FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL NEW COMMUNITY NORTH OF … · October 2012 3-048-1112 Final Report: Knight...

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FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL NEW COMMUNITY NORTH OF FAREHAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 2012

Quality assurance Name Date

Report origination Chris MacFarlane August 2012

Quality control Jonathan Woods August 2012

Initial comments Peter Home 3 September 2012

Initial amendments Chris MacFarlane, Jonathan Woods 5 September 2012

Final comments Nigel Green 14 September 2012

Final amendments Jonathan Woods 27 September - 1 October 2012

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL NCNF IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

Background ................................................................................................................... 2 Supporting context ........................................................................................................ 3

PROVISION STANDARD SUMMARY .............................................................................. 5

Population projection ..................................................................................................... 5 NEW COMMUNITY NORTH OF FAREHAM REQUIREMENTS ....................................... 6

Outdoor facilities ........................................................................................................... 6 Indoor facilities ............................................................................................................ 11

STRATEGIC GUIDANCE ............................................................................................... 14

Glossary AGP Artificial Grass Pitch FA Football Association FBC Fareham Borough Council KKP Knight, Kavanagh and Page LDF Local Development Framework MUGA Multi-use Games Area NCNF New Community North of Fareham NGB National Governing Body NPPF National Planning Policy Framework ONS Office of National Statistics PPG Planning Policy Guidance PPS Playing Pitch Strategy SDA Strategic Development Area


October 2012 3-048-1112 Final Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 1

INTRODUCTION This report comprises the Implementation Plan for the Strategic Development Area (SDA), now known as the New Community North of Fareham (NCNF). It is prepared by Knight Kavanagh & Page (KKP) for Fareham Borough Council (FBC). The report assesses the requirements and opportunities for different types of outdoor and indoor sports provision in the NCNF. It builds upon the recently completed Fareham Playing Pitch Strategy and Facilities Assessment Report in order to identify the quantitative and qualitative requirements for the NCNF. The specific objectives of this Implementation Plan are to: Assess potential demand for outdoor sports provision across the NCNF area. Differentiate between the potential opportunities and requirements for indoor and

outdoor sports provision, providing advice on the timing issues to be considered in meeting the requirements.

Consider the changing needs of an ageing population, by using data from the ‘SDA Demographics Study’.

A fundamental part of the vision for the NCNF is to help the new community to live healthy lifestyles. The opportunities to participate in formal and informal sporting and recreational activities will be central to achieving this goal. However, for the purposes of this report only formal sporting activities requiring delineated areas or structures are considered. Production of this draft report is driven by and aligns with the work already established in a number of key Council documents. This includes the: Fareham Indoor Facilities Assessment Report 2012 Fareham Playing Pitch Study 2012 Fareham Core Strategy 2011



Background Fareham Borough Council adopted its Core Strategy in August 2011. Policy CS13 of the Core Strategy identifies a strategic development location in the area to the North of Fareham, providing between 6,500 to 7,500 dwellings and 90,750 sq m of employment floor space, by approximately 2031. The Core Strategy establishes the overarching policy and high level development principles for the SDA/NCNF. New Community North of Fareham

The policy for the NCNF set out in the adopted Core Strategy is to create a diverse and well integrated new community, supporting employment and community infrastructure. It will complement rather than compete with surrounding settlements, have an integrated movement system, a distinctive character, an integrated network of open spaces and be an exemplar of energy efficient design. It will have a high level of self-containment with a significant proportion of its inhabitants’ life needs being accessible within a main centre and smaller neighbourhood centres.



Supporting context The findings and outcomes of both the Borough-wide Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Facilities Assessment Report are used to establish the potential future provision needs of the NCNF. A summary of the key findings from both reports is set out. Fareham Indoor Sports Facilities Assessment (2012) The report provides a quantitative and qualitative audit based assessment of indoor sports facilities. It is consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in that it is a robust, up-to-date assessment of the needs for indoor sports facilities and opportunities for new provision. Specific deficiencies and surpluses are also identified to inform what provision is required across the Borough. The table below sets out the general findings and key issues identified: Table 1: Summary of indoor facilities

Facility type Summary

Sports Halls

Largest facility of this type is the Fareham Leisure Centre. Demand is reported to be high

Majority of sports halls are located on school sites. Subsequently day time community use of large sports halls is limited.

Sport hall space is at a premium and difficult/expensive for clubs to book

Swimming pools

Swimming pools at Fareham Leisure Centre are operating at capacity Limited day time community use of pools There is a reported lack of pool time for club activity and insufficient pool time

suitable for children The Borough’s strongest swimmers are reportedly migrating to clubs located

outside the Borough due to a lack of facilities and club provision

Education facilities

Community-use on school sites is generally underpinned by community use agreements. Levels of community use in secondary schools is variable and are different on each site

The report also considered implications for indoor facilities within the Borough relating to: The projected resident population increase; which will increase demand for indoor

sports facilities at a time when existing facilities on school sites have limited capacity to satisfy such increases in demand because they are primarily provided for education use during the daytime.

An increase in demand for low intensity activities such as swimming as the resident population becomes older.

The dominant market segmentation in the Borough being ‘Tim’ (settling down males) and ‘Philip’ (comfortable mid-life males); that prefer activities such as cycling, keep fit, swimming and football. However, the prevalence of ‘Elsie and Arnolds’ and ‘Roger and Joys’ (i.e., early retirees, older people) means that low intensity activities (e.g., keep fit) will be increasingly important.



Consequently, the assessment identified that a range of major sports facilities are required both to cater for existing need and to be programmed flexibly to respond appropriately as need changes. However, provision of affordable opportunity to swim and keep fit will continue to be important. Fareham Playing Pitch Strategy (2012) The strategy covers the period 2012 – 2026 and follows the methodology recommended by Sport England as set out in the publication, “Towards a Level Playing Field”. It provides an audit of the current levels of provision for playing pitches, including Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs), in Fareham across all sectors (public, education, voluntary, military and commercial) regardless of whether the facilities are currently available for public use. The table below sets out the general findings and key issues identified: Table 2: Summary of outdoor facilities

Facility type Summary

Football

There is a current peak time shortfall of 24 pitches in the overall provision of junior pitches; whilst at the same time there are sufficient adult senior pitches shown by the surplus of 35 pitches (that could begin to accommodate the demand for youth football if reconfigured).

The demand for football pitches in Fareham is distorted by the fact that 13 clubs with 33 teams are playing their ‘home’ matches on pitches outside the Borough. In addition, there are two clubs with two teams from outside the Borough that are playing on pitches within the Borough.

A number of football pitches within the Borough have a capacity of one game per week due to their poor quality

Whilst there are two adult female 11-a-side teams and twelve youth girls’ teams, the majority of football facilities in the Borough, including most Fareham Council facilities, do not cater for girls and women’s football. This is in part because there is a lack of good quality segregated changing facilities available.

Cricket

A current shortfall of three cricket pitches is indicated, increasing to five by 2017. If the ECB guideline of 3-4 games per season per strip is applied to the number of strips available in the Borough, there are only just sufficient strips available currently.

There are Fareham based cricket teams playing on pitches outside the Borough. Existing cricket facilities must therefore be protected.

Rugby

Many rugby players in Fareham travel to play for Gosport & Fareham R.F.C. at their site in Gosport Park.

There is a shortfall in the provision of two senior rugby pitches on Saturday afternoons and four junior rugby pitches on Sunday mornings.

Bowling greens

The main issues for bowling clubs relate to the quality of their facilities, particularly the club houses

Tennis Two clubs reported different issues which relate to the requirement to provide

access to the courts to the public on a “pay and play” basis.

Netball Netball in Fareham is organised by the Gosport & Fareham League. The

League reports that there are numerous teams/clubs based in Fareham some of which do club/team training although most of this takes place indoors.



SUMMARY OF LOCAL PROVISION STANDARDS Local provision standards are used in order to establish the requirements for indoor and outdoor sports provision in the NCNF area. The quantity standards set out in the Indoor Sports Facilities Assessment and Playing Pitch Strategy provide a guideline as to how much sport and recreation facility provision per 1,000 people is required to meet current demand in the Borough. Using these standards and applying them to the anticipated population figures for the NCNF, a requirement for each typology can be calculated. Table three summarises the provision standards from both the Indoor Sports Facilities Assessment and Playing Pitch Strategy. Standards are shown on a hectare per 1,000 head of population unless stated otherwise. Table 3: Quantity standards by facility type

Facility type Hectares required per 1,000 population

Playing pitches1 1.19

Artificial grass pitches 0.018

Bowling greens 0.02

Tennis courts 0.02

Netball No standard set

Sports halls 51.42 m2

Community halls 43.03 m2

Swimming pools 33.39 m2

Indoor bowls 14.48 m2

Population projections2 In order to calculate future provision requirements in the NCNF, population/demographic change is profiled as follows: Table 4: Population projections

Year Dwellings (at end of period) Total population

2016 500 1,427

2017 1,000 2,787

2018 1,500 4,113

2019 2,000 5,433

2020 2,500 6,726

2021 3,000 8,004

2022 3,500 9,249

2023 4,000 10,537

2024 4,500 11,820

2025 5,000 13,069

2026 5,500 14,324

2027 6,000 15,573

2028 6,500 16,816

2029 7,000 18,030

2030 7,500 19,249

1 Playing pitches includes provision of football, rugby and cricket

2 Source: Revised Chelmer Model Results Fareham SDA, Cambridge Econometrics



NEW COMMUNITY NORTH OF FAREHAM REQUIREMENTS The requirements for indoor and outdoor sports provision for the NCNF are calculated using the provision standards and population figures set out on the previous pages. Table 5 summarises the amount of new provision required in the NCNF area in order to meet the provision standards set. Table 5: Provision required summary

Facility type Standard

Projected population

Provision level required to 2030

Outdoor provision (ha per 1,000)

Playing pitches 1.19

19,249

22.91

Artificial grass pitches

0.018 0.35

Bowling greens 0.02 0.38

Tennis courts 0.02 0.38

Netball No standard set -

Indoor provision (m2 per 1,000)

Sports halls 51.42

19,249

989.78

Community halls 43.03 828.28

Swimming pools 33.39 642.72

Indoor bowls 14.48 278.72

The following pages assess in more detail the provision level requirements on a typology by typology basis. It also provides a justification, in terms of the wider context, as to whether provision of each type and scale is genuinely required. This is achieved by analysing the Fareham Indoor Sports Facilities Assessment (2012), particularly with regards to (current and future) deficiencies and assessing whether or not unmet demand in the Borough is likely to be met by facilities outside the Borough. Outdoor facilities Playing pitches Application of the standard for playing pitches (i.e., 1.19 hectares per 1,000 people) to the NCNF’s projected population identifies that 22.91 hectares of playing pitch provision is required in the NCNF area by 2030. A further breakdown of the standard for each classification of playing pitch can be calculated using Appendix B of the Playing Pitch Strategy. These set out the standards required for pitch provision including football (senior, junior and mini), rugby and cricket. The table below applies these standards to the NCNF’s projected population 2030 (i.e., 19,249) in order to establish how much provision is required in hectares (see column C below).



Pitch number equivalents (see column D below) are calculated by dividing the total provision required for each pitch type by the average size of pitch3. Column E (in the table below) highlights the number of pitches required with the allowance of 10% for contingency as recommended by Sport England. Table 6: Breakdown of playing pitch provision requirements in the NCNF area by 2030

A B C D E

Facility type

Standard (Ha per 1,000 population)

Total provision required in the

NCNF (Ha)

Number of pitches required

in the NCNF

Number of pitches required, with 10%

contingency

Senior football

0.30 5.77 5.39 5.93

Junior football

0.25 4.81 6.41 7.05

Mini football

0.09 1.73 7.21 7.93

Rugby 0.16 3.08 1.66 1.83

Cricket 0.24 4.62 2.58 2.84

Football Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of five senior, six junior and seven mini football pitches are needed in the NCNF by 2030. When Sport England’s recommendation of a 10% contingency is applied a minimum of five senior, seven junior and seven mini football pitches are required. Not all football pitches will need to be provided separately. Instead over marking of certain junior pitches (9v9) can take place on senior pitches. This follows the FA’s Youth Development Review which will see an increase in use of small sided games for all age groups up to the age group of under 12’s. The introduction of 9v9 football, by the FA, is designed to help bridge the gap between mini soccer at U10’s and 11-a-side at U11’s. The FA suggests that a solution is to mark out 9v9 pitches in blue line, with, either one pitch from box to box or two pitches across half a ‘senior’ pitch respectively (as illustrated in diagram 1 below).

3 Average pitch sizes based on average figures utilised in the playing pitch strategy



Diagram 1: 9v9 suggested line markings

The proposals become mandatory in the 2013/14 season and therefore will be applicable to the NCNF. A phased process of introducing provision should be implemented to ensure a sufficient level of pitches are available in the NCNF area during its formative years and in order to prevent a (temporary) surplus of provision; as not all pitch provision will be required at the start of the development in 2016. As a priority a minimum of at least two senior, three junior and three mini pitches should be established within the NCNF no later than 2022. This is because, by 2022 approximately half of the NCNF’s population is expected to be resident. In order to ensure appropriate provision is available, pitch development should be considered a priority at the start of the construction process and be phased accordingly.

Requirement

A minimum of five senior, seven junior and seven mini football pitches are needed in the NCNF by 2030. As a priority a minimum of at least two senior, three junior and three mini pitches should be established within the NCNF in the early phases and no later than 2022.

Rugby Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 1.83 senior rugby pitches are needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. In consideration of the wider Borough needs and trends for rugby pitch provision a minimum of one senior rugby pitch should be established in the NCNF.



The 2012 playing pitch strategy highlights a current and future shortfall across the Borough in both senior and junior rugby pitches. In addition, all rugby clubs consulted as part of the strategy identify plans to increase membership levels in the future. Hence, further justification for the minimum of at least one senior pitch in the NCNF. The remaining 0.83 of senior pitch required could be provided through junior provision. However, as the current start times of junior and senior rugby matches generally do not conflict in Fareham (primarily because junior matches can be played on senior pitches at a different time and day), a separate junior pitch is not necessary. The new senior rugby pitch should be considered a priority at the start of the construction process. Based on projected population growth for the NCNF, a senior rugby pitch will be required in 2020. The applied standards identify that 0.16 hectares of rugby pitch provision is required per 1,000 head of population. Sport England guidance states that the maximum size of a rugby pitch is 0.99 hectares. Therefore, provision of a senior rugby pitch will be required by the fifth year of the NCNF’s development (i.e., by 2020).

Requirement

A minimum of one senior rugby pitch should be established in the NCNF. Based on projected population growth, the pitch will be required in 2020.

Cricket Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of two (2.84) cricket pitches are needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. The 2012 playing pitch strategy highlights a current and future shortfall across the Borough in terms of cricket pitch provision. In addition, all cricket clubs consulted as part of the strategy identify plans to increase membership levels in the future. A phased process of introducing provision should be implemented to ensure a sufficient level of pitches are available to the NCNF during its formative years and in order to prevent a (temporary) surplus of provision; as not all pitch provision will be required at the start of the development in 2016. As a priority a minimum of at least one cricket pitch should be established within the NCNF by 2019; the stage when year-on-year population growth in the NCNF area is projected to require access to such provision (based on Sport England site size of 1.29 hectares4). In order to ensure provision is available when it is required, pitch development should be considered a priority at the start of the construction process. Following the establishment of one cricket pitch, a pragmatic approach about when additional cricket pitches in the NCNF is required is required. This is primarily because demand in the 2012 Playing Pitch Strategy is only identified up to 2017. Therefore, the decision should be based on an up to date assessment of the use and demand of the first new cricket pitch to ascertain whether additional facilities are required. An alternative option to consider could be to introduce additional strips/wickets to the new cricket pitch when/if demand warrants it.

4 ‘Comparative sizes of sports pitches and courts’, Sport England 2011



Requirement

A minimum of two+ (i.e., 2.84) cricket pitches are needed to serve the NCNF by 2030. As a priority a minimum of at least one cricket pitch should be established within the NCNF by the end of 2019.

Artificial grass pitches Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 0.35 hectares of artificial grass pitch (AGP), approximately a half size facility, is needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. The 2012 Playing Pitch Strategy identifies a shortfall of one AGP across the Borough. However, this is could be an underestimate because there is limited community access to some existing AGPs, such as the one at HMS Collingwood. The NCNF provides an opportunity to address the need for an AGP and a priority should be to consider the development of a full size AGP early in the NCNF’s construction. This would meet identified standards predicted for the NCNF and would also help satisfy wider Borough needs.

Requirement

Establishment of a full size AGP early in the NCNF’s development, for example by 2020.

Bowling greens Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 0.38 hectares of bowling greens are needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. Based on a size of 0.17 hectares for a bowling green (as recommended in Sport England guidance) this is an equivalent of two bowling greens. No additional demand or shortfalls for bowling greens are identified within the playing pitch strategy. Based on projected population growth for the NCNF one bowling green will be required by 2022. The second bowling green will be needed by 2028. However, a pragmatic approach to development of a second bowling green should be taken. The decision on the timing of delivery of the second bowling green should be based on level of use and demand for the first.

Requirement

An equivalent of two bowling greens is needed to serve the population of the NCNF. Based on projected population growth for the NCNF one bowling green will be required by 2022.

Multi Use Games Area According to the 2012 Playing Pitch Strategy there are no purpose built Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA) in the Borough. Some schools have multi-purpose macadam ball courts although none of these are identified as being suitable for football training. MUGAs can provide valuable informal opportunities for sporting activities as well as general play provision for children and young people.



The 2012 Playing Pitch Strategy also identifies the need to provide one multi-use-sports-area in each settlement area in the Borough. The NCNF will represent a substantial new settlement with the result that this requirement should apply. Consequently, additional MUGAs should be sought.

Requirement

Provision of MUGAs should be sought.

Tennis courts Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 0.38 hectares of tennis courts is needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. This is an equivalent of five single courts based on Sport England guidance of 0.07 ha per court. No additional demand or shortfalls for tennis courts is identified across the Borough within the playing pitch strategy. Based on projected population growth for the NCNF the first court will be required in 2018, the second court by 2021 and the third in 2023. The fourth and fifth court will be needed in 2026 and in 2029 respectively. The priority should be to provide a minimum of three courts by 2023 and an additional two courts by 2029. It is recommended that the courts are grouped together. This will ensure that provision is available when it is expected to be needed and is likely to be more cost effective than providing five isolated courts each potentially requiring ancillary facilities such as parking and changing accommodation.

Requirement

An equivalent of five single courts is needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. Three courts will be required by 2023 with an additional two courts being required by 2029.

Netball No provision standard for netball is set in the 2012 Playing Pitch Strategy. However, club aspirations for a netball centre (comprising floodlit outdoor courts) in the Borough to host competitive league matches is highlighted. Provision of netball courts should be sought due to expected increased demand generated by the new community and given the perceived (by clubs) poor quality of existing outdoor provision in the Borough.

Requirement

Provision of netball courts (particularly floodlit outdoor) should be sought.

Indoor facilities Sports halls Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 989.78 m2 (0.099 hectares) of sports hall floor space is needed for community use in the NCNF in 2030. However, no new community provision is required because the identified need can be met by existing sports hall provision across the Borough.



The Assessment identifies the overall supply and demand across Fareham. The current resident population of the Borough is estimated to generate a demand for a minimum of 30 courts. This compares to a current available supply of 40 courts, giving a supply/demand balance of +10 courts. In addition, the Assessment reports that the Borough has approximately 4 courts per 10,000 people. On this basis, the NCNF will require approximately seven to eight additional courts. However, because there is already a balance of +10 courts within the Borough, no additional sports hall area is required. However, this assumes that community-use of sports halls on education sites will be secured.

Requirement

No new provision needed, assuming secured community-use sports halls on education sites.

Swimming pools Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 642.72 m2 (0.064 hectares) of swimming pool space is needed to serve the NCNF by 2030. An undersupply of swimming pool space is identified in the Borough by the 2012 assessment of indoor sports facilities. However, there is an existing Council corporate priority to develop a 25 metre 4 or 5 lane swimming pool facility at Locks Heath within the Western Wards. This new facility is being delayed due to funding constraints and although it has the potential to meet demand across the Borough, including the NCNF, the development of the NCNF will provide the best opportunity to secure sufficient funding to ensure delivery of the new pool. If the Locks Heath Swimming Pool proves to be undeliverable, the Council will need to consider alternative options (e.g., increasing the capacity of the Fareham Leisure Centre Swimming Pool) to accommodate future demand from the NCNF.

Requirement

No new provision will be needed on the NCNF site if the Locks Heath pool can be delivered before 2030. However, the NCNF should contribute funding to ensure that the new pool facility is deliverable within this timescale or an alternative identified.

Community halls Application of the standards identifies that a minimum of 828.28 m2 (0.083 hectares) of community hall floor space is needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. Anecdotal information set out in the Assessment suggests that demand for community halls remains buoyant. In the main, community halls accommodate low impact activity such as short mat bowls, keep fit and yoga and are attended by people living local to the catchment. Subsequently, provision should be sought for the NCNF. The Assessment includes community halls that are three badminton courts or less in size, an equivalent of 396 m2 (0.039 hectares). The Assessment also identifies that a community hall should be no smaller than 180 m2 (0.018 hectares) in size. On this basis,



an equivalent to 828 m2 (0.083 hectares) in total is required in order to meet NCNF needs. Provision should be split between at least two community halls, based on the maximum and minimum community hall sizes above. Depending on facility size, the first community hall (based on a minimum hall size of 0.018 hectares) will be needed by 2020. However, the number and year such a facility is required will vary depending on the size of the community hall being built.

Requirement

Provision of at least two community halls is required in order to meet the projected need for the NCNF and these should total 828 m2 in size by 2030. Depending on facility size, the first community hall (based on a minimum hall size of 0.018 hectares) will be needed in 2020.

Indoor bowls Application of the standard (see above) identifies that 278.72m2 of an indoor bowling facility is needed to serve the NCNF in 2030. Based on a size of 1,616.26m2, this is equivalent to approximately a fifth (or 1.6 rinks) of an eight rink indoor bowling facility. However, demand is catered for by one indoor bowling club (i.e., Palmerston Indoor Bowling Club) and no additional demand or shortfalls for indoor bowling facilities are identified within the Assessment. Sport England recommendations concur with this and assert that “demand (can be) calculated as one rink per 14,000-17,000 of total population”5. It would, however, be uneconomic to develop a two rink indoor bowls facility in the NCNF area and consideration should be given to extending the PIBC facility.

Requirement

No new provision needed in the NCNF area, assuming that Palmerston Indoor Bowling Club can satisfy increased demand generated by the new community.

5

http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_guidance_notes.aspx?sortBy=alpha&pageNum=8



STRATEGIC GUIDANCE The following section suggests best practice guidance to consider in order to achieve the individual facility requirements identified for the NCNF. These include how to encourage greater community involvement, optimise resources, delivery methods and good practices and procedures. Priorities Review of NCNF sport and recreation facility projected requirements identifies several needs (see above). Satisfaction of these needs will require negotiation and utilisation of opportunities in a sequenced and orchestrated fashion. This plan advocates the following priorities: Development of playing pitches, including an AGP (and associated ancillary facilities),

for community use, on the site of the proposed secondary school. Negotiation of a secured community-use agreement between Fareham Borough

Council and the proposed secondary school. Inclusion of a ‘community hall’ within a development of a ‘community building’. Development of a MUGA adjacent to the ‘community building’. Creation of resident club In order to encourage use of new facilities by local residents, development of a resident sports club in the NCNF should be considered; it could be based in a ‘community building’ and comprise mainly (but not exclusively) of local residents. It should be a focus for developing teams and providing training, help to guide facility development and securing/applying for funding. It would help to grow community cohesion, engagement, community leadership and provide sustainable opportunities for participation in sporting activities. It would provide a structure (and entity) that local residents could engage with. Support from Fareham Borough Council for clubs that have high levels of participation that local residents associate with is essential. To this end, the following are suggested for use to monitor and evaluate the future sustainability, and relative success, of clubs and projects which are identified and supported: Growth and retention. Raising standards. Better players and coaches. Building the workforce. Improving facilities. Club accreditation Accreditation assists clubs to achieve their own aims and ambitions and to support the complementary objectives and targets of partners. Support should include priority access to and/or discounted hire of planned facilities. The adoption of this approach will benefit partners:



Growth: Research (in England) suggests that accredited clubs are better equipped to drive and manage increased levels of participation; particularly, but not solely, for young people.

Parental confidence: Being seen to actively address issues such as equity and child protection gives parents confidence when considering or choosing a club for their children - thus helping to boost introductory participation.

Sustaining participation levels: Accreditation can stimulate improvement to how clubs cater for junior (and all) members. The culture it promotes boosts the morale of players and ensures that volunteers are recognised for their contribution.

Continuous improvement: Accreditation encourages clubs to adopt better, more organised systems and structures and to run more effectively and efficiently.

Coaches and coaching: Research (in both Northern Ireland and England) suggests that accredited clubs both deploy more, and work harder to develop the skills of, coaches. This leads to better quality provision and improved player performance.

School-club links: Increasingly, schools are also seeking guarantees of quality and the presence of child-friendly systems and procedures. Accredited clubs will tend to be the first invited to work with schools.

Dual use of facilities Sporting facilities on educational sites can provide additional community benefits through offering wider community use. Sites of this type are most often (but not exclusively) used by a school during the school day, with specific club and/or general community-use available during evenings, weekends and school holidays. School development, including playing pitch provision Development of a secondary school in the NCNF provides opportunities for development of sport facilities, particularly playing pitches. The school site could meet identified requirements before the School is developed by providing facilities that are available for use initially by the Community and subsequently (when it is operational) also by the School. To achieve this, design should ensure pupil safety (e.g., segregation from community users) and include provision of associated ancillary facilities such as changing accommodation and car parking (plus access to public transport). Within this, pitch layout is an important consideration, as illustrated in diagram 2 below.



Diagram 2: Pitch layout good practice

It would, therefore, be appropriate to prioritise pitch development in the NCNF ahead of construction of the Secondary School so that demand generated by the new community for pitch facilities can be satisfied ahead of demand for a secondary school. Community use agreements Community use of sport and recreation facilities at the proposed secondary school (based on a secured dual-use agreement) is likely to be particularly significant. One of the key reasons for this is because community/dual-use agreements are generally a more cost effective way of providing this type of service than via stand-alone facilities. Several schools in the Borough already make their facilities available for community use. They are an essential component of the network of sport and recreation facilities in the Area. It is generally accepted that where community members and sports clubs use school sports facilities after school, at weekends and during school holidays there should, ideally, be a formal secured arrangement and schools should operate full ‘dual-use sports agreements’. A community use agreement should reference Sport England’s model community use agreement (see www.sportengland.org/kitbag_cua.doc) and include the following key points: Aim(s), objectives and targets for community use. The respective responsibilities of each partner to provide sports facilities. Why each partner is promoting community use of sports facilities. What each partner hopes to achieve from offering community use of its sports

facilities. Identification of mechanisms to manage and operate the sports facilities. Marketing protocols and requirements.



Financial management, responsibilities and commitments (e.g., Which agency(s) is/are responsible for ‘financially underwriting’ the sports facilities in the case of a shortfall? How will surpluses be used?)

Financial responsibility for maintaining, rebuilding, refurbishing or extending sports facilities.

Monitoring, evaluation and review processes. Term of the Agreement. Termination of the Agreement. In addition, the agreement should include the minimum number of weekday evening hours a facility should be available for community use each calendar year. Working with sports partners Any future provision and/or development of sport facilities should be based on approval/guidance from recognised sporting agencies. Consequently, advice from organisations, such as Sport England and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sports, should be sought. Healthy, active lifestyles A strategic aspiration for the NCNF should be to create a healthy and active community by implementing design principles that promote integration of informal opportunities for physical activity into all areas and enhance access to sport and recreation facilities. The aim should be to create a community that not only has access to formal provision (e.g., pitches, courts) but also informal provision such as walking/cycling routes; helping to provide linkages between sites and areas both within and out of the NCNF. There is a particularly opportunity to explore potential links to existing recreational prospects in surrounding areas such as Fareham town, the Forest of Bere and the South Downs National Park.

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