 junior pitch within secured community use. These pitches are located in Brackley, Towcester and Rural Area Central – the remaining two areas do not currently have teams and again this is perhaps reflective of the current pitch supply.

4.4 2 73.7% of adult rugby pitches are within secured community use, whilst only 14.3% of junior pitches are in use.

Hockey

4.43 Towcester Ladies Hockey Club currently play outside the district boundaries at Northampton High School, however consultation has indicated that a site closer to the club house in Towcester is preferable. These teams will therefore be included within calculations. There are currently five synthetic turf pitches (STPs) within the district located at Local Education Authority sites with formal community use agreements. At this time hockey clubs are using three out of the five pitches, however it should be noted that STPs are not solely for the use of hockey and they also provide additional capacity for football training and 5-a-side activities.


4.44 A summary of the consultation responses and key issues relating to the different sports is detailed in the following tables.


Table 4.7


Figure 4.1 - Football Clubs in South NorthamptonshireSouth Northamptonshire is home to 62 football clubs. Playing for these clubs are 64 adult teams, 75 junior teams and 48 m ini teams.There are several large clubs located in the District, some of these include a m ix of teams whilst other focus predom inantly on junior sided football. Clubs include: Brackley Athletic FC, Brackley Town FC, Bugbrooke St Michaels FC, Towcester Junior and Mini football is increasing rapidly and many of the junior clubs are now running m ini teams helping to feed into their junior sections. 79% of football clubs responding to the questionnaire have experienced growth in their membership over the last five years. The remaining 21% stated that membership has remained static with no evidence to suggest that membership has decreased over the lasThe sports development teams have a role within the community, however the focus for football is mainly delivered through the Youth Games and initiatives aimed at females. It was suggested in consultation that there are some strong school club links thatThere are a wealth of leagues playing within the district, however many of these extend into other local authority boundaries. One of the biggest contributors of competitive football within the district is Northampton Combination (Saturday and Sunday) anA number of clubs responding to the questionnaire stated that they had achieved FA Charter Standard, nine in total have been accredited whilst a further two are currently working towards it. In working towards this status it will provide clubs with opportThe majority of clubs facilities meet league requirements (74%) and 60% of clubs don't experience difficulties in accessing or booking their preferred pitches for matches.81% of clubs responding to the survey stated their current match venue as their preferred location. Clubs stating alternative sites included Grange Park FC (who would like to play at Foxfields Park) and Brackley Town FC whose preference is to play There are m ixed responses from the club regarding the condition of pitches over recent years, including 21% improving, 32% deteriorating and 47% stable. This highlights pitch/site specific quality issues. These will be identified through the site visit A high percentage, 71%, feel that they get good value for money for the cost of hiring pitches in relation to their quality. However, 64% stated that they would not be willing to pay more for pitches if the additional money went towards pitch improve

Constraints Overall, the majority of constraints facing most clubs is the lack of external and internal funding. A lack of appropriate training and match facilities also featured highly on the questionnaire responses.

Future Plans The top three future plans for football clubs in the district included: refurbishing existing facility (27%), Increasing the number of members (24%) and expanding the current range of facilities provided (21%).

Membership

Standard of play

Facilities Used

Figure 4 .2 - Cricket Clubs in South NorthamptonshireSouth Northamptonshire is home to 28 cricket clubs. Playing for these clubs are 54 adult teams, 32 jun io r teams and 2 jun io r mixed teams.There a re several large clubs loca ted in the District , some o f these include a mix o f teams wh ilst other focus predominant ly on cricke t. Clubs include: Towcestrians Cricke t Club, W icken Sports Cricket Club , Horton Participation in fema le cricke t is reasonably good with a tota l o f two adu lt female teams and two fema le 69% o fcricke t clubs respond ing to the quest ionna ire have experienced g rowth in their membership over the last five yea rs. The remaining 19% have stated a decrease wh ilst 12% of membership a t clubs has rema ined sta tic. Increases in membership have been aNorthamptonsh ire County Cricket Board has its own development officer who drives the ma jority of participation and in it ia tives within the D istrict. It is recogn ised by Sports Development that the re is a st rong The ma in league curren tly operat ing within the District is Northamptonshire Cricket League .Four clubs responding to the survey stated tha t they have gained accreditation eithe r Charte r Standard or Sport England Clubmark. In working towards this status it will p rovide clubs with opportunities for increased The ma jority of club facilities meet league requiremen ts (71%). The clubs stating that facilities do not meet league regu lations regarded the level and qua lity of chang ing facilities a t sites as no t up to standard . These 14 out o f 15 of clubs responding to the survey stated their cu rrent ma tch venue as their prefe rred location . The one remaining club Grange Park stated they would prefe r to play on Foxfields Park, simila r to the There a re mixed responses from the club regarding the condition of p itches over recent years, includ ing 33% improving, 40% dete rio ra ting and 27% stab le . This high ligh ts pitch /site specific quality issues. These A high pe rcen tage, 64%, feel tha t they get good va lue fo r money for the cost of hiring pitches in re la tion to their quality and 73% o f responding clubs stated that they wou ld consider paying more money fo r leasing if

Constraints Overall, the majority of constraints facing most clubs a re the lack o f externa l fund ing and the lack of voluntary assistance in order to develop the club .

Future Plans The top two futu re plans for cricket clubs in the district included: increasing the number of members (40%) and re furbishing existing facilities (32%).

Membership

Standard of play

Fac ilities Used



Figure 4.3 - Rugby Clubs in South NorthamptonshireSouth Northamptonshire is home to four rugby union clubs. Playing for these clubs are 13 adult teams, 23 junior teams and 10 junior mixed teams.Whilst all four clubs make a contribution to the high levels of participation in Rugby within the district, the two main clubs are Northampton Mens Own Rugby Football Club and Towcestrians RUFC.At this current time there are no female teams playing in South Northamptonshire, however there are 10 mixed teams.Northampton Mens Own RUFC stated a decrease in membership over the past few years, attributed to a lack of interest within the junior section. Whilst Towcestrians RUFC have had an increase in membership reasoned to be to an increase in popularity of the sport and being accredited by Sport England has provided the club with a good reputation.Consultation with sport development indicate a strong junior section within clubs playing in South Northamptonshire, however the lack of coaches, volunteers and pitches are putting pressures on developing and expanding junior sections within the district. There are strong school club links and initiatives being delivered in schools.

There are a number of leagues operating in the district, however many of these are East Midlands leagues accommodating teams from across the region.It is known from survey returns that Towcestrians RUFC have been accredited by Sport England. Both teams responding to the questionnaire stated that their current home ground do meet league regulations, however Towcestrians RUFC lease their facilities and as a result occasionally experience difficulties in accessing or booking preferred match venue.Both teams are currently playing at their preferred match venue and home grounds were either stated to have improving condition or stable condition for quality of pitch.Both clubs responding to the survey have in-vested in the quality of pitches over the past few years and as a result the pitches that they are currently using are good quality. Current constraints for Towcestrians RUFC, they stated that the club has limited space especially for mini & junior sections leading to limitations on training and occasionally matches in wet weather in order to prevent irreparable damage to pitches. It has been stated by the club that more land adjacent to the current site is required in order to maintain current member levels.Funding (external and internal) is the main constraint facing rugby clubs in the district, this is exacerbated through difficulties in increasing and retaining members.

Future Plans Increasing membership is an aspiration for Northampton Mens Own, whilst refurbishing and acquiring more land is a future aim of Towcestrians RFC.

Membership

Standard of play

Facilities Used

Constraints

Figure 4.4 - Towcester Ladies Hockey ClubThere are currently two clubs playing in district at present, however Towcester Ladies Hockey Club although based in Towcester currently play hom e m atches outside the District. Northam pton Lions Hockey Club is a large club that has a m ix of adult, junior, fem ale and m ale team s playing across several locations, three of which are within South Northam ptonshire. The rem aining club, Cam pion Mixed Hockey Club has one m ixed team and plays at Roade School.Participation in fem ale hockey is good with a total of five adult fem ale team s, eight fem ale junior team s and one fem ale veteran team .Mem bership has increased at the club and a third team has developed to encourage m ore juniors to com e along and gain the opportunity to play m atches com petitively on a regular basis.Consultation with sports developm ent indicate a poor participatory rate for hockey within the district, however this is perceived to be due to a lack of pitches and support from NGBs.Towcestrians Ladies Hockey Club has plans to apply for Clubm ark next year.

Northam pton Lions have received England Hockey Clubm ark Clubs 1st - a national accreditation for hockey clubs.There are currently five synthetic turf pitches in the district, all of which are located at local education authority sites. The obvious restriction at these sites is curriculum tim e, however all pitches have a form al com m unity use agreem ent and allow after-school use and weekend use. Clubs within the district are currently using three of the five pitches for m atches.

Facilities used for Towcester Ladies is irrelevant given that it is located outside the district boundary (Northam pton High School), however consultation suggests that the current site is their preferred m atch venue, because the school only hires the facility to Towcester Ladies on a Saturday which is very rare. However it was also stated by the club that an Synthetic Turf Pitch closer to the clubhouse in Towcester is preferable.

Constraints There are a wide-ranging num ber of constrains facing the club at this current tim e, however they are m ainly associated with a lack of funds (internal and external) and appropriate local facilities for training and matches.

Future Plans Future plans for the club include increasing mem bership.

Standard of play

Facilities Used

M embership


Summary

4.45 The key issues emerging from the supply and demand data detailed in section 4 are:

• the ratio of adult pitches against the adult population is high in comparison to national figures

• there is high proportion of the total pitch stock available for community use in comparison to the majority of known local authorities. There are also a high number of school facilities accessible to the community. Of the remaining pitches that do not have community use, almost all are located at school sites

• the geographical distribution of pitches is weighted heavily towards the rural analysis area, in particular Rural Area Central. Unsurprisingly, the team data breakdown shows 36% of the total numbers of teams play on pitches in this area

• the quality of pitches highlighted through consultation and site visits appears good, however the quality and provision of ancillary accommodation is varied with a high number of sites not currently providing adequate changing accommodation or car parking facilities

• the applied local standard for accessibility (10minute travel time) highlights a reasonable spread of provision across the local authority area, however upon assessing the applied catchments to Towcester and Brackley it can be seen there are a number of residents outside of the appropriate catchment.

4.46 The supply and demand data contained in this section will be set in context by applying the Playing Pitch Methodology in Section 5.

The Playing Pitch Methodology: findings for South Northamptonshire

5.1 The Playing Pitch Methodology (PPM) comprises eight stages. Stages 1 to 6 involve numerical calculations, whilst Stages 7 and 8 develop issues and solutions. The methodology is employed to analyse the adequacy of current provision and to assess possible future situations, in order that latent and future demand (identified through Team Generation Rates), and the problems with quality, use and capacity of existing pitches can be taken into account.


Flow-chart to illustrate the key stages:

Stage 1 Identifying teams

Stage 2 Calculating home games per team per week

Stage 3 Assessing total home games per week

Stage 4 Establishing temporal demand for games

Stage 5 Defining pitches used/required on each day

Stage 6 Establishing pitches available

Stage 7 Assessing the findings

Stage 8 Finding solutions


5.2 It is implicit to the methodology that each sport is dealt with individually with a specific set of calculations for each because, despite some superficial similarities, they exhibit very different patterns of play.

5.3 We have further subdivided the analysis of some sports to deal with specific sub-sectors of activity within them, e.g. junior play or adult play, in order that important aspects are not submerged in aggregated data. Football and rugby have been subdivided in this manner, whereas no differentiation has been made between junior and senior cricket and junior and senior hockey teams as they play on pitches of similar dimensions.

5.4 As the playing pitch strategy is a peak day model, we have determined on which day teams / leagues wish to play their fixtures. We have not broken down the analysis to consider whether teams wish to play in the morning or afternoon, as in an ideal situation, to maintain the quality of the pitches and provide flexibility to pitch users, each pitch should be played only once a day. The methodology therefore considers the ability of pitches to sustain play on the peak day, these have been listed for each sport in table 5.1 below:


Table 5.1 – Peak day sports for football, cricket, hockey and rugby

Sport Peak Day

Senior Fooball Sunday AM (senior)Junior Fooball Sunday AM (junior)

Mini-soccer Saturday AM

Cricket Saturday PM (senior and junior)

Senior Rugby Union Saturday PM (senior)Junior Rugby Union Sunday AM (junior)

Hockey Saturday AM (senior and junior)


5.5 Research revealed that the quality of pitches in South Northamptonshire varies considerably and although there are some very high quality facilities there are also facilities which need significant improvements to be able to sustain and meet league requirements. Table 5.2 below highlights the main comments from users regarding the quality of their main match venues. It can be seen that users are generally satisfied with most elements of the sites they use most frequently.

Table 5.2 – Responses regarding quality of main match venue (all sports)

Carrying capacity

G o o d A c c e p ta b le P o o r N /AF irm n e s s o f s u r f a c e 2 0 1 2 2 -F re e d ra i n in g 1 3 1 7 5 -L in e m a r k in g s 1 6 1 3 4 1B o u n c e o f b a l l o n p i t c h 1 6 1 5 3 -E v e n n e s s o f p i t c h 1 8 9 7 -L e n g t h o f g ra s s 1 5 1 3 6 1G ra s s c o v e r 1 6 1 0 6 2P o s t s a n d s o c k e t s & n e t s 1 3 7 3 1 0F lo o d l ig h t in g 4 3 1 2 3F re e f ro m l i t t e r , d o g f o u l in g e t c 1 6 9 8 1C h a n g in g f a c i l i t ie s 1 2 1 1 8 2D is a b le d a c c e s s t o c h a n g in g fa c i l i ti e s /p i tc h 1 1 1 0 6 8S h o w e rs - c le a n , h o t , p le n t y o f w a t e r 1 2 9 8 5P a r k in g 1 7 1 6 1 -V a l u e f o r m o n e y 1 2 1 1 6 3A v a i la b i l i t y o f p i t c h f o r p la y in g s e a s o n 2 3 9 2 -O v e ra l l q u a l i t y o f p i t c h 1 6 1 2 7 -T O T A L S 2 5 0 1 8 6 8 3 5 6

5.6 The methodology set out in Towards A Level Playing Field allows authorities to take into account carrying capacity (i.e. the number of games that pitches are adequately able to sustain per week) when calculating the playing pitch methodology.


5.7 There is no formula for calculating the carrying capacity of pitches, as it is dependent on a wide range of factors such as weather conditions, age/weight of users, quality of players etc. However, through local knowledge, user surveys, site visits, interviews and an analysis of usage patterns from the previous season, it is possible to consider the approximate capacity of each pitch.

5.8 In calculating the carrying capacity of a pitch, the following should be considered:

• what proportion of games are cancelled on the pitch due to poor pitch condition?

• is the condition of the pitch declining over the season?

• what is the maintenance regime for the pitch at present?

• could the capacity of the pitch be improved by enhanced maintenance?

• to what extent are pitches required to accommodate training activity?

5.9 In addition to considering the degree to which pitches meet existing demand, it is important to take into account the long-term life of pitches. The importance of rest and recovery of pitches should not be underestimated in order to maintain pitch quality and to prevent the longer-term deterioration as a result of constant use.

5.10 The playing pitch methodology calculations therefore take into account the perceived carrying capacity of pitches. The weighting system used and the resulting audits are outlined in Table 5.3. The standard PPM assumes that pitches are able to take 2 games per week, recommended in Towards a Level Playing Field. If in reality, it is only able to carry one, it is considered to be only half a pitch – able to take one game per week.


Table 5.3 – Carrying capacity for each type of pitch

Carrying Capacity Multiplication Factor

Four Matches (or more) per week 2.0

Three matches per week 1.5

Two matches 1.0

One match per week 0.5

One match or less per fortnight 0.25

5.11 As discussed in section four, some school facilities in South Northamptonshire are available for community use at weekends and after-school hours. In light of the demands placed on the pitches from curriculum pressures, pitches at schools have been considered able to take only one community game per week (reflected as 0.5 in capacity terms). Mini football pitches at school sites are considered able to sustain two community matches per week, due to the reduced level of wear and tear generated by the younger age group using these facilities.

5.12 Synthetic hockey pitches are not generally affected by the conditions discussed above as wear and tear on these pitches does not occur to the same degree as grass. These pitches have therefore been considered able to take four games per week (reflected as 2.0 in capacity terms). This will however depend on flexible programming of matches to ensure this is feasible. Grass hockey pitches are no longer used for competitive senior matches and have therefore been excluded.

5.13 Sport England currently recommends two games per week on Council owned pitches. The calculations undertaken below therefore assume that all Council pitches are able to undertake a standard two games per week (for the full season). This should be considered the optimum usage. Increasing the number of games each pitch takes per week reduces the overall number of pitches required, however it also increases the chances of deteriorating quality in pitches.


5.14 Consultations in South Northamptonshire indicate that the majority of pitches are of sufficient quality to sustain two games per week (assuming that there are no abnormal weather conditions that cannot be accounted for in the study). The breakdown of responses from clubs indicate that for all sports pitches the condition has generally remained stable (44%) over recent seasons, however a high number of clubs also stated that the condition of pitches is deteriorating (29%), although in contrast 26% felt there had been improvements.

5.15 As illustrated in Section 4, consultation highlighted that there are a total of five schools with secured community use and an additional six educational sites that are currently being used informally by local teams without a formal dual use agreement.

5.16 PPM calculations only take account of pitches that are secured for community use, in line with Sport England guidance. Education sites that are currently leasing pitches on an informal agreement are not considered within the overall supply and demand, however they provide a potential opportunity to increase the number of pitches where demand exceeds supply.

5.17 Table 5.4 overleaf shows the calculations undertaken to determine the surplus/deficit of pitches in South Northamptonshire. One STP is considered to be able to sustain 4 hockey games per week for the purposes of the PPM calculations. It is recognised that these facilities will also cater for five a side football and training needs. The new rubber crumb synthetic pitch has been excluded from calculations and will be discussed in relation to provision in the rural area in Section 6.


Table 5.4 - PPM calculations for South Northamptonshire Council (2006)

Football Mini-soccer Cricket Rugby

Union Rugby League Hockey

STAGE ONE Adult games 64 54 13 0 15

Identifying teams Junior teams 75 48

34 33 0 16

STAGE TWO Adult games 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5

Calculate home games per week Junior teams 0.5 0.5

0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5

STAGE THREE (S1x S2) Adult games 32 38 7 0 8

Assessing total home games per week Junior teams 38 24

24 17 0 8

STAGE FOUR Adult games 20% 0% 0% 0% 100%

Saturday AM

Junior teams 20% 100%

0% 0% 0% 100%

Adult games 0% 70% 100% 100% 0%

Saturday PM

Junior teams 0% 0%

70% 0% 0% 0%

Adult games 80% 0% 0% 0% 0% Sunday AM

Junior teams 80% 0%

0% 100% 100% 0% Establish temporal demand for pitches

Adult games 0% 25% 0% 0% 0%

Sunday PM

Junior teams 0% 0%

25% 0% 0% 0%

Mid week 1- Adult games 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 0%




Specify day Junior teams 0% 5% 0% 0% 0%

Adult games 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Mid week 2- Specify day Junior teams 0%

0%0% 0% 0% 0%

STAGE FIVE (S3 x S4) Adult games 6 0 0 0 8

Saturday AM

Junior teams 8 24

0 0 0 8

Adult games 0 26 7 0 0

Saturday PM

Junior teams 0 0

17 0 0 0

Adult games 26 0 0 0 0 Defining pitches used each day Sunday AM

Junior teams 30 0

0 17 0 0


Sunday PM

Junior teams 0 0

6 0 0 0


Mid week 1- Specify day

Junior teams 0 0

1 0 0 0


Mid week 2- Specify day Junior teams 0

00 0 0 0

STAGE SIX Adult games 66 1 30 13 0 8




Establishing pitches currently available Junior teams 14 1 0

STAGE SEVEN (S6-S5) Adult games 59.1 12.5 0.0

Saturday AM

Junior teams 6.0 -23.0 30.0

0.5 0.0-7.5

Adult games 65.5 6.0 0.0

Saturday PM

Junior teams 13.5 1.0 -13.1

0.5 0.08.0

Adult games 39.9 12.5 0.0 Sunday AM

Junior teams -16.5 1.0 30.0

-16.0 0.0 8.0

Identifying shortfall (-) and surplus (+)


Sunday PM

Junior teams 13.5 1.0

14.6

0.5 0.08.0


Mid week 1- Specify day Junior teams 13.5

1.0

26.90.5 0.0

8.0


Mid week 2- Specify day Junior teams 13.5

1.0

30.00.5 0.0

8.0

Notes:

1. Excludes mini-soccer (as per PPM guidance). Discussed further in Section 6. 2. As per PPM guidance, it is assumed that all football, cricket and rugby teams play a home match every fortnight. However, for cricket teams it is

assumed that many teams play home matches more than every fortnight (ie mid-week matches), hence the figure of 0.7. 3. Determined by a combination of questionnaire responses, telephone interviews and discussions with league secretaries. Figures are approximate

and it is acknowledged that these may change weekly.


5.18 Key issues arising from the PPM Calculations (Table 5.4) are:

•

•

•

•

•

•

the over-supply of full-size adult football pitches (39.9) on the peak day (Sundays) indicates that, in theory, senior football is currently well provided for in South Northamptonshire and there are sufficient pitches to accommodate the required number of matches. The surplus of adult sized pitches may be accommodating junior matches, however in accordance with FA guidance any teams under 16 should be playing on junior sized pitches (0.4-0.6ha). The oversupply may alleviate other shortfalls of pitch provision in the area, specifically junior and mini-pitch provision

the under-supply of junior football pitches (-16.5) on peak days (Sundays) indicates high participation in junior football with a lack of pitches to accommodate the demand being placed on them. The significant under-supply of pitches highlights the pressure being placed on existing stock and overuse by junior teams. The surplus of adult pitches also suggests that junior teams are using adult sized pitches to accommodate some of the demand – this was also supported through consultation with football clubs

there is an under-supply of mini-football pitches (-23.0) on peak days (Saturday) indicating the current lack of pitches (one in secured community use) in relation to the high participation in mini-football within the district. There is a need to provide dedicated mini-pitches to sustain the demand currently exhibited in the district

there is an under-supply of cricket pitches (-13.1) on peak days (Saturday). It can be seen that there is also demand from teams for midweek and Sunday play suggesting that in addition to the shortfall on a Saturday, these facilities may be required to sustain at least three games per week. High participation in cricket is placing demands on current pitches

there is an over-supply of adult rugby union pitches (6.0) on peak days (Saturday), offset through a significant under-supply of junior pitches (-16.0) on peak days (Sunday). This represents a high participation in junior rugby compared to a significant dearth of designated junior rugby pitches

provision of hockey represents an under-supply of (-7.5) synthetic turf hockey pitches (3.5 pitches in real terms) on peak days (Saturday). Synthetic turf pitches can sustain more games per week than grass pitches and this is reflected within the carrying capacity applied in the PPM. Increasing the capacity to sustain more than two games per week (through careful programming) would alleviate some of the deficiencies currently represented in South Northamptonshire.


Analysing provision in South Northamptonshire in more detail

5.19 Analysing pitch provision in South Northamptonshire as a whole disguises the patterns of supply and demand within different geographical areas.

5.20 For pitch sports there is an accepted need for players to travel to games. Despite this, consideration of local needs as part of the PPG17 study indicated that residents expect to find a grass sports pitch within a 10-minute walk time of their home, reinforcing the expectation that facilities are relatively local to the home.

5.21 The previous playing pitch strategy assessed the supply and demand on an authority wide level. To understand the demand at a local area level the use of sub-areas, detailed in Section One, will provide a greater understanding of local needs. Consideration of provision in the five geographical analysis areas is therefore set out overleaf. Recommendations and solutions are discussed in section 6.

5.22 Demand has been classified according to the home ground at which a club plays. Only three teams responded that their current home venue is not their first choice location. Two of these teams, Grange Park FC and Grange Park Cricket Club would prefer to play at Foxfield Park as this is closer to the clubs base. The site is currently still in the hands of the developer. Consultation indicates that this site should be ready to use for the start of the 2007 football season.

5.23 Towcestrians Ladies Hockey Club are currently playing at Northampton High School (outside the local authority boundary) however consultation with the club identified that they would prefer to play at a site closer to the club-base, preferably in Towcester. For this reason, the supply and demand assessment has assumed Towcester Ladies Hockey Club is based in Towcester. Similarly the home ground for Towcestrians RUFC is located within the sub area of Rural Area West. However current team members are located within Towcester and again for supply and demand assessments, the PPM has assumed that the pitch and teams playing at this site are based in Towcester. There is therefore some displaced demand within the district.

5.24 Consideration of each analysis area and home grounds will be explored in more detail within section six of the report.

5.25 Table 5.5 below reveals the shortfall/surplus by each area. Negative numbers indicate a shortfall of provision and are highlighted in red.


Table 5.5 - Summary of PPM results by area in 2006

Sub-area name

Shor

tfall

of a

dult

foot

ball

Shor

tfall

of ju

nior

fo

otba

ll

Shor

tfall

of M

ini-s

occe

r

Shor

tfall

of c

ricke

t

Shor

tfall

of a

dult

rugb

y un

ion

Shor

tfall

of ju

nior

rugb

y un

ion

Shor

tfall

of h

ocke

y

Tota

l pitc

hes

Towcester 1.6 -2.8 -2.0 -3.4 1.0 -6.0 -3.0 -14.6

Brackley 4.2 -3.2 -6.5 -1.9 1.5 -3.0 2.0 -6.9

North of M1 8.5 -6.2 -4.5 -4.3 0.5 0.5 -2.0 -7.5

Rural Area Central 17.0 -4.7 -7.0 -0.3 3.0 -7.5 -4.5 -4.0

Rural Area West 8.6 0.4 -3.0 -3.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.8

39.9 -16.5 -23.0 -13.1 6.0 -16.0 -7.5

5.25 Analysis of the information presented in Table 5.5 suggests that:

• there are surpluses of adult football pitches across all areas of the district, with the highest being in Rural Area Central (17.0) significantly higher than other sub-areas. In addition, there is a rubber crumb synthetic pitch in this area. The lowest level of provision for adult football is contained in Towcester with a total of 1.6 surplus pitches


• all areas exhibit shortfalls of at least one type of pitch and Rural Area West is the only area with an overall surplus of facilities (2.8). Supply currently meets demand in Rural Area Central through the significant over-supply of adult football pitches

• the highest shortfall for all pitches is within Towcester, (14.6 pitches). This figure is exacerbated by the dearth of junior rugby union pitches, synthetic provision, junior and mini-football and cricket pitches

• the highest shortfall of any type of pitch is mini football pitches where there are particular pressures in Rural Area Central (-7.0) and Brackley (-6.5). This is the only pitch type where there is a shortfall in every sub-area within the district

• further pressure on sports pitches is exhibited in junior football (-16.5), cricket (-13.1), junior rugby union (-16.0) and synthetic turf pitches (-5.5). The shortfalls in junior football can be offset through the supply of adult football pitches, similarly provision of adult rugby union can offset some of the deficiencies in junior rugby union. Cricket pitches and synthetic pitches however are more specialised and further provision may be required to meet the demand now and in the future.

5.26 While the above analysis provides an indication of the ability of pitches to meet existing demand, it does not consider potential latent demand. This is demand that cannot be expressed because of a lack of access to pitches or other ancillary facilities. The table below (table 5.6) provides some of the factors that can potentially influence latent demand. This will be taken into account within section six of the report.


F a c t o r H o w t o t a k e i t i n t o a c c o u n tH o w m a n y p o t e n t i a l t e a m s a r e w a i t i n g f o r h o m e p i t c h e s s o t h a t t h e y c a n j o i n a l e a g u e . T h e s e c o u l d b e c a l l e d ‘ v i r t u a l ’ t e a m s .I f t e a m s a r e c u r r e n t l y p l a y i n g i n t h e i r p r e f e r r e d l o c a t i o n .C o m p a r i s o n o f p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d t e a m g e n e r a t i o n r a t e s i n n e i g h b o u r i n g l o c a la u t h o r i t i e s .

I n f l u e n c e o f s p o r t s d e v e l o p m e n t i n i t i a t i v e s *

N u m e r i c a l t a r g e t s s e t i n l o c a l s p o r t s d e v e l o p m e n t i n i t i a t i v e s , e n s u r i n g t h a t s u c h t a r g e t s a r e s e t a n d m o n i t o r e d i n f u t u r e s p o r t s d e v e l o p m e n t s t r a t e g i e s .

Q u a l i t y o f p i t c h e s / a n c i l l a r y f a c i l i t i e s

P o o r - q u a l i t y f a c i l i t i e s ( i d e n t i f i e d t h r o u g h q u e s t i o n n a i r e s / s i t e v i s i t s ) m a y r e s t r i c t n e w p l a y e r s f r o m b e i n g a t t r a c t e d t o s p o r t o r r e s u l t i n p o o r r e t e n t i o n l e v e l s .

N a t i o n a l s p o r t i n g s u c c e s s , a n d i t s i n f l u e n c e o n i n c r e a s i n g p a r t i c i p a t i o n *

I m p a c t t h a t n a t i o n a l s p o r t i n g s u c c e s s h a s o n i n c r e a s i n g p a r t i c i p a t i o n , a s w e l l a s t h e e x t e n t t o w h i c h a n y i n c r e a s e d l e v e l s a r e m a i n t a i n e d .

P r i c i n g p o l i c y A h i g h c o s t f o r h i r i n g / l e a s i n g f a c i l i t i e s m a y p r e v e n t t e a m s f r o m f o r m i n g ( o r h i n d e r t h e l o n g - t e r m s u s t a i n a b i l i t y o f e x i s t i n g c l u b s )

S p o r t i n t h e s c h o o l c u r r i c u l u m *

I f t h e p r o f i l e o f s c h o o l s p o r t i s i n c r e a s e d i t m a y i m p a c t u p o n a f t e r - s c h o o l c l u b s , i n t e r - s c h o o l m a t c h e s a n d , u l t i m a t e l y , m o r e p e o p l e p l a y i n g t e a m s p o r t s b e y o n d s c h o o l h o u r s a n d s c h o o l y e a r s .

I m p a c t o f m i n i - s p o r t s i n e n g e n d e r i n g l o n g - t e r m i n c r e a s e s i n a d u l t p l a y *

I n t h e n e x t f e w y e a r s i t w i l l b e p o s s i b l e t o e s t a b l i s h t h e e x t e n t t o w h i c h t h o s e p l a y i n g m i n i - s o c c e r / r u g b y w i l l m o v e t h r o u g h i n t o j u n i o r a n d a d u l t f o o t b a l l / r u g b y .

L i f e s t y l e c h a n g e s a n d o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s c o m p e t i n g f o r l e i s u r e t i m e / s p e n d , i n c l u d i n g o t h e r f o r m s o f s p o r t *

T h e e f f e c t o f t h e s e o t h e r c o m p e t i n g d e m a n d s m a y b e t o r e d u c e o v e r a l l d e m a n d f o r f o r m a l p i t c h s p o r t s . F o r e x a m p l e , s m a l l - s i d e d s o c c e r a t c o m m e r c i a l v e n u e s m a y l e a d t o f e w e r t e a m s p l a y i n g o n S u n d a y m o r n i n g s . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , p e o p l e w h o s t a r t p l a y i n g i n d o o r s p o r t m a y a l s o l o o k t o p l a y o u t s i d e a t w e e k e n d s

C u r r e n t f r u s t r a t e d d e m a n d

* t h i s w i l l a l s o i n f l u e n c e f u t u r e d e m a n d

Table 5.6 – Factors influencing latent demand


Predicting the future

Team Generation Rates

5.27 Team Generation Rates (TGRs) indicate how many people in a specified age group are required to generate one team.

TGRs are derived by dividing the appropriate population age band in the area by the number of teams playing within that area in that age band. Calculating TGRs enables fair comparison of participation to be made between different areas where similar studies have been undertaken.

5.28 TGRs can be calculated for each of the individual disciplines, eg adult men’s football, adult women’s football, mini-soccer. Once these TGRs have been calculated, they can be brought together to form one TGR for each sport.

5.29 The TGRs for cricket, rugby and hockey in South Northamptonshire are shown in Tables 5.7 to 5.10, and are compared to the national average based on the Sport England database of Playing Pitch Strategy information as at October 2004. These remain the most up to date figures on the Sport England website for comparative purposes. Team Generation Rates for South Northamptonshire should be submitted to Sport England for inclusion in this database.

5.30 The following examples help clarify what TGRs mean:

1:100 high TGR relatively low latent (unmet) demand

1: 1000 low TGR relatively high latent (unmet) demand

5.31 These figures are only a guide and do not specify the sport or refer to local conditions. For example, the national popularity of football will mean that it will almost always have the lowest TGR. Equally, hockey usually has the highest. Therefore, it is more useful to compare South Northamptonshire TGRs with other areas.


Table 5.7 – Football Team Generation Rates

Age group South Northamptonshire TGR LFP Area Average National Average

Senior Male 271 269 314 Senior Female 8393 5416 10593 Junior Male 50 70 71 Junior Female 1204 462 818 Mini-Soccer 97 303 141

Table 5.8 – Cricket Team Generation Rates

Age group South Northamptonshire TGR National Average

Senior Male 424 1333 Senior Female 11013 72518 Junior Male 128 1481 Junior Female 2045 15926

Table 5.9 – Rugby Union Team Generation Rates

Age group South Northamptonshire TGR National Average

Senior Male 1207 10315 Senior Female 0 43770 Junior Male 124 1864 Junior Female 0 19529 Mini 612


Table 5.10 – Hockey Team Generation Rates

Age group 2002 Playing Pitch Strategy South Northamptonshire TGR

National Average

Senior Male 1865 7595 Senior Female 2798 10292 Junior Male 375 4239 Junior Female 375 5115

Football

5.31 Over recent years The FA, together with the County FAs and Local Football Partnerships, has been developing a robust system to accurately measure levels of affiliated participation across the Country. This system, known as CAS (County Administration System) produced the first set of data for the current Season 05/06. The system accurately tracks how many people are taking part in affiliated football throughout the country and can be analysed down to a Local Authority level.

5.32 At present the approach adopted for identifying future need relies on a mix of local consultation, sports development targets, demographic trends, and a degree of benchmarking of TGRs. The data collected by the FA enables benchmarking across the country. This data has been used to provide an indication of participation in South Northamptonshire in contrast to other similar local authority areas. It has also been used as a means of determining latent demand. The future implications for pitch provision should this latent demand be realised have then been considered.

5.33 Unlike cricket, rugby and hockey, the FA data measures participation in terms of conversion rates. Conversion rates are defined as

“the percentage of the relevant population actively playing affiliated football”

5.34 Conversion rates are calculated by dividing the number of teams by an assumed number of players per team (e.g. 15 players per 11-a-side team). This gives a figure for the total number of players and is then divided by the relevant population to provide the percentage of affiliated players within that relevant population.


5.35 From the analysis of these conversion rates, it is possible to determine which quartile the level of participation falls into and therefore identify potential opportunities to increase participation. Authorities falling into the top quartile are the highest performing authorities in terms of participation.

5.36 South Northamptonshire falls into the category of prospering smaller towns. These figures are set out in table 5.11 overleaf:

Table 5.11 – Target conversion rates for prospering smaller towns

Mini-soccer

Male Female Male Female MixedQuartiles 0% 2.9% 0.1% 10.7% 0.3% 3.5% 3.1%

25% 4.9% 0.1% 19.9% 1.2% 6.8% 4.9%25%-50% 5.6% 0.2% 25.3% 2.0% 8.8% 5.7%50%-75% 6.6% 0.3% 29.2% 3.4% 10.6% 6.4%75%-100% 15.4% 1.8% 50.6% 10.3% 18.6% 22.8%

Conversion %

Adult 11-a-side Youth 11-a-sideTotal

5.37 Conversion rates for South Northamptonshire and other districts within the County (using information collected by the FA through the County Administration system to ensure that they are measured against like authorities) has been set out in table 5.12 below:


Table 5.12 – Conversion rates for South Northamptonshire and districts falling into the category of ‘prospering smaller towns’ within Northamptonshire

Mini-soccer

Male Female Male Female MixedDaventry 7.6% 0.4% 27.5% 6.1% 9.3% 6.7%East Northamptonshire 3.5% 0.3% 15.6% 1.5% 4.2% 3.4%Kettering 4.6% 0.4% 19.1% 6.2% 8.6% 6.1%South Northamptonshire 5.40% 0.2% 27.8% 3.40% 10.20% 5.80%

Conversion %

Adult 11-a-side Youth 11-a-side Total

a) Key: Conversation rate percentages

Mini-soccer

Small-sided - adult

Male Female Male Female Mixed MaleQuartiles 0% 2.9% 0.1% 10.7% 0.3% 3.5% 0.0% 3.1%

25% 4.9% 0.1% 19.9% 1.2% 6.8% 0.4% 4.9%50% 5.6% 0.2% 25.3% 2.0% 8.8% 1.0% 5.7%75% 6.6% 0.3% 29.2% 3.4% 10.6% 2.6% 6.4%

100% 15.4% 1.8% 50.6% 10.3% 18.6% 42.5% 22.8%

Conversion %

Adult 11-a-side Youth 11-a-sideTotal


5.38 As can be seen in table 5.12 above;

• South Northamptonshire currently falls into the top quartile (75%-100%) within prospering smaller towns (PST) for junior female football. Using the comparison between like authorities within this category it can be seen that with the exception of East Northamptonshire, all authorities in Northamptonshire (classed as PST) have high participation in junior female football compared to their classification counterparts.

• analysing all types of football it can be seen that there is no one single type that falls below the 25% quartile. The lowest performing type of football can be seen in adult football (5.4%), however this compares favourably against two of its like authorities within the County, East Northamptonshire and Kettering.

• participation levels in all other types of football, senior female, junior male and mini-soccer is within the 50%-75% quartile, although it can be seen that mini-football is nearing the top of its quartile range and therefore can be assumed that participation in this type of football is growing within South Northamptonshire. Comparison against other like authorities highlights a strong position and remains at the top of its range. This is also true of junior football.

• there is a strong participation rate in senior female football within the County (using only PST) in Daventry, East Northamptonshire and Kettering. South Northamptonshire is below the 75% quartile, suggesting that there may be latent demand in the district.

5.39 Whilst the above conversion rates provide an indication of current participation, it is possible to use this data to assess latent demand. This will be returned to when assessing future pitch requirements later in this section.

Projections for 2021

5.40 By applying TGRs to the population projections for 2021, we can project the theoretical number of teams that would be generated over the next fifteen years. This can then be applied to the PPM model to forecast the future shortfall/surplus of pitches; assuming the supply of pitches and capacity of pitches does not alter in the interim.

5.41 This is particularly important within South Northamptonshire given the expected population growth over the next 15 years. Towcester has been highlighted as one of the growth areas within the District and it is likely that there will be a 75% increase in the population up to 2021.


Sports development

5.42 There are four key areas of work within the sports development team in South Northamptonshire, these include:

• club development – working with clubs to help deliver initiatives and increase membership

• community development – delivered mainly through funded ‘Project Five’, aimed at 13-18 year olds

• physical activity and health – mainly through walking and cycling initiatives, currently applying for funding for Green Exercise Co-ordinator

• school sports development – delivered mainly through the Schools Sports Partnership and Partnership Development Manager (PDM).

5.43 Football, cricket, hockey and rugby initiatives are delivered through the various areas within sports development linking in with club, community, physical activity and school sport. Key points to note from consultations, which may impact on future demand for pitches in football, rugby, cricket and hockey have been summarised below:

• initiatives relating to football in the community are primarily delivered through the county Youth Games. There is a focus on driving participation in girls football.

• sports development recognise that there is high participation in junior football and junior cricket relating to low TGR’s, however it was highlighted that the level of participation is not reflected in adult football and as a result there are fewer senior football teams participating within the district than in other areas

• there is high participation in cricket as a result of county-wide initiatives and strong support from the development officer based at Northamptonshire County Cricket Board. Nsport have also funded coaches to help deliver within the area, primarily implementing summer programmes at Brackley and Horton

• it is perceived by sports development that there is poor participation in hockey and this is through lack of support from the National Governing Body. Consultation highlights that Caroline Chisholm is well-used for hockey, however it is perceived that there is a potential shortage of synthetic pitches resulting in latent demand within the district

• although there is good participation in rugby in the district, consultation indicated that a lack of coaches, volunteers and pitches are putting pressures on developing and expanding junior sections. Effective club school links (helped through work by clubs in schools) are aiding the development of rugby within the district.


• there is a lack of motivation from schools to participate in football activities, however this is a priority for the school sports partnership. This partnership also wish to provide signposting from schools to clubs, creating stronger school club links.

• a lack of STP’s is perceived to be hindering development of football in relation to informal training sessions and 5-a-side football.

5.44 Consultation with the relevant National Governing Bodies (NGBs) highlighted the following points:

• consultation with the Local Football Partnership (LFP) identified that there is a general lack of pitches throughout the County, this is mainly an impact of the high participation within the sport and increasing demands for pitches

• there are six clubs within the district that have achieved the Charter Standard accreditation and Bugbrooke St Michaels FC are currently working as a community club, the highest strand of the Charter Standard accreditation

• additional to the clubs achieving Charter Standard, there are also three schools within the district that have achieved this accreditation (Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary School, Pattishall C E Primary School and Kingsbrook High School) recognising the level of football being delivered in schools specifically through qualified coaches. In achieving this standard it also provides opportunities for clubs to link in, as well as provide opportunities for increasing the number of facilities available.

• other initiatives are targeted at schools and clubs to help develop and increase popularity within the sport. Providing the right facilities is essential to sustain this level of development within the district.

• excluding Towcester and Brackley, the standard level of cricket being delivered in the district is ‘Village Cricket’, however it is recognised that this generates interest within the district and allows for the increase in participation within the sport.

• general quality of cricket pitches is considered poor, mainly due to a lack of maintenance and knowledge of maintaining the wicket at sites. Northamptonshire Cricket Board currently administer groundsmanship qualifications, however the up-take from clubs based in South Northamptonshire is poor. The courses are subsidised by Northamptonshire County Cricket and are available to all clubs.

• consultation has also highlighted that there is a severe lack of pitches and in some cases clubs are sharing home grounds. This situation is most apparent within the towns of Towcester and Brackley affecting Towcestrians Cricket


Club and Brackley Cricket Club. The standard of play at these clubs is higher than the normal village cricket delivered throughout the rest of the district.

• Towcestrians Cricket Club is a Focus Club and is one of 24 clubs in the County with this accreditation, highlighting the level of cricket being delivered and the dedication to develop the membership. However the current lack and quality of facilities provided at their home ground is likely to hinder further development of the club. Opportunities have arisen for the club to move to another site within the district that would provide an additional two wickets for the sole use of the club, consultation has indicated that this is a priority for the club in order to maintain and increase participation.

• Brackley Cricket Club is currently one of 100 clubs selected to deliver high quality coaching to 600 schools through the ‘Chance to Shine’ initiative. It is an initiative backed by the Government and consists of continuous coaching, skills awards and regular opportunities to play in organised cricket matches, delivered through schools. The scheme encourages cricket clubs to link in with schools to make their own facilities available, where they had previously disappeared. The club is expected to link in with six schools in the district and deliver 300 hours of coaching. The aspiration is for Towcestrians Cricket Club to become a ‘Chance to Shine Club’ for the 2008 season.

• recognising the level of commitment from voluntary clubs in the district and most specifically Towcestrians CC and Brackley CC, it is essential that the level and quality of pitches and ancillary accommodation is provided in order to facilitate the development of cricket in the district and increase participation

• the county development officer for Rugby Union is currently working with all four clubs in the district to achieve nationally recognised accreditation. At present Bugbrooke, Brackley and Northampton Men’s Own are working towards their stage one Seal of Approval, whereas Towcestrians RUFC have successfully secured their Stage 2 Seal of Approval, highlighting the continuing success and development of the club.

• Towcestrians currently have a formal school club link with Sponne School in delivering rugby at the school through Community Sports Club Coaches and supporting individuals. In working with the club, there are opportunities to feed in players to the club at a youth/mini level. It was suggested through consultation that the links with the school are increasing pressures on pitches at the club in delivering community rugby.

• tag rugby is one of the initiatives currently being delivered within the district at primary schools. This is currently being implemented through the school sports partnerships with support from the RFU. This is a successful programme that provides the opportunities for young players to feed into one of the four clubs within the district. Highlighting additional pressures and future demand for pitches within South Northamptonshire.


5.45 The PPM permits the inclusion of the likely effect of sports development programmes on existing participation. Sports development indicated that there are minimal targets in place for increases in participation through club sports. Taking into account targets for increases in participation through the regional plan for sport, club development and high TGR’s for all sports within the district, a 15% increase in participation has been assumed. This target is in-line with a 1% increase per annum for the 15-year plan period, as per national targets. The following projected increases have therefore been applied to the model:

• Football – 15% • Mini Football – 15% • Cricket – 15% • Rugby Union – 15% • Hockey – 15%.

5.46 The future calculations of the PPM model are based on current team generation rates combined with future population figures and consideration of likely participation trends to predict future demand.

5.47 Current national and local agendas to increase health, physical activity and promotion in sport may have a significant increase on participation in pitch sports in future years and may impact on the overall demand for pitches. Provision of pitches will be critical to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the health agenda and help facilitate the overall increase in participation required to meet government targets.

5.48 Modelling future demand has the following effect on the results of the PPM (Table 5.13 below):


Table 5.13 - Summary of PPM results by analysis area for 2021

Sub-area name Sh

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Towcester 1.2 -5.6 -4.0 -7.9 -1.0 -12.1 0.0 0.0 -6.0 -35.5

Brackley 3.6 -4.8 -7.9 -3.1 1.2 -3.7 0.0 0.0 2.0 -12.7

North of M1 7.2 -7.8 -5.5 -6.3 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 -2.9 -14.2

Rural Area Central 14.1 -7.0 -8.7 -2.8 2.3 -9.3 0.0 0.0 -6.6 -18.1

Rural Area West 7.6 -0.4 -3.9 -6.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -3.3

33.6 -25.6 -30.1 -26.6 2.9 -24.6 0.0 0.0 -13.5

5.49 As shown in Table 5.13, the future scenario predicted for 2021 has a significant impact on the level of playing pitch provision that is needed. Both population increases (particularly in Towcester) and projected increases in participation have an impact on the future demand for pitches. Some of the key points from table 5.13 have been summarised below:

• the total shortfall of all pitches in all areas is equivalent to a shortfall of –83.9 pitches, significantly more than shortfalls in 2006


• all areas within the district will have shortfalls in playing pitch provision in 2021. Similar to 2006, Towcester will have the highest shortfall. With the exception of adult football (although the over-supply is minimal) all sports exhibit shortfalls in provision.

• junior football, mini-football and cricket exhibit shortfalls in all areas within the district. Whilst oversupplies in adult football provision remain, the total surplus will reduce by just over six pitches, highlighting the need to retain some adult pitches for future demand.

• the under-supply of cricket pitches in 2021will practically double, equivalent to –26.6 pitches. The same is true for synthetic pitches, which will rise to a shortfall of 13.5 pitches (7 pitches in real terms).

5.50 The indicative figures presented for pitch provision in 2021 highlight the need to increase pitch provision for current demand, as further increases in population and growth in the levels of physical activity are likely to exacerbate the current situation.

Using FA benchmarking data to assess latent demand

5.51 While the above analysis is undertaken using the projected increases in participation for each sport, the benchmarking data provided by the Football Association provides an opportunity to add another level to the assessment of latent demand.

5.52 The FA are keen to continue to grow the game of football and recognising the different challenges that authorities face, they are keen to encourage and support all local authorities to achieve the conversion rate currently associated with the top quartile in their benchmarking group for each type of football and to plan the appropriate facilities for the delivery of this objective.

5.53 The benchmarking data therefore enables the calculation of latent demand through:

• dividing the relevant population by the targeted conversion percentage (ie 75th percentile level) for any type of football. This will provide details of the number of players required to achieve the targeted conversion percentage.

• the current number of players is then subtracted from the targeted number of players to identify the latent demand.

5.54 Using the above policy criteria as a base, the latent demand in South Northamptonshire is set out in table 5.14 below:


Conversion %

Target Quartile

%

LD (players)

LD (teams)

Adult Male 5.4 6.6 238 16Adult Female 0.2 0.3 19 1Youth Male 27.8 29.2 62 4Youth Female 3.4 3.4 1 0Mini 10.2 10.6 23 2

Table 5.14 – Latent Demand in South Northamptonshire

5.55 It can be seen above that in order to meet the targets outlined by the FA, an additional 23 teams in total would be required to meet existing latent demand.

5.56 It can therefore be seen that there is some latent demand that exists in South Northamptonshire when comparing participation against that in other like authorities. Target conversion rates can be used to estimate the likely increase in demand resulting from population increases.

5.57 Current local forecasts using the Sport England methodology (as detailed earlier in this section) indicate that football participation is likely to increase by 15% for all sports including adult male football. This would generate an increase of 28 additional teams by 2021.


5.58 If the anticipated growth in population up to 2021 was to occur and the participation rates of the additional population was to meet the conversion rate targets, population growth would generate an additional:

• 16 adult male football teams

• 1 adult female football team

• 15 junior male teams

• 1 junior female team

• 10 mini soccer teams. 5.59 By 2021, if all existing latent demand is met and all population growth takes place; an additional 66 teams would be

generated (23 teams to meet existing latent demand + additional teams generated through population growth). This would have clear implications for pitch provision.

5.60 Consideration should be given to the reasons (as per table 5.4) for latent demand in order to address the causes and facilitate future growth. Reasons behind this may include:

• a lack of facilities – there are current shortfalls of junior and mini pitches in the district – this may be suppressing demand

• a lack of referees – there are currently 43 referees registered in South Northamptonshire, generating a ratio of 4 teams per referee. Future increases in participation will need to be supported by a growth in referees

• a lack of volunteers to run clubs – although the Active People survey indicates that the level of volunteers in South Northamptonshire is in the top 25% of all local authorities, there may be some sports that face difficulties in retaining volunteers – they are a key component of successful sports clubs and a lack of volunteers will inhibit demand

• level of sports development initiatives being delivered to the key sports identified within this strategy – much of the emphasis is on school club links and an expectation of sports clubs to deliver initiatives within curriculum time, where this is lacking it may suppress demand

• a general lack of awareness of sports clubs and access to pitches.


Mini Sports

5.61 The effect of mini sports (both rugby and football) must also be taken into consideration when assessing the level of under / oversupply in South Northamptonshire. Participation in mini football is growing rapidly both nationally and locally in the district and demand for pitches is therefore likely to continue to increase.

5.62 Interest in mini rugby is increasing specifically with the development of Tag Rugby in the district initiated by the Partnership Development Manager and delivered at 66 different primary schools within South Northamptonshire. Programmes like these that are being delivered at grass-roots will potentially have an impact on clubs and an increase in junior rugby, following through into an increase in senior players over the life-time of the strategy. This is likely to have an impact on the already limited supply of junior rugby pitches.

5.63 There are currently 48 mini football teams in South Northamptonshire who play at a range of sites throughout the district. There is currently one dedicated mini-pitch with secured community use located at Kings Sutton Sports and Social Club on Astrop Road in Rural Area West. Stowe School is also used frequently. This site currently accommodates five of the 48 mini teams. It is evident from the audit of teams and location of home matches that the majority of mini-football teams are extensively playing across adult and junior football pitches.

Maps showing over-supply and shortfall by catchment area

5.64 Maps showing surplus and deficiency by area and by sport for the current and future situation are shown below. Figures for 2021 have been produced by applying TGR figures for each area to estimated population projections and taking into account sports development trends. This provides an indication of the way in which the adequacy of local provision in each area and across South Northamptonshire will change during this period.

Summary

5.65 The playing pitch methodology takes into account the supply of pitches (number of pitches), and the demand for pitches (number of teams). It measures the demand for pitches on peak days for each sport.

5.66 Calculations for current trends indicate that there are insufficient pitches to meet demand in South Northamptonshire and this is further exacerbated through the increases in population, in particular Towcester sub-area. The shortfalls and surpluses for each sub-area will be discussed further in section six.


5.67 Current national and local agendas to increase health, physical activity and promotion in sport may have a significant impact on participation in pitch sports in future years and may impact on the overall demand for pitches. Provision of pitches will be critical to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the health agenda.

5.68 In order to calculate future provision and assess current participation, team generation rates are calculated. As can be seen from the assessment of team generation rates, participation in all sports are higher than the national average. Analysis of the TGRs highlight potential latent demand for female football and hockey, however these are being targeted through school sports and Local Football Partnership initiatives. The results exhibited for participation in these key sports are in line with the results from the Active People survey.

5.69 Increases in sports participation are amongst the key objectives of the FA identified through the benchmarking data provided earlier in the section. Current targets for South Northamptonshire highlight increases equivalent to 23 additional teams, increasing demand on the current pitch stock. This level of latent demand highlights the key opportunities that pitch sports provide in raising levels of physical activity across the authority.

5.70 It is essential that future participation in sport be considered now to ensure that appropriate planning of facilities meet the projected increases, particularly in light of the expected increases in population.

5.71 Further analysis and recommendations based on the above calculations will be discussed in Section 6.

The future delivery of playing pitch provision across South Northamptonshire

6.1 The application of the Playing Pitch Methodology and a detailed analysis of the supply and demand for pitch sports across South Northamptonshire have been set out in sections 3, 4 and 5.

6.2 The key issues arising from this analysis are summarised in table 6.1 below:


Table 6.1 – Summary of Key Issues

Sub-area Summary of Key Issues

Towcester Towcester currently exhibits the largest shortfall of all pitches within the district. A total of –14.6 across all sports. The main pressures within this area include junior football, mini-football, cricket, junior rugby and hockey (STPs). Dissimilar to other areas, Towcester has the smallest surplus of adult football pitches (1.6), this limits the scope to re-designate surplus pitches, particularly given the expected growth in population over the next 15 years. Following on from this the future situation is worsened through the increase in population and the sports development increases associated with increasing participation. The impact of this highlights a further deficit of 20.9 pitches, including a shortfall in adult rugby union pitches, which will also affect opportunities to re-designate for junior provision in 2006, exhibiting the highest shortfall in the district.

Brackley Brackley has the third highest shortfall of all pitches (-6.9), concentrated specifically on junior football, mini-football, junior rugby and cricket. Brackley has the second lowest level of surplus pitches for adult football, again highlighting difficulties in re-designating provision. Minor surpluses exist for adult rugby union and hockey. Population and sports development increases highlight a slight increase on the shortfall of pitches, totalling –12.7 for all sports. Similar to 2006, there are slight surpluses expected for 2021 in adult rugby union and hockey.

North of M1

This sub-area has the second largest shortfall in pitch provision, a total deficit of –7.5 pitches across all sports. Similar to other areas the main pressure is placed on junior football (the largest of all sub-areas), mini-football, cricket and hockey. There are currently 9.5 adult pitches that are surplus to demand, providing an opportunity to re-designate to junior and mini-football. Slight surpluses (0.5) are exhibited in adult and junior rugby pitches. The future scenario highlights a total of –14.2 pitches in 2021, consistent with the shortfalls and surpluses in 2006, although worsened by the increase in population and sports development initiatives.

Rural Area Central Rural Area Central is the only area within the district where supply meets demand across all sports. The significant number of adult football pitches outweigh the significant shortfalls in other sports including junior and mini-football, junior rugby union and hockey. There are currently 17.0 pitches that are surplus to provision for adult football and provide an opportunity to re-designate to alleviate the deficiencies exhibited within junior and mini-football. The three surplus adult rugby pitches may provide an opportunity to alleviate


Sub-area Summary of Key Issues

some of the demand for junior rugby. Increases in population and sports development initiatives have a significant impact on the overall provision of pitches across the district, as a result the future situation exhibits a shortfall equivalent to 16.1 pitches, the second largest of all sub-areas. This highlights a priority for increasing provision within this area given the extreme shortfalls over the plan period.

Rural Area West This sub-area is currently the only area that has a surplus of provision, a total of 2.8 pitches across all sports. The over-supply in pitches in mainly owing to the surplus in adult football pitch provision, alleviating the undersupply of mini-football. Cricket pitches exhibit a shortfall (-3.2), however this cannot be offset through the surplus pitches in this area. The future situation demonstrates a shortfall of approximately 3.3 pitches, with additional shortfalls in junior football provision and a decrease in the surplus adult football pitches.

6.3 When considering the delivery of future pitch provision in South Northamptonshire it is important to consider the local context, in particular:

• the rural nature of the district – this reinforces the need for local facilities and the importance of good public transport links

• the need to continue supporting the increases in participation and physical activity, in-line with government targets

• the importance of village sports and the number of single site pitches across the settlements within the district.

6.4 This section details:

• the vision for the delivery of pitches

• aims and objectives

• the principles of the strategy

• recommended actions for the next fifteen years across each geographical area of the district.


Vision for pitch provision across South Northamptonshire

6.5 The Council has a central rol ing, providing and co-ordinating provision of playing pitches across the local authority area. The Council works in p p with other providers to ensure the effective delivery of opportunities for sport across the district, including parish c oluntary clubs and private clubs. Partnership working is critical to the success of the implementation and delivery o tegy.

6.6 The raising profile of the hea da and the need to reduce inequalities and poor health through increased physical activity increases the importa effective provision for pitch sports across South Northamptonshire.

6.7 Quality is a key issue and ca he perceived supply of pitches in a given area. Therefore a quality standard for the provision of outdoor sports fa cluding sports pitches has emerged from consultation linking in with the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study:

•

•

“A well-planned, clean, litter fouling free sports facility site, with level and well-drained good quality surfaces,

appropriate good quality an ommodation including changing accommodation, toilets and car parking. The site

should have appropriate ma t ensuring community safety”.

6.8 Taking into account the abov standard and the key consultations undertaken as part of this assessment of playing fields, the vision for this strate

“Facilitate the delivery of a ne ell distributed playing facilities which are fit for purpose and with appropriate ancillary accommodation to meet the n he residents of South Northamptonshire now and in the future”.

Aims and objectives

6.9 The achievement of the over ision for the strategy for improving the delivery of pitches across the district of South Northamptonshire is based on s of:

• ensuring the quantity o is sufficient to meet the needs of residents across the district

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• ensuring each pitch is of the expected quality and design to serve the purpose it was intended

• maximising access to facilities in the district, and

• managing the facilities in the most effective way.

Quantity

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• Ensure the quantity of pitches in the district is sufficient to meet demand both now and in the future

6.10 Playing pitch methodology calculations indicate that there are shortfalls of pitches across the district; in particular in terms of junior football, mini-football, cricket, junior rugby and hockey.

6.11 Playing pitches are often under threat from development. The NPFA highlights that one pitch in the country is lost to development every day. In light of this, the protection of pitches becomes even more important.

6.12 South Northamptonshire Council will facilitate the delivery of sufficient facilities to meet demand through the following policy objectives (in partnership with key providers of pitches):

1) Meet identified deficiencies through;

• the re-designation of existing pitch sites

• creation of new facilities where appropriate

• increasing access to pitches

• improving pitch quality.

2) Ensure that all new developments contribute to the provision of outdoor sports facilities through the use of S106 agreements. Where quantitative deficiencies do not exist, money should still be required for qualitative improvements. Emphasis should be given to:


• pursuing a strategic approach at local authority level

• the need to link the corporate strategy and Best Value work of authorities with the process of negotiating new and refurbished sports facilities

• joint working between sport and leisure professionals and land use planners

• the provision of sound justification for what is sought from developers and other applicants for planning permission.

3) Ensure that all pitch sites are afforded protection within the Local Development Framework. Pitch sites should not be developed unless it can be proved through the application of both the playing pitch methodology and PPG17 that it is:

• surplus to requirements and not providing an important local amenity (where there is a deficiency of other forms of open space, permission should be subject to securing the use of some of the land to reduce the deficit(s))

• not surplus to requirements but the proposed development will secure the conversion of other land to substitute the land provision to an equal or higher quality is provided.

4) Ensure that the quantity of provision is above the minimum standard – some degree of spare capacity is an integral part of playing pitch provision for the following reasons:

• to accommodate latent and future demand for existing pitch sport teams

• to enable the development of new clubs and teams

• for the development / expansion of new pitch sports (such as mini-soccer and ‘tag’ rugby)

• to accommodate backlogs and for rest and recovery periods.


Quality

Ensure the quality of pitches in the district is sufficient to meet demand both now and in the future

6.13 Provision of quality facilities is essential to encourage people to participate. In addition, it impacts not only on the quality of play, but also on the potential capacity of a pitch.

6.14 The quality of pitches in South Northamptonshire is varied and the Council will seek to facilitate the delivery of facilities which are fit for purpose through the implementation of the following policy objectives:

5) Drive a rolling programme of improvements across Council pitch sites. This will improve capacity at pitch sites, drive increases in participation, improve access for all groups and enable higher participation levels to be maintained over a sustained period. All facilities should meet with National Governing Body Standards and the local standards for outdoor sports facilities recommended in the overarching Open Space and Recreation Study. These should be applied for the quality of pitches and ancillary facilities.

6) The Council provide support to all partners in the maintenance, improvement and enhancement of their facilities (financially where possible but also in terms of the provision of advice)

7) Operate a policy of rest and recovery at all pitch sites, ensuring that the quality of pitches does not deteriorate over the course of a season or from season to season.

Enhancing accessibility

Maximising access to pitches in the district

6.15 Access to outdoor sports facilities is of particular importance, as sites are only highly valued if they are accessible to the local community. An inaccessible facility is of limite the local community as a sports facility, regardless of the quality of the space.


d value to

6.16 Access to school sites is a frequently raised issue across the UK, with many good quality playing fields sitting unused on peak days. The use of school facilities across South Northamptonshire Council is high, with over 72% of all playing fields available for use by the community. The forthcoming extended schools and Building Schools for the Future Programmes offer further opportunities for investment. Ensuring this open access policy and encouraging schools to permit community use may require genuine financial commitment from the local authority to improve playing surfaces and capacity, provide or improve changing accommodation.

6.17 Increasing access to pitches ensures that resources are maximised. South Northamptonshire Council should look to increase access to pitches through the implementation of three key policy objectives, specifically;

8) Improving Access to School Pitches – school pitches can provide a crucial resource for community sport in South Northamptonshire. Opening up school facilities is also a key means of addressing location deficiencies. Despite this, schools are frequently reluctant to open up their facilities for community access and clubs may not be attracted to using them. Reasons include:

• poor drainage and lower quality maintenance of some school pitches

• access to appropriate changing facilities

• schools need to ensure that pitches are playable for their primary purpose – curricular use. This restricts opportunity for community use of the site.

• the use of school pitches can frequently be governed by the school term times. In addition, it is common for schools to change pitches from football to cricket for the summer term, which may not correspond with the requirements of community use teams.

The council should support schools in drawing up formal community use agreements which secure the use of the facility outside school hours where there is local community need. These agreements should facilitate the use of these facilities and ensure long-term access, ensuring that all residents have local outdoor sports facilities.

9) Ensuring facilities are accessible to all through compliance with DDA – the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 received additional powers in October 2004 when an additional phase came into force. This renewed focus upon disability rights has not only introduced greater legal powers in the protection of disabled persons legal rights, it has also reinforced awareness of existing legislation in this area. The implications of this are considerable as all goods, services


and facilities – whether charged for or provided free of charge – are covered by the legislation. Providers should ensure that:

• people are not treated less favourably

• service providers must make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide their services

• service providers may have to make other reasonable adjustments in relation to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.

The full Code of Practice is downloadable from http://www.disability.gov.uk.

Improving the current and future management of facilities

•

•

Ensure that facilities are managed in the most effective way

6.18 Efficient management and maintenance of facilities is as important as the quality, quantity and access to the facilities. Pitch bookings for Council pitches are taken centrally under the management of Serco Leisure. School hire is dealt with directly through the schools, whilst Parish Council owned facilities deal with pitch bookings directly. The majority of clubs indicated that there are very few problems with accessing their preferred pitches, highlighting an effective system for pitch bookings. Consultation with the Council has highlighted a pilot phase of implementing an on-line booking system specifically for Council owned pitches. This is currently being tested, but feedback has been positive.

6.19 The maintenance of sites is the responsibility of the relevant stakeholder. Council owned pitches are maintained by an outside contractor, whilst Parish Council owned sites are maintained through their own maintenance agreements. In some instances, clubs are responsible for the maintenance of their home ground.

6.20 The Council should continue to take a hands on approach to the delivery of pitches at the current time and should look to maintain and improve this service through:


http://www.disability.gov.uk/

10) Ensuring the pitch booking system is simple and efficient to use – this should be reviewed on an annual basis in consultation with users, particularly in light of the new on-line booking systems. Where possible further thought should be given to rolling this out to all pitch providers using a central system for pitch bookings. Consideration should also be given to the inclusion of school facilities with formal agreements in the system to facilitate access to these sites.

11) Ensure facilities offer value for money – the majority of clubs at present feel that they get good value for money in terms of pitch quality, although some clubs indicated that costs were prohibitive. There was a split in opinion regarding opportunities to increase costs if additional fees were ring-fenced for pitch improvements. This highlights the general good level of quality pitch provision. Consideration should be given to the implementation of a pricing hierarchy, where higher fees are charged for higher quality facilities.

12) Promote joint and partnership working across the Council and with key stakeholders in the provision of playing pitches through the development of a joint working group. Key to the delivery of a successful playing pitch strategy linking in with increases in participation, further thought should be given to establishing a working group that involves sports development, key stakeholders, parks and leisure services and planning.

The principles behind the strategy

6.21 All suggested actions are linked to the overriding themes and detailed policy objectives and are based on the principles of:

• provision of a network of sites across the district – ensuring that all residents have access to local facilities

• sustainability – ensuring the long term sustainability of pitch provision

• maximising resources – promoting the use of all facilities by the local community

• partnership working – between key stakeholders and providers of pitches

• partnership working between all sectors of the community.

Recommendations and actions

6.22 The suggested key actions and areas for further investigation are set out in tables 6.2– 6.6 overleaf. Sources of capital and revenue funding are then discussed in the text that follows.



Table 6.2 – Provision of Pitches in TOWCESTER Theme Action

Ensuring the quantity of pitches is sufficient to meet the needs of residents across the district

Football Although there are slight surpluses of adult football provision in Towcester, these are small and therefore

provide little opportunity to meet demand in other sports or for other age groups of football. The surplus in adult sized pitches contrasts with shortfalls in junior and mini football.

The shortfalls in junior and mini-pitch provision owes to the current lack of dedicated pitches for this age group. As a consequence there is significant unmet demand within Towcester

Towcester Junior Youth and Mini Football Club is the only club that plays in Towcester. The club is a recognised Charter Standard Football Club and is a developing club that has a strong club structure with aspirations to increase membership. In previous years the club were using a dedicated site within the town, however notice on this site was served by the Hesketh Estate and the loss of this pitch has since had an impact on the level of provision. Opportunities to re-invest in this site should be investigated as a priority for the short-medium term solution of providing additional junior pitches for the club

In order to sustain this development and support the club in increasing membership it is essential that additional provision is secured. Any opportunities arising for the club should be investigated further through a full site-appraisal to ensure all demands are met

Further provision of junior, mini and adult pitches for football should also be secured in light of the increases in population over the plan period. Ensure that all new developments within Towcester contribute to the provision of outdoor sports facilities through the use of S106 agreements. It is recommended that planning for increases in population and participation takes place now.

If the community use agreement for St Lawrence C of E Junior School was formalised, this would provide an additional junior pitch, alleviating short-term pressures placed on existing pitches

At this current time, Sponne School do not have a formal community use agreement for leasing grass pitches, however the current supply of football pitches (one adult and one junior) would help alleviate some of the short-medium pressures on pitches within this area. Opportunities to secure a community-use agreement should be investigated fully

In order to ensure that there are sufficient facilities so as not to constrain demand (and to allow for the rest and recovery of pitches) a strategic reserve equivalent to an additional 10% of demand should be maintained at all times.

Pitch Type

Surplus/Shortfall (2006)


Adult Football 1.6 1.2Junior Football -2.8 -5.6Mini-Football -2 -4Cricket -3.4 -7.9Adult Rugby Union 1 -1Junior Rugby Union -6 -12.1Hockey -3 -6

Theme Action Cricket

Shortfalls in cricket provision are exhibited for 2006, however the situation is worsened significantly through to 2021. Unlike other pitch provision, re-designation is not an option.

The current pressures placed on pitches within this area stem from the success of Towcestrians Cricket Club. The club is one of 24 Focus Clubs within the County and is successful in delivering high quality cricket and key players for the County. The club base is located on the edge of the Towcester sub-area boundary, however the majority of the players reside within the town and any new provision required to meet the demands of the club should be located within Towcester

Current pressures on their existing home ground at Greens Norton are increased through the configuration of pitches at this site, as the club shares their home ground with Towcestrians RUFC. This added pressure is impacting on the quality of the current pitch, particularly the outfield which suffers from a lack of opportunity for rest and recovery

In order to sustain and support the development of the club it is essential that additional provision of dedicated pitches is secured to meet demand. Any opportunities arising should be investigated further through a full site-appraisal to ensure all demands are met. This need is endorsed by Northampton County Cricket Board

Opportunities at school sites, in particular Sponne School (where there is currently one cricket pitch) should be maximised to help alleviate pressures on match days and mid-week training to allow appropriate rest and recovery



Theme Action Rugby Union

Similar to football and cricket, pressures are also exhibited on the current supply of rugby union pitches,

more specifically the supply of junior rugby pitches The success and development of Towcestrians RUFC is driving the demand on pitches within this area;

although the home ground is located at Greens Norton Rd, on the outskirts of Towcester. Consultation with the club has indicated a preference to play at a site within the town where the majority of the players currently reside

Towcestrians RUFC is another successful club which runs a total of 16 teams, 12 of which are junior teams. The increasing development and success of the club, with the demand doubling over the plan period, indicates a need to provide more junior pitches.

The shortfalls presented in the 2021 figures for adult rugby union pitches indicate an additional need to address provision for adult pitches over the next fifteen years. Whilst junior pitch provision is a priority, it must also be recognised that the high participation in this sport at a youth level will inevitably create more adult teams over the coming years.

Opportunities at school sites, in particular Sponne School (currently provides one adult rugby union and one junior rugby union pitch) should be maximised to help alleviate pressures on match days and mid-week training to allow appropriate rest and recovery. Towcestrians RUFC currently have a formal school club link with Sponne School, delivering qualified coaching to students, however consultation indicated that facilities at the school are not being used to support the demand of the club teams



Theme Action

Hockey

Synthetic turf pitches (STPs) used for hockey are also exhibiting shortfalls for 2006, where demand

outweighs supply. This is exacerbated by the increase in population and sports development over the plan period increasing the shortfall to the equivalent of –6.0 pitches

At present there are no STPs within Towcester and as a result one of the only teams based in the town is travelling outside of the district to access suitable facilities (currently using Northampton High School). Whilst it is acknowledged that Towcester Ladies Hockey Club are not currently playing within the district, consultation with the club has highlighted a desire to play within Towcester and can therefore be considered to be a case of displaced demand. This team has therefore been included within the PPM calculations and generate a shortfall in provision. The only other accessible facility in the area is Kings Brooke School.

The current situation highlights there is displaced demand caused through a lack of suitable pitches. In light of the ever-increasing demand and population increases in Towcester, the Council should prioritise the provision of suitable facilities to accommodate competitive hockey through Synthetic Turf Pitch provision. New developments should contribute to the provision of two new STPs through S106 agreements. In providing two STPs there is an opportunity to provide a sand-based surface providing a club base for Towcester Ladies Hockey Club and the second type should be Third Generation in order to accommodate additional capacity for mid-week football training and 5-a-side (which are not factored into the PPM). Consultation has indicated that Towcester Leisure Centre or Sponne School are potential sites. The feasibility of locating an STP at both of these sites should be explored fully

In light of the expected population increase, any opportunities to provide synthetic facilities at school sites through Building Schools for the Future should be explored fully.


Theme Action Ensuring each pitch is of the expected quality and design to serve the purpose it was intended

The main sites within this sub-area, regarding quality issues and recommendations from improvements have been listed below.

Towcester Recreation Ground – Continue to ensure that current pitches are suitable for both adult football and junior football through the re-designation of pitch sizes using the recommended guidance notes from the FA using Appendix E.


Table 6.3 – Provision of Pitches in BRACKLEY Theme Action Ensuring the quantity of pitches is sufficient to meet the needs of residents across the district

Football Similar to Towcester, the main pressures are on the provision of junior and mini-football pitches. However there remains a slight

surplus of adult-sized pitches that are currently outweighing demand Increases in population and participation has a lesser affect on the demand for adult pitches, and there is a potential opportunity to

re-designate adult-sized pitches into junior and mini provision There are a high number of single pitch sites located across different villages within the sub-area of Brackley. It should be

recognised that these are valuable assets to the community and not only act as sports pitches for club-use, but in some cases they are the only form of outdoor sports provision or green space provision within the settlement. They may therefore have wider benefits and serve a cross section of the community.

Where single pitch sites exist, dimensions should follow the recommended minimum size for adult pitch and maximum size for junior pitches, according to the Football Association (see Appendix E). In ensuring this, teams from U13 through to seniors can utilise the same pitches

There are two clubs within Brackley that have gained Charter Standard, Brackley Athletic FC and Brackley Sports FC, currently operating 23 teams across adult, junior and mini. Both clubs are currently based at Brackley Leisure Centre and although consultation indicated that this is their preferred home venue for matches, both clubs have suggested that there is a general lack of pitches, specifically with floodlight facilities for training requirements. The prohibitive cost of hiring facilities was also highlighted through club survey returns

Whilst there are no immediate issues with the location of pitches, there is a need to identify additional provision for junior and mini-football within the district. In the first instance opportunities to re-designate adult pitches to youth provision should be prioritised through the amended pitch sizes at single pitch sites


Cricket There is a shortfall of cricket pitches in 2006 equivalent to–1.9, increasing to –3.1 over the plan period There are currently three clubs playing in Brackley region, with a total of eleven teams across three sites designated as home

grounds for the club. In order to alleviate the demand and increase pitch quality, use of the additional pitch at Magdalen College in Brackley should be maximised. The current audit highlights that this site has a formal community use agreement, however it is not being used as a match facility

Consultation and TGRs indicate that participation in cricket is increasing significantly, therefore any opportunity over the plan period to increase pitch provision for cricket in Brackley should be implemented, in particular through S106 agreements


Pitch TypeSurplus/Shortfall (2006)


Adult Football 4.2 3.6Junior Football -3.2 -4.8Mini-Football -6.5 -7.9Cricket -1.9 -3.1Adult Rugby Union 1.5 1.2Junior Rugby Union -3 -3.7Hockey 2 2



There are current pressures on the supply of junior rugby union pitches, exacerbated through the 2021 projections and sports development increases

The success and development of Brackley Rugby Football Club is currently driving the demand for pitches within this area and this is one of the only sites that provides pitches within this sub-area

The other site that is currently providing pitches in this sub-area is Madgalen College. Formal community-use agreements are in place and opportunities to maximise their facilities for training would enable better rest and recovery on match pitches

Consultation suggests that Tag Rugby initiatives being delivered in Primary Schools are likely to increase the level of participation and therefore increase the demand, which already outweighs supply within this area. It is therefore essential that any opportunity to provide additional pitches or sites within this sub-area is maximised


Hockey Brackley is the only sub-area within the district where there is an oversupply in provision of STPs, equivalent to 2.0 pitches The STP at Madgalen College is currently not being used for competitive hockey, however it is sustaining use during curriculum time

and providing additional pitch capacity for informal football training and 5-a-side football. It is therefore essential that this site is retained Given the provision of the pitch and the high participation in hockey (although not within this area), there is potential latent demand that

this site could facilitate to increasing participation within hockey Ensuring each pitch is of the expected quality and design to serve the purpose it was intended

The main sites within this sub-area, regarding quality issues and recommendations for improvements have been listed below. Hinton Cricket Ground – This site currently has no formal changing accommodation. Further consultation with the club is required to

understand current and future needs in light of poor ancillary accommodation inhibiting demand. Parking at this site was also rated poorly and should be investigated further in conjunction with the most appropriate ancillary facilities needed at the site

Norris Playing Field, Hinton in the Hedges and Playing Field East of Peveril Road, Greatworth - ensure that current pitches are suitable for both adult football and junior football through the re-designation of pitch sizes using the recommended guidance notes from the FA (Appendix E)

Brackley Leisure Centre – This site suffers mostly from informal use as a public outdoor sports facility/playing field. Opportunities to provide informal kickabout areas in addition to formal pitches may alleviate some of the quality issues. Consultation also indicated adequate space at this site to provide an additional junior or mini-pitch in lights of pressures from youth clubs in this sub-area.


Table 6.4 – Provision of pitches NORTH OF M1 Theme Action Ensuring the quantity of pitches is sufficient to meet the needs of residents across the district

Football The current PPM calculations highlight a significant lack of junior and mini-football pitches, however some of this shortfall is

offset through the oversupply in adult football pitches There are currently 42 teams playing within this sub-area, 15 of which are adult, 18 junior and nine mini teams. The

provision of teams far outweighs the configuration of supplied pitches, a total of 14.5 adult pitches and one junior pitch (two at Caroline Chisholm with 0.5 capacity)

The over-supply in adult pitches provides opportunities to re-size into junior pitches (using the guidelines in Appendix E) and provide some additional mini-pitches to alleviate demand, there is a further need up until 2021 to provide additional pitches to match the demand according to the increase in population and high participation within football

The analysis of home grounds allocated to teams suggests that Compton Park is currently being over-used, opportunities to re-designate teams to other sites should be a priority in order to sustain the current quality of pitches. It is evident that there are three sites within this area that are not currently being used by football teams including Denton Playing Fields, Brafield on the Green and Whiston Village Hall. Further investigation into the use of these sites should be a priority in order to sustain development of clubs and alleviate deficiencies in pitches currently being used


Cricket The provision of cricket pitches is currently under-supplied in relation to the number of teams playing within this area Teams playing within this area are generally playing village cricket and servicing the relevant community where the pitches

are located. Each club has a designated home ground, however the increase in participation at these clubs is placing demands that are not sustainable for the number of pitches being provided

Sites currently not being utilised for competitive cricket include the cricket pitch at Castle-Ashby and the pitch at Caroline Chisholm. Whilst it is recognised that clubs prefer to play matches at their home grounds, training requirements should be spread across all pitches to help sustain the level of quality exhibited at these sites

Opportunities to provide additional pitches over the plan period is a priority in order to sustain the quality of existing pitches and meet demand from developing clubs


Pitch TypeSurplus/Shortfall (2006)


Adult Football 8.5 7.2Junior Football -6.2 -7.8Mini-Football -4.5 -5.5Cricket -4.3 -6.3Adult Rugby Union 0.5 0.5Junior Rugby Union 0.5 0.5Hockey -2 -2.9



At the current time there are no teams playing within this area of the district. Consultation suggests that rugby union clubs are well-spread throughout the district and tend to serve a specific catchment based around the club-base

The slight oversupply exhibited for adult and junior rugby union pitches highlights the provision at Caroline Chisholm. These pitches should be retained for curriculum use and act as a strategic reserve in light of the need to provide sufficient facilities so as not to constrain demand

Hockey Hockey pitches within this sub-area are currently exhibiting a shortfall equivalent to 2.0 pitches. There is currently one STP

within this area, located at a school site, Caroline Chisholm. Consultation suggests that this site is regularly used for hockey, informal football training and 5-a-side football

Hockey teams based within this area are Northampton Lions, however it is evident that there is a lack of facilities for this club as they are playing across five different sites, three of which are based in South Northamptonshire. For the purposes of this study, all teams based at the club have been allocated a pitch within the district

There are no other opportunities within this area to help meet demand and therefore this could potentially be a limiting factor inhibiting the development of hockey

Opportunities for additional provision should be sought, although it is unlikely that a new STP will be provided within this area, it does provide added weight to the recommendation of providing an additional STP within Towcester.

Ensuring each pitch is of the expected quality and design to serve the purpose it was intended

The main sites within this sub-area, regarding quality issues and recommendations for improvements have been listed below.

Cogenhoe Cricket Club – This site is currently being improved to provide a new stand; further funding opportunities should be sought to provide appropriate changing accommodation

Compton Park (Cognehoe United) – Whilst this site scored well on the site visits, it is important that this level of quality is sustained - being used will maintain the current quality standard

Denton Playing Field, Hackleton Playing Field and Playing Field on Bedford Road – These sites are currently lacking in changing accommodation and provision of parking is also poor. Whilst these are single pitch sites, opportunities to provide changing provision may increase opportunities to enhance participation and level of use, particularly in light of TGRs and increases in population over the plan period.


Table 6.5 - Provision of pitches in RURAL AREA CENTRAL Theme Action Ensuring the quantity of pitches is sufficient to meet the needs of residents across the district

Football This area has the highest level of surplus adult sized pitches than any other sub-area within the district, however shortfalls in

junior and mini-football provision seek to offset the over-supplies. Consultation suggests, throughout the whole district, that junior teams are currently playing on adult-sized pitches

Similar to other areas, opportunities exist to re-designate adult pitches into junior and mini-pitches using the thresholds set out in the FA guidance (Appendix E). This not only alleviates shortfalls of youth provision, but allows for the continued growth of adult football and other recreational activities at single pitch sites

Given that this is predominantly a rural area with scattered settlements, village sport and single pitch sites are crucial to the development of sport and participation at a community level. The surplus in sites, expected to be 12.12ha of adult pitches in 2021, provides the opportunity to alleviate youth provision and maintain a strategic reserve of 10% of sufficient facilities so as not to constrain demand

The level of satisfaction emerging from consultation regarding the quantity of pitches reflects the adequate provision, however key issues are currently related to quality of ancillary facilities. The availability of the rubber crumb pitch at the Kingsbrook school provides further opportunities in this area

Cricket Rural area central has the lowest shortfall of cricket pitch provision, however increases in population and participation

through to 2021 increase the shortfall to the equivalent of 2.8 pitches over the plan period There are a high number of clubs operating within this sub-area, however it is evident that this is suitably matched with an

adequate supply of cricket pitches. Given the high number of clubs and increasing participation (identified through the TGRs) it is likely that additional provision will be needed over the next fifteen years in order to sustain the demand

Securing community-use agreements at school sites within this area, including Green Norton C of E School and Roade Comprehensive (currently only operating a formal community-use agreement for the STP). In securing additional use at these sites it will seek to alleviate the demands on existing stock as well as provide an adequate strategic reserve for rest and recovery and latent demand.

Rugby Union

The current over-supply in adult sized rugby union pitches is meeting some of the demand from the significant under-supply of junior pitch provision, currently the largest in the district out of all sub-areas, equivalent to 7.5 pitches

Current pressures exist due to the development of two clubs within this sub-area, Bugbrooke RUFC and Northampton Men’s Own RUFC, currently operating a total of 21 teams over two sites.

Pitch TypeSurplus/Sho rtfall (2006)


Adult Football 17 14.1Junior Football -4.7 -7Mini-Football -7 -8.7Cricket -0.3 -2.8Adult Rugby Union 3 2.3Junior Rugby Union -7.5 -9.3Hockey -0.5 -2.6


The over-supply of three adult pitches provides some opportunity to re-designate to junior pitch provision, potentially two pitches using 2021 figures (operating at a surplus of 2.3) providing an additional three junior pitches

Given the opportunity to re-designate adult pitches, with the greatest need exhibited at the Lord Alexander site, additional provision is still required to meet the demand now and in the future. Other opportunities include the pitches (two adult rugby union) based at Campion School, currently operating with a formal community use agreement for either additional match pitches or to alleviate demands as training facilities. The recently opened rubber crumb pitch goes someway towards offsetting this demand.

Any other opportunities arising in the sub-area, utilising existing outdoor sports facilities (general playing fields) should be considered a priority to support club development and meet latent demand that is potentially being exhibited through a lack of facilities. Opportunities arising from S106 agreements should be sourced.

Hockey Similar to Towcester and North of M1 sub-areas, there is a current lack of STPs to support the development and demand for

hockey within this area. The under-supply is exacerbated through the increases in population and sports development to the equivalent of 4.6 pitches in 2021

There are three STPs located within this area, Campion School, Kingsbrook School and Roade Comprehensive, however the STP located at Kingsbrook School cannot accommodate competitive hockey due to its surface type (3G rubber crumb). It is evident from the audit that the STPs are well used by two clubs located within this area, Northampton Lions and Campion Mixed Hockey Club

Northampton Lions, as mentioned previously are currently playing across a number of sites within the district and for the purposes of analysis all teams have been allocated a pitch within the district. For this reason it is likely that there is displaced demand, although further consultation with the club is needed to identify where the club would prefer to play home matches

The situation presented within this sub-area highlights further support for the recommendation for a new STP within Towcester.

Ensuring each pitch is of the expected quality and design to serve the purpose it was intended

The main sites within this sub-area, regarding quality issues and recommendations for improvements have been listed below. It should be noted that the majority of sites within this sub-area are single pitches sites and often provide local recreational facilities for the local catchment. In light of this, there are numerous sites within this sub-area that have limited facilities, mainly ancillary accommodation. It would be unrealistic to expect each site to provide changing accommodation and suitable parking facilities. Therefore priority should be given to sites that are well-used by community teams and can warrant additional funding to support the club in developing.

Yardley Gobion Recreation Field – This site is dedicated to Yardley Gobian FC who currently have two teams playing at this site. At present there are no changing facilities. Opportunities to secure funding to provide suitable ancillary accommodation may create opportunities for the club to expand

Deanshanger Playing Fields – Poor access to this site may be currently inhibiting demand. Further investigation into providing additional entrance points should be a priority in light of the lack of junior pitches

Roade Comprehensive –Consultation indicates that there is a large expanse of fields opposite the school that is currently rented out to a local farmer, however it has been suggested that opportunities exist to create more pitches using this land.


Whilst there is an adequate supply of pitches through the re-designation of adult pitches, demand should be monitored with opportunities at this site to meet additional requirements over the plan period

All other sites (where information is known about the site through consultation and site visit) currently being used by teams within this area have suitable pitch and ancillary provision

Foxfield park (Grange park) – This site is not currently being used for sports pitch provision. Consultation suggests that the site will be handed over to the District Council/Parish Council in 2007/2008. In light of current and future shortfalls, opportunities to provide dedicated pitches for the provision of football, cricket and potential junior rugby union should be maximised. Consultation with clubs (who are currently playing outside the district boundary) have indicated a desire to utilise these pitches, whilst further consultation with stakeholders has suggested there may be opportunities for long-leasing agreements between the club and District Council/Parish Council. In securing a leasing agreement this will provide the relevant clubs with opportunities to secure funding for ancillary accommodation.

Sources of capital funding

6.23 Areas for improvement identified in the site visits may require either capital or revenue expenditure (or both). There are several potential sources of financial aid. These include:

• Football Foundation

• Sport England Community Investment Fund

• Rugby Football Foundation

• Community Club Development Fund

• National Lottery Funding.

Football Foundation

6.24 The Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football infrastructure, creating facilities that are fit for the game in the 21st century. The maximum grant for a capital project is £1 million. Grants of this size will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances. The percentage level of support is typically around 50% but in exceptional circumstances could reach 90%.


(See http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/ for more information)

Sport England Community Investment Fund

6.25 The Sport England Community Investment Fund (http://www.sportengland.org/text/cif_guidance_notes.pdf) is used for funding applications over £5000. Projects that are eligible for funding are assessed against the priorities of the national framework for sport. However, decisions regarding funds are actually made by the nine regional sports boards and applications must also fit in with the regional funding criteria.

6.26 Sport England’s mission is to increase participation in sport and active recreation by 1% every year to 2020. It is committed to investing in a coherent system for community sport and promoting a consistent framework for how sport is organised at a local level. County Sports Partnerships have responsibility for achieving increases in participation within their area and it is therefore important that discussions about each project are held with the CSP.

6.27 Projects must:

• directly increase participation in priority groups

• have secured or have strong indication of securing significant levels of partnership funding

• come from areas of social deprivation and that particularly benefit isolated rural communities

• develop more than one sport or activity.

• (See http://www.sportengland.org/ for more information)

Rugby Football Foundation

6.28 In January 2003, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced the commencement of this fund. Community rugby clubs can apply for grants and/or interest-free loans to fund capital facility projects which contribute to the recruitment and retention of players. This funding is available to clubs participating at Level 5 or below.

6.29 There are two different elements to the fund:


http://www.sportengland.org/text/cif_guidance_notes.pdf

• Ground Match Grant Scheme: this provides easy-to-access grant funding for capital playing projects which contribute to the recruitment and retention of players. A list of projects that qualify for a grant will be sent to clubs on request as part of the application pack. All projects that qualify for a grant also qualify for the loan (see below).

6.30 At present, clubs can apply for between £1,500 and £5,000, which they must equally match (i.e. 50:50). Clubs may only apply for one grant per project.

6.31 Interest-free loan schemes: the interest-free loan scheme provides loans to clubs to help finance capital projects which contribute to the recruitment and retention of players. The key features of the scheme are:

• loans will be interest-free (though if a club defaults on a capital payment, the whole loan will be subject to interest until the outstanding amounts are paid)

• the maximum loan available is £100,000

• the maximum loan period will be 15 years, including an initial two-year capital holiday

• security will be required for the loan scheme in the form of either a charge over property or personal guarantees.

6.32 Clubs may apply for both a grant and a loan for the same project (providing that the appropriate conditions are met). A club could, therefore, apply for a maximum grant of £5,000 (providing it matches it with £5,000 of other funding) and a maximum loan of £100,000. Grants and loans will be awarded by the Trustees of the Rugby Football Foundation.

The Big Lottery Fund

6.33 The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) hands out half the good causes money from the National Lottery. It is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. There is a range of grants available. Listed below are some of them that are most applicable to funding sports projects and improvements to outdoor sports facilities and voluntary sports clubs. For more information on the programme visit the website at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index/

Awards for All


http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index/

6.34 The Lottery Small Grants Scheme offers Awards for All grants of between £500 and £10,000 for small projects which involve people in their community. The Council could not directly apply for such funds but could work with clubs in order for them to apply.

Parks for People

6.35 This fund is committing £90 million over the next three years to parks and gardens in England. It aims to improve local environments and quality of life as well as making a lasting impact on the lives of local people and the places where they live.

6.36 Grants will range from £250,000 to £5m however the main aim is for improvements to a green space used for informal recreation and enjoyment. 25% of the project costs would need to be raised by the Council itself, including at least 5% cash from the Council’s own resources.

Reaching Communities 6.37 This lottery fund is about responding to the needs identified by communities, funding projects that help those most in need,

including people or groups who are hard to reach. It is a three-year programme that will give grants of more than £10,000 and up to £500,000, including a maximum of £50,000 for capital grants. The fund hopes to bring about the following changes:

• people having better chances in life, including being able to get better access to training and development to improve their life skills

• strong communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems

• improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy

• healthier and more active people and communities.

6.38 Reaching Communities has proven to be a very popular and highly competitive programme. Competition for funds is very high, and difficult decisions have to be made, often resulting in very good projects not being funded. For more information


visit http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities.htm?regioncode=-uk&progStatus=open&status=theProg&title=Reaching%20Communities

Landfill Tax Credit Scheme

6.39 The landfill tax credit scheme (LTCS) was introduced with the landfill tax in October 1996 and enables landfill site operators to donate up to 6.0 per cent of their landfill tax liability to environmental projects in return for a 90 per cent tax credit. The LTCS was designed to help mitigate the effects of landfill upon local communities. It encourages partnerships between landfill operators, their local communities and the voluntary and public sectors.

6.40 Landfill tax credits must be spent in compliance with the landfill tax regulations, which set the following objects for the LTCS:

• projects that involve reclaiming land, the use of which has been prevented by some previous activity

• projects that reduce or prevent pollution on land

• projects that provide or maintain public amenities or parks within 10 miles of a landfill site

• delivery of biodiversity conservation for UK species habitats

• projects to restore or repair buildings for religious worship, or of architectural or historical interest within 10 miles of a landfill site

• projects fund the cost of administrative, financial or other similar services, supplied to other enrolled environmental bodies.

6.41 For further information on this scheme go to the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme website http://www.ltcs.org.uk/default.asp

Young People’s Fund

6.42 A further lottery funded programme is the Young People’s Fund. This is designed to support projects which provide opportunities for young people in deprived areas. The projects must show that they are contributing towards keeping young people active, healthy, safe, enjoying activities and making a positive contribution to the community.


http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities.htm?regioncode=-uk&progStatus=open&status=theProg&title=Reaching%20Communities

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities.htm?regioncode=-uk&progStatus=open&status=theProg&title=Reaching%20Communities

http://www.ltcs.org.uk/default.asp

6.43 Applicants to the Young People’s fund can be either young individuals, voluntary or community organisations. Grants between £250 and £5,000 are available to individuals aged between 11 and 25 years old. Community and voluntary organisations have been provided with a total of £40 million, to be divided into grants between £5,000 and £150,000 over a three-year period.

Sportsmatch

6.44 The Sportsmatch scheme is government funded and designed to match pound for pound funds raised. Funding is aimed at projects which aim to increase participation in sport at the grass root level and/or improve basic skills. Capital projects under £5,000 are considered but most of the annual £3.6 million pounds are aimed at revenue based projects. The maximum amount available is £50,000.

Lord’s Taveners

6.45 The Lord’s Taverners distribute funding for cricket projects through various County Cricket Boards. Grants of up to £6,000 are available for the installation of non-turf pitches and practice ends. The Council cannot apply for funds directly but could work with other local organizations to prepare such a bid.

Barclays Spaces for Sport

6.46 The Barclays Spaces for Sports scheme is an exciting new partnership between Barclays, Groundwork and the Football Foundation, providing £30 million over three years to create or improve sports facilities in communities across the UK.

6.47 Seven flagship sites per year will be delivered with matched funding from the Football Foundation. A further number of smaller sites will also be created, offering basketball, netball, tennis, through to skateboard and BMX tracks.

6.48 Every site will be supplied with sports equipment with further support available to help the community get the most out of the new facilities.

6.49 In terms of site selection, Barclays Spaces for Sports is a closed Scheme, which means the general public are not being asked to send in applications for the sites. Instead, Barclays will use and build upon the existing local networks of Groundwork and Football Foundation to identify potential sites.

Foundation for Sports and the Arts


6.50 The foundation for sports and the arts distribute monies collected by the football pools companies. The aim of the charity is to:

“increase participation in sports and the arts, especially amongst young people and those with more ability than resources”

6.51 Awards up to £100,000 have been awarded in the past, though such levels are unusual. It is not currently possible to make applications for football based projects.

Community Club Development Fund

6.52 This fund is distributed by Sport England but is actually funded directly from central government. £20 million was released to clubs in the period 2004 to 2006 and it is expected that further monies will be made available from 2007.

6.53 The criteria for successfully applying for funding includes:

• projects which provide enhanced facilities for sports at clubs with inadequate existing provision

• projects which are demonstrably linked to other NGB priority development work e.g. volunteering, coaching talent development and club/school links

• projects serving clusters (e.g. through a Beacon club infrastructure) meeting the needs of several clubs/sports

• clubs able to provide the greatest sporting and community benefit in terms of contributing to improved health, community cohesion, crime prevention etc

• clubs in areas of both sporting and greatest social deprivation.

Developers

6.54 Through Section 106 agreements (see earlier in this Section).

6.55 It is assumed that sufficient financial resources will not be available immediately to meet all the identified needs. To ensure strategic development of all the potential projects in the district it is necessary to:


• give all partners, providers and users the opportunity to add to this long list of projects and ensure that it evolves as necessary throughout the course of this strategy

• develop a set of criteria against which projects can be judged, in order to assess which of the potential projects should be developed first

• make priorities against this criteria.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

6.56 The DDA aims to end the discrimination that many people with disabilities face. This act gives people with disabilities rights in the areas of:

• employment

• access to goods, facilities and services

• buying or renting land or property.

6.57 On 1 October 2004 the final stages of the goods, facilities and services provisions of Part III of the DDA came into force. The new duties will apply to all providers of services to the public where physical features make access to their services impossible or unreasonably difficult for people with disabilities.

6.58 The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) published the revised Code of Practice on this subject in February 2002. This statutory code, agreed by Parliament, provides detailed advice on the way the law will work, together with practical examples. This document can be obtained from www.drc-gb.org.

• The DRC list 18 types of services and facilities that are covered by the DDA, one of which is sport and leisure. Therefore, the Council should ensure that all their facilities comply with the DDA requirements. Some funding opportunities to help ensure facilities comply are shown below.


http://www.drc-gb.org/

Children in Need

6.59 The BBC Children in Need Appeal gives grants to organisations with disadvantaged children and young people living in the United Kingdom. Applicants must be from properly constituted not-for-profit organisations, for example:

• self-help groups

• voluntary organisations

• registered charities.

6.60 This would make it unlikely that the Council could directly approach the fund, however it can encourage and assist disability groups in the area to apply to the fund. It should be noted that any application for funds must be for a project that starts within 12 months of the application date.

LloydsTSB foundation for England and Wales

6.61 The mission of this trust is:

• “to support and work in partnership with charitable organisations which help people, especially those who are disadvantaged or disabled, to play a fuller role in communities throughout England and Wales”

6.62 The trust does not fund Council’s directly and application would be best served through a sports club or charitable organisation. Grants can be between £500 and £10,000.

Peter Harrison Foundation

6.63 The foundation runs a nationwide programme entitled “opportunities through sport” and only accepts applications from organisations that are:

• registered charities – or

• friendly societies or industrial provident societies – or

• organisations whose charitable status is recognised by the Inland Revenue in Scotland or Northern Ireland.


6.64 The organisation will not fund projects that directly replace statutory funding or activities that are primarily the responsibility of central or local government. Applicants can apply for up to a maximum of 3 years of revenue support and projects that are likely to be successful should include a high degree of community use and involvement.

Developing a local standard

6.64 An important outcome from a playing pitch strategy is the development of local standards of provision, in accordance with national planning policy. Such standards will:

• underpin negotiations with developers over their contributions towards new pitch provision to meet the needs of new residential developments

• provide an additional overview of the general supply of pitches/level of provision

• assist in protecting land in playing field use

• assist in benchmarking with other areas/authorities.

6.66 The NPFA’s Six Acre Standard states that for every 1,000 people, 1.2 hectares of playing pitches should be provided. However, this is a national benchmark and has little value at a local level as local standards can be as low as 0.4 or 0.5 in urban areas. Therefore local factors are of vital importance when establishing a local standard.

6.67 PPG17 advocates the development of local standards that consider the local population and local community needs. A local standard has been recommended to the Council in light of a local needs consultation for the PPG17 study, however this is an encompassing standard for all outdoor sports facilities that should be applied for broad planning need only. This playing pitch standard is designed to supplement the PPG17 report, providing further detail specifically relating to requirements for the provision of football, cricket, rugby and hockey pitches in the District.

6.68 The existing and future local standard has been calculated in Table 6.11 overleaf. The existing standard is based upon the current supply of pitches (measured in area) in each analysis area, divided by the population in that analysis area. The current level of provision is therefore equivalent to 1.61ha per 1000 population.

6.69 Playing pitch methodology calculations outline where current shortfalls and surpluses exist for each type of sport, and suggest potential solutions to ensure that provision meets the needs of the community.


6.70 The future local standard calculation is based upon the findings of this report for 2021. It takes into account the additional (or surplus) pitches identified within this report in 2021 and calculates the required area per thousand population, which is 1.91 ha. The current level of provision required is higher than the existing standard, highlighting the additional pitches required to meet demand in the future. This additional demand will result from both the projected population increases and likely increases in participation. This considers a minimum level of provision only and does not take into account the recommended strategic reserve.

6.71 In addition to providing pitches to meet a minimum quantity standard, it is important to allow for the rest and recovery of sites. It is therefore suggested that an additional 10% is added onto the standard to allow for this (this links to the recommendation regarding strategic reserve). It is therefore recommended that the local standard is set at 2.10ha per 1000 population.

Table 6.11- Development of a local standard

Sub-area Population

Total playing pitch area

with secured community

use (ha)

Playing pitch area per 1,000

population (ha)

Additional pitch area required

(ha)

Total future

pitch area (ha)

Future population

Future playing

pitch area per 1,000

population (ha)

Towcester 9,504 7.00 0.74 27.51 34.51 16,644 2.07Brackley 15,780 20.52 1.30 6.66 27.18 16,764 1.62North of M1 11,104 24.06 2.17 7.14 31.20 11,783 2.65Rural Area Central 32,831 55.42 1.69 4.12 59.54 35,544 1.68Rural Area West 15,974 29.90 1.87 4.70 34.60 17,134 2.02

0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00Total 85,193 136.90 1.61 50.13 187.03 97,870 1.91

6.72 The local standard should be used in order to ascertain the level of input from developers as it states the required amount of land per 1000 population. For example, a development providing housing for 1000 people would be expected to provide



sufficient funding for 2.10 hectares of playing pitch provision. The most appropriate type of provision (i.e. the sport where there is the highest need) should then be determined using the results of the playing pitch methodology. In some cases where there are no deficiencies it may be appropriate to fund the enhancement of existing pitches. The standard should not be used to understand surpluses and deficiencies.

6.73 Further information on the contents of this report can be obtained from Carolyn Wilkinson on 0161 235 5582.