Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs Bacon and Pullen.

Councillor B. Yeates declared a personal interest in Item 7 as he had dealt with the Garrick Theatre in a professional capacity.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were signed as a correct record.

The work programme was discussed and it was noted that some items had not been considered due to the timing of information being available and along with staffing changes.  There were also concerns that decisions had been made at Cabinet without consultation with the Committee first and that input could have been a great aid to the Cabinet Member.

It was reported that there were a number of items on the Forward Plan that would be coming to the Committee.

It was requested that an update of the LOPS involvement in the Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan be included on the work programme.

RESOLVED:  That the work programme be update.

The Committee received a presentation from the District Council’s Leisure Contracts Consultant, Mike Dix on the current condition of the Friary Grange Leisure Centre (FGLC) and options for the premises.

It was reported that the condition of FGLC was not unusual for its age.  It was also reported that there were some shared cost as the building was owned by Staffordshire County Council (SCC) and used by the adjoining school, however this school would soon become an Academy. 

Options for the facilities and associated estimated costs were presented to the Committee.  It was noted at this point that the Sport England supply and demand assessment showed that there was just enough pool space up to 2029 based on the current housing numbers in Local Plan however after this date or if more houses were planned, there would be an under provision.  It was reported that the provision was not statutory but recommended. It was noted that the council received a grant from Sports England for previous works and there was a clawback clause in place.

Members asked the Cabinet Member what the initial thoughts were for the facility and it was reported that it was desired to keep the facility or something similar however costs needed consideration.  The Cabinet Member reported that the condition survey was not complete and it would be premature to have any preferences until that work had been completed.

It was asked if discussions had taken place with SCC in regards to contributions to any repairs and it was reported that a meeting had been scheduled to discuss issues.  Members noted that there would be an impact on many other schools in the area that use the swimming pool.  There were concerns that it would be a low consideration for SCC as they are having to make cuts in other important areas such as social care and may not have the budget to help fund any repairs or alternative options.

It was asked if planning contributions included indoor sports provision and it was reported that there was an element but it did not calculate to a high amount.

The Committee felt that any loss of a swimming facility in the area would be against the strategic priority of a health community and would have a detrimental effect on schools and residents alike.  It was asked if it could be considered as part of the BRS site and it was reported that the Member Working Group were looking at a strategy for that site.  It was also asked if a transfer of FGLC to the council could be considered.

The Committee agreed that an update should be given at the next meeting following discussions with SCC

RESOLVED:  That an update be given at the next meeting.

RESOLVED: “That as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, which would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972”

IN PRIVATE

RESOLVED: “That as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, which would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972”

IN PRIVATE

Minutes for this item are recorded separately as it includes exempt information.