TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL JOINT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPORTS STRATEGY APPENDICES FINAL REPORT PMP MAY fitnessfaq.info

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1 fitnessfaq.info TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL JOINT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPORTS STRATEGY APPENDICES A FINAL REPORT BY PMP MAY 2009

2 CONTENTS Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix O Household survey Sports club Survey Facility audit Indoor site assessment matrix Outdoor site assessment matrix Playing pitch site assessment matrix FPM assumptions Quantity standards Quantity standards worksheet Quality standards Access standards Tamworth playing pitch model Playing pitch quality strategy scores Playing pitch strategy site specific recommendations Playing pitch booking cost comparison

3 APPENDI A HOUSEHOLD SURVEY

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12 APPENDI B SPORTS CLUB SURVEY

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26 APPENDI C FACILITY AUDIT

27 Tennis Courts STPs Site Name AMINGTON HEATH MUPA 1 B77 4FE ALLENSMEAD MUPA 1 B77 1DP ARENA HEALTH AND FITNESS 60 B79 7ND BANNATYNES HEALTH CLUB (TAMWORTH) B78 3HQ BELGRAVE SPORTS CENTRE B77 2NE BODY ZONE GYM 30 B77 1AG CASTLE GROUNDS B79 7NA CROWDEN ROAD 1 B77 4LJ GLASCOTE WMC 1 B77 2BS HAWKSWORTH 1 B77 3HH IRWELL FOOTBALL AREA 1 B77 2JH MICK'S GYM 28 B77 5DQ PARKFIELD CRESCENT 1 B77 1HB QUEEN ELIZABETHS MERCIAN SCHOOL B79 8AJ RAINSCAR, STONEYDELPH 1 RAWLETT COMMUNITY SPORTS COLLEGE 2 4 B79 9AA SPITAL BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB 3 1 B79 8RH TAMWORTH & DISTRICT INDOOR BOWLS CLUB 1 1 B77 4EG TAMWORTH AMATUER BOING CLUB 1 B77 4DS TAMWORTH GOLF CLUB 1 B77 4EG TAMWORTH SNOWDOME B79 7ND TAMWORTH SPORTS CAMPUS 12 B79 8AE TAMWORTH SPORTS STADIUM 1 B77 2HA TORC HIGH SCHOOL 4 B77 2EA TOTAL FITNESS CENTRE 31 B79 7JA WIGGINTON PARK 1 B79 8BN WILNECOTE COMMUNITY LEISURE CENTRE B77 5LF WOODHOUSE SPORTS CENTRE B77 3JB TOTAL H&F (stations) Athletics Skate park Pools Indoor bowls Outdoor bowls Sports hall MUPA Ice rink Ski slope Golf Boxing Postcode

28 APPENDI D INDOOR SITE ASSESSMENT MATRI

29 TAMWORTH - INDOOR FACILITY SITE VISIT ASSESSMENT Name of Centre Date of visit Type of facility Details eg no of lanes/courts/stations etc Details eg no of lanes/courts/stations etc 1 Swimming pool 5 Community centre/community hall/village hall 2 Sports hall 6 Ice rink 3 Health & fitness gym 7 Ski Slope 4 Indoor bowls 8 Specialist provision eg boxing gym, gymnastics centre etc Very good Average Very poor n/a Comments Access Car parking arrangements (Are there enough car parking spaces, clearly marked, adequate lighting etc.) Public transport On foot Bicycle Wheelchair (Is there a viable route, disabled car parking spaces etc) Road signage Page 1

30 Very good Average Very poor n/a Comments Footpaths to reception (Is there a clear, even walkway) Cleanliness Toilets Showers Changing rooms Reception Circulation areas Café/vending Poolside Dryside External areas/car park (Any graffitti, litter etc.) Housekeeping/presentation External/directional signage (Is there clear visible signage from the car park) Internal/directional signage (Is there clear, logical signage) Page 2

31 Very good Average Very poor n/a Comments Tidy and safe presentation (Is the facility generally presented in a tidy and safe fashion) Staff presentation (Uniform, name badge, pride) Litter collection/bins Maintenance Décor (Is the facility well decorated and maintained) Floor (Is the flooring surface appropraite, in good condition) Lighting (Is there sufficient lighting for purposes) Standard of Facilities Sports (Are the sports facilities 'fit for purpose', well-lit and maintained etc.) Changing rooms (are there enough, are the showers, lockers/showers in working order, child friendly, disabled) Equipment (Does the equipment appear to be well maintained) Café/vending Page 3

32 Information Very good Average Very poor n/a Comments Display leaflets (leaflets available) Customer charter (Is this displayed) tice boards Overall Impression If the main facility includes other types of facilities that are not included in the list, please identify them here eg dance studio etc Page 4

33 APPENDI E OUTDOOR SITE ASSESSMENT MATRI

34 TAMWORTH OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES ASSESSMENT Site ID: Date of Visit: Site Name: BELGRAVE SPORTS CENTRE Site Address: Specific Facilities: Type of Outdoor Sports Facility (please circle) : Please state number Please state number Please state number 1 Tennis court 4 MUGA Golf 7 2 Netball court 5 Skate park Other 8 3 Bowling green 6 Athletics track 9 QUALITY SCORING ASSESSMENT Very Average Very not applicable Assessor's Comments Cleanliness and Maintenance Includes: Vandalism and Graffiti Litter problems Dog Fouling ise Maintenance N/A Security and Safety Includes: Lighting Equipment Boundaries (e.g. fencing) N/A Equipment & condition Netballmarkings faded (x 3 courts) Tennis marking hardly visable Includes: floodlighting surface nets line markings N/A other equipment out. Sports centre changing rooms locked Ancillary Accomodation Includes: Toilets Parking Provision of bins for rubbish/litter Seats / Benches Pathways (within the open space sites) N/A PMP Open Space Site Assessment (SILVER)

35 APPENDI F PLAYING PITCH SITE ASSESSMENT MATRI

36 Quality Assessment - Individual Pitch Assessment Pitch Number: Sport: Pitch Name: Background information: % of games cancelled per season Assessment Criteria (please rank each of the following aspects for each pitch with an '' in the coloured box to the right of the chosen answer) Element About the pitch/ outfield Rating Guidance notes Comments Grass cover - entire pitch/ outfield? >94% 85-94% 70-84% 60-69% <60% Where, 90%+ grass cover should be given 'Excellent'; less than 50% should be considered 'very poor' Length of grass? Excellent Average Very The ideal length of grass will vary between sports Drainage - % of games cancelled (see above) ne 1-10% 11-30% 31-49% >50% Take % from above Size of pitches? - does it meet the NGB standard? - for adults - for juniors See guidance notes for pitch dimensions Adequate safety margins? - does it meet the NGB standard? - for adults - for juniors See guidance notes for pitch dimensions Slope of pitches (gradient and cross fall) Excellent Where, flat pitch = 'Excellent' Evenness of pitch Excellent Problem Areas: Evidence of Dog fouling ne - some Problem Areas: Evidence of Glass/ stones/ litter ne - some Problem Areas: Evidence of Unofficial use ne - some eg trespass, kids kickabout etc. Problem Areas: Evidence of Damage to surface ne - some eg. golf divots, car-parking on field etc. If no evidence, assume none ie score as '5' or refer to user survey Exposure of pitch to elements Is the pitch exposed to the prevaling wind Training area About the equipment/ wicket Goal posts/ nets/ wicket square - quality Line markings - quality Excellent Average Very Excellent Average Very eg nets/ gaols/ grids off main body of pitch Eg. Well painted, upright and has safe hooks at both ends. If posts are dismantled after game, assume Excellent ie score as '5' Eg. Have they been painted recently; are lines clear etc Protection of pitch/ wicket Is goal mouth cordoned off, wicket covered etc when pitch is not being used Scoring: Pitch 0 out of 61 Equipment 0 out of 15 TOTAL 0 76 Key: 90% % 55-64% 30-54% Less than 30 An excellent pitch A good pitch An average pitch A below average pitch A poor pitch Please add any extra comments re STP quality - eg fencing, surface quality etc Total Score 0%

37 APPENDI G FPM ASSUMPTIONS

38 SPORT ENGLAND FACILITIES PLANNING MODEL (FPM) Introduction to FPM data & assumptions Using the facility data contained within the Active Places database, Facilities Planning Modelling allows more sophisticated analysis of pools and halls provision by factoring their spatial distribution, condition, travel patterns, & cross boundary relationships. The model makes a number of key assumptions in the way it handles supply & demand: people will happily cross local authority boundaries to access sports facilities capacity (supply) is measured by the amount of participants that can be accommodated in the peak periods of a week (weekday evenings & weekends) and is expressed as visits per person per week in the peak period (ie VPPPWPP) national benchmarking service allows estimation of how many people will want to use pools or halls & when, from a particular demographic profile (demand). This is expressed in the same form as supply (ie VPPPWPP) & forms the basis of the supply / demand analysis tool in APP) FPM uses a demand decay function. That is to say that it assumes that people are less likely to travel to a facility the further away it is from them. The model uses travel modelling software & population distribution information from the census to decay demand as your get further away from the facility. Where there no facility within reasonable travel distance, FPM defines demand for such provision as being unmet FPM also seeks to analyse the effect that stock condition has on adequacy of provision. It does this by using age as a proxy for condition & unless a facility has been substantially refurbished, it assumes that the older the facility the less attractive it is to users. The model therefore reduces capacity by age pools are said to be operating at capacity when demand reaches 70% of supply. This is called the comfort factor. Think of personal space. While pools could in theory fit more people in, they wouldn t have the space they need to swim about halls are said to be operating at capacity when demand reaches 80% of supply because time is needed to change layout & equipment between activities halls on school sites also have their capacity trimmed because they are not managed for community use as proactively as a leisure centre hall (except PFI).

39 APPENDI H QUANTITY STANDARDS

40 Quantity Standards Definitions to setting quantity standards Field Comment National standards Local standards Current provision (per 1000 population) Consultation Consultation comments Details of any existing national standards for each typology usually provided by national organisations such as Sport England or the Fields for Trust (formally NPFA) for playing pitches. There maybe some existing local standards that will need to be taken into account and used as a guidance benchmark when setting new local standards. This is the current provision within the local authority area. Some statistical information that will come from the household questionnaire and needs to be applied and reported per analysis area to provide some detailed local analysis. A summary of reasons behind people s choices of whether they feel their provision is about right or not enough in some areas. PPG 17 indicates that where local provision is regarded as inadequate it is important to establish why this is the case. The feeling of deficiency can sometimes be due to qualitative issues of existing provision rather than actual quantity issues. Any other qualitative consultation / information that has been extracted on local needs in terms of quantity of provision e.g. from other surveys, stakeholder consultation, focus groups and local strategic documents. PMP recommendation PMP justification PMP recommendation of a local standard for discussion and approval by the client - standard should be in terms of per 1,000 population. PMP reasoning and justification for the local standard that has been recommended.

41 General Strategic Context Active People Survey 1 (2005/06) found that only 19% of the local adult population participate in 30 minutes moderate intensity sport and active recreation on 3 or more days a week, which is lower than the national average of 21% and equal to the regional average of 19.3%. Results from the Active People 2 (2007/08) indicate that levels of participation in Tamworth have fallen to just 15.5% The Active People Survey also highlighted, that although 76.7% of the local population were satisfied with the local sports provision in the initial survey in 2005/06, results fell to 65.8% for Active People 2 (207/08) which is lower than the national average of 66.6% and similar to the regional average of 65.3%. In relation to this, the Health Profiles indicate that there real health inequalities in Tamworth, with teenage pregnancy significantly above national rates and many estimates suggesting that residents lead an unhealthy lifestyle in terms of smoking, alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet.

42 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS SPORTS HALLS Sport England s strategic planning tools, which include Active Places Power (APP) and the Facilities Planning Model (FPM) are designed to help estimate the adequacy of current and future facility provision for a given population. Active Places Power (APP) considers the capacity of halls compared to the expected demand from the local population. It also provides a measure of the actual number of halls (of four courts or greater) per 1,000 population. National Standards and benchmarking APP indicates that the national ratio of halls per 1,000 population is equivalent to 78.9m 2, whilst the ratio for the West Midlands region is 76.68m 2. The Facilities Planning Model (FPM) uses detailed local information and national survey data to estimate supply and demand. The FPM indicates that the national ratio of halls (three courts or greater) is equivalent to 3.8 courts per 10,000 population, whilst the ratio for the West Midlands region is 3.6 courts. A PMP audit of facilities identified 5 sports halls, with 18 courts provided in Tamworth, with provision ranging in size from a 1 badminton court hall at QEM School to a 5 badminton court hall at Woodhouse School. Thus current provision equates to 2.38 courts per 10,000 population, suggesting that current provision is below both the regional and national average. (Provision increases to 22 courts and 2.9 courts per 10,000 population if the 4 court hall at Rawlett Sports College is included, which is just outside the borough boundary) Current Provision In addition, it should be noted that all sports hall provision is provided on school sites and as such there is no day time access to sports halls and only one site with a secure Community Use Agreement (Belgrave School). Furthermore, there is no sports hall large enough to cater for hosting regional, national and international events. According to APP, Tamworth s current facility stock is equal to 50.58m 2 per 1,000 population, thus falling significantly below both the regional and national average. Up-to-date supply and demand FPM calculations for sports halls in Tamworth suggest that the existing sports halls are operating at high levels of capacity and struggle to meet demand and that a high proportion of demand generated from Tamworth residents is being exported to facilities in surrounding boroughs. There is currently unmet demand. Existing Local Standards and Strategic Context The low levels of participation recorded in the Active People survey reinforce the need for the effective provision of indoor sports facilities across Tamworth, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to participate. Benchmarking statistics derived from Active Places Power indicate that provision of sports halls in quantitative terms is currently below both the regional and national levels.

43 Work undertaken for the Sub-regional Facilities Strategy suggests that additional sports hall provision will be required in Tamworth in future years to meet projected population increases and potential increases in participation levels. Estimating that 34 courts are likely to be required in Tamworth by 2021 (which would provide 4.1 courts per 10,000 population). Recommending the development of a new community use 4 court hall in Tamworth and the provision of a network of 6 and 8 court halls across the County, including one in each authority. Building Schools for the Future and extended schools (BSF) will offer important opportunities and investment potential to improve the quality and quantity of facilities available to the community over the next few years through refurbishment and reconfiguration. The Extended Schools programme will ensure that all schools are extended (i.e. offer facilities for community use) which is likely to include providing community access to indoor sports facilities. The findings of the household survey indicate that 40% of respondents feel that the current levels of sports hall provision are sufficient. 48% feel that provision is insufficient (27% not enough/21% nearly enough). The survey results are set out below: HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 3% - More than enough 37% - About Right 21% - Nearly Enough 27% - t Enough 12% - Opinion Consultation Statistics With a higher proportion (37%) of respondents in the rth East analysis area indicating that there is not enough sports hall provision. OTHER SURVEYS Similarly, 50% of touchscreen survey respondents an 50% of the online survey respondents indicated that they consider the current level of sports hall provision to be insufficient. By comparison, 59% of respondents to the children/young people survey consider current sports hall provision to be about right, perhaps reflecting the fact that all provision is on school sites. SPORTS CLUBS SURVEYS Of those clubs that responded to the sports club survey, the quantity of facilities is generally perceived to be sufficient. However, 50% of respondents would like to see more sports halls in Tamworth. Consultation Comments (quantity) Consultation with key stakeholders highlighted that: the main sports halls are running at high capacity (predominantly with block bookings) and, therefore, it is often difficult to secure a booking at peak times the Sports Development team find it difficult to secure indoor sports hall provision for activities (with most development activities taking place on MUPAs) the current sports hall facilities are not large enough to host any large-scale sports events

44 'PMP Recommendation (per 1,000 population) An increase in provision to 0.33 badminton courts per 1,000 population. This should be treated as a minimum standard and access to facilities at school sites should be maximised. Consultations reflected the low levels of participation across the borough and the evident disinterest, with 49% of household survey respondents either never using sports hall. In light of this, provision of facilities to meet local needs is critical if participation targets are to be achieved. Research and local experience suggests that local facilities are more successful in encouraging people to participate, reinforcing the need to focus on the provision of local facilities. PMP Justification Sports hall provision is essential if participation is to increase across the borough and it is suggested that facilities are delivered as a network of local provision enabling all residents to have access to a sports hall. The recommended standard set reflects the consultation findings and comparisons with national and regional levels of provision. Building Schools For the Future and extended schools will offer a key opportunity to refurbish and reconfigure existing facilities ensuring there is sufficient access. Additional sports hall provision should be delivered through this route and appropriate locations considered in conjunction with the application of accessibility standards.

45 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS SWIMMING POOLS National Standards and benchmarking APP indicates that the national ratio of swimming pools per 1,000 population is equivalent to 18.99m 2 of waterspace, whilst the ratio for the West Midlands region is 16.93m 2. The FPM indicates that the national ratio of swimming pools (over 20m in length) is equivalent to 13.0 m 2 of waterspace per 1,000 population, whilst the ratio for the West Midlands region is 12.3 m 2 A PMP audit of facilities has identified 6 swimming pools. There is only one 25m pool in the borough, located at the SnowDome, with those remaining including two 20m pools and three pools ranging between 17m and 19m in length. Current Provision (m 2 per 1,000 population) Existing Local Standards and strategic context The total current provision of pools equates to a total of 1,158 m 2 or 15.3 m 2 per 1,000 population; which is lower than both the regional and national average levels. At sites with pools over 20m in length, supply equates to a total of 733m 2 of waterspace or 9.7 m 2 per 1,000 population. In addition, it should be noted that four of the swimming pools are provided on school sites and as such there is no day time access, (only Belgrave School has a secure Community Use Agreement) plus one of the pools is provided at Bannatynes Health Club, which is a private membership facility thus only the pool at the SnowDome is available for day time public usage. Up-to-date supply and demand FPM calculations for swimming pools in Tamworth indicate that the exiting pools are operating at high levels of capacity, which are above comfortable levels. Work undertaken for the Sub-regional Facilities Strategy suggests that additional swimming pool provision will be required in Tamworth in future years to meet projected population increases and potential increases in participation levels. Estimating that 1,183m² of waterspace is likely to be required in Tamworth by Recommending the development of a new 25m x 6 lane swimming pool with a teaching pool as part of a new dual use centre with intensive management. 34% of respondents to the household survey consider the quantity of swimming pools to be adequate, whilst 60% consider there to be not enough provision. The overall findings suggest that perception across the borough that current supply does not meet demand. The survey results are set out below: Consultation statistics HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 4% - More than enough 29% - About Right 14% - Nearly Enough 46% - t Enough 7% - Opinion

46 With a higher proportion of respondents in the rth East analysis area (56%) and rth analysis area (54%) indicating that there is not enough swimming pool provision Of those residents who indicated that there were insufficient facilities, comments were raised in relation to the lack of local swimming facilities and the travel times and cost issues related to using current facilities. Furthermore, 52% of household survey respondents indicated that if they could have one new facility in Tamworth, it should be a swimming pool. General comments from residents highlight the need for a Council owned swimming pool in Tamworth. OTHER SURVEYS Similarly, 56% of touchscreen survey respondents and 82% of the online survey respondents indicated that they consider the current level of sports hall provision to be insufficient, whilst 32% of respondents to the children/young people survey indicated that they consider there to be not enough swimming pools. SPORTS CLUB SURVEY Of those clubs that respondents to the sports club survey, the quantity of facilities is considered to be average. A focus on the quality and access to facilities, rather than quantity of facilities is emphasised. Consultation Comments PMP Recommendation (per 1,000 population) At the Sports Club focus group evening, the Swimming Club stressed the need for additional swimming pool provision in the borough to enable the club to further grow and develop stating that they had insufficient access to the pools for training which was a major problem. Consultation with key stakeholders highlighted that: community access to swimming pools on school sites is limited quality of provision, particularly at Belgrave and QEMS is in need of improvement public access to the pool at the SnowDome is not secure in the long-term opportunities for competitive swimming/club training are limited, with only one 25m pool in the borough An increase in provision to 18.5m² of waterspace per 1,000 population This should be treated as a minimum standard and access to facilities at school sites should be maximised. We recommend that additional provision is required to: PMP Justification meet the strong demand locally for additional pool provision identified via the surveys assist in the provision of additional training/competitive opportunities for the swimming meet a future increase in demand anticipated via an increased population and an anticipated increases in participation rates as evidenced in the sub-regional strategy ensure that public access for swimming is secure in the long-term The Quantity Standard for swimming pools has therefore been set above current levels.

47 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS HEALTH AND FITNESS PROVISION National Standards and benchmarking Active Places Power calculates the national ratio of health and fitness facilities to be 5.74 stations per 1,000 population (at the time of this report), and the West Midlands Region ratio is slightly lower, at 5.09 stations per 1,000 population also. The FPM does not calculate demand/supply in respect of health and fitness facilities. A PMP audit of facilities has identified 8 facilities providing health and fitness provision. The facilities range in size from two small venues on education sites which have less than 20 stations each up to large-scale private member facilities such as Bannatynes Health Club (120), the SnowDome (70) and Arena Health and Fitness (60). Current Provision (stations per 1,000 population) Existing Local Standards and strategic context The current provision provides a total of 366 stations, which equates to 4.63 stations per 1,000 population suggesting that current provision is below both the regional and national average. APP does not calculate demand for health and fitness provision, however, using PMP s own demand model it is estimated that demand for health and fitness would be circa 340 stations, thus suggesting that demand is broadly in line with supply. However, it should be noted that over 80% of provision is only available on a membership basis and as such there is very limited public access to health and fitness facilities ne. 54% of respondents to the household survey consider the quantity of health and fitness facilities to be about right / more than enough, whilst 34% consider there to be not enough / nearly enough provision. The overall findings suggest that perception across the borough is that current supply meets demand. The survey results are set out below: Consultation statistics HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 12% - More than enough 42% - About Right 13% - Nearly Enough 21% - t Enough 12% - Opinion With a higher proportion (28%) of respondents in the rth East analysis area indicating that there is not enough health and fitness provision.

48 The need for a Council run fitness gym is emphasised by residents. This relates to need for a low cost health and fitness gym in Tamworth. OTHER SURVEYS By comparison to the household survey, a larger proportion of respondents to the touchscreen and online surveys consider there to be not enough health and fitness provision, with 40% of online survey respondents and 48% of the touchscreen survey respondents deeming current provision insufficient. Consultation Comments PMP Recommendation (per 1,000 population) PMP Justification Consultation with key stakeholders highlighted the important role that accessible, local health and fitness facilities play in raise levels of participation in sport/physical activity. An increase in provision, with the minimum local standard to be set at circa 5.7 stations per 1,000 population (equivalent to an additional 70 stations) which should be available within a public facility on a pay and play basis to re-dress the current in-balance. The Council should also look to encourage the SnowDome to offer access to health and fitness facilities on a pay and play basis to increase access locally. PMP demand modelling suggests that demand is broadly equivalent to the supply of health and fitness facilities in Tamworth. However over 80% of provision is only available on a membership basis and as such there is very limited public access to health and fitness facilities. Previous research by Mintel suggests that a balanced health and fitness market should provide provision on a 50/50 split basis, between public and private operated facilities. Therefore, we recommend that standards be set slightly above current levels to help redress this imbalance and to also acknowledge the important role that health and fitness provision can play in helping to encourage increased participation and improved health. Furthermore, one-third of household survey respondents and stated that there is not enough health and fitness provision current. The quantity standard for health and fitness facilities in Tamworth has therefore set slightly above current levels.

49 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS GRASS PITCH PROVISION National Standards and benchmarking Current Provision (stations per 1,000 population) ne 0.64 hectares of secure community use playing pitches. Tamworth Local Plan Policy ENV2 protects the Green Belt from inappropriate development for purposes other than essential facilities for outdoor sport and recreation. Policy ENV13 states that the Council will seek to retain and enhance existing open spaces identified on the proposals map and redress any accessibility deficiencies. Existing Local Standards and strategic context Policy ENV14 outlines that a minimum of 2.43 hectares of open space per 1000 population is required for new developments Policy ENV17 indicates that the Council will seek to increase public access to open space. Open Space for New Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document 2007 Developers should provide 2.43 hectares per 1000 population. To ensure that open space is usable and can be easily maintained, it should not be provided on site unless it is over 0.1 hectares in size. On developments accommodating 42 people dwellings or more and where there is an identified neighbourhood deficiency of outdoor sports facilities, provision is expected to be provided.

50 Tamworth Open Space Position Statement 2007 The report summarises the open space study completed in The key findings with regards to outdoor sports facilities are: Existing Local Standards and strategic context only the neighbourhoods of north Fazeley, Two Gates/north Dotshill and south Wilnecote do not contain outdoor sports facilities the majority of facilities are grass pitches of the schools in the borough, half make some of their facilities available to the public over 80% of pitches were rated as good or excellent. The recommended quantity standard set for outdoor sports facilities as part of the open space study is 1.5 hectares per 1000 population (excluding golf courses). HOUSEHOLD SURVEY Findings from the household survey with regards to the quantity of grass pitches are as follows: Football pitches 46% sufficient (about right/more than enough), 30% insufficient (nearly enough/not enough) Rugby pitches 27% sufficient (about right/more than enough), 38% insufficient (nearly enough/not enough) Cricket pitches - 15% sufficient (about right/more than enough), 46% insufficient (nearly enough/not enough) Rounders pitches - 11% sufficient (about right/more than enough), 37% insufficient (nearly enough/not enough) Consultation statistics The above findings indicate that with the exception of football pitches, the majority of respondents to the household survey consider the provision of grass pitches to be insufficient. Similar patterns are portrayed within the six geographical areas, however in the West and rth, residents consider the provision of rugby pitches to be sufficient. The greatest level of dissatisfaction with the provision of grass pitches is evident in the South West, where the majority of residents consider the provision of all grass pitches to be insufficient. OTHER SURVEYS Over half the respondents (57%) to the touchscreen survey state that the provision of grass pitches is insufficient. This is reinforced by findings from the online survey, with half of the respondents indicating that provision is insufficient. In contrast to the findings of other surveys, 75% of respondents to the young people s survey consider the provision of grass pitches to be sufficient.

51 Consultation Comments PMP Recommendation (per 1,000 population) PMP Justification 0.75 hectares of secure community use playing piches (this includes a 10% strategic reserve). Findings from the household survey indicate dissatisfaction with the current provision of grass pitches with the exception of football pitches. This dissatisfaction with the current provision of grass pitches is supported by findings from other consultations including the online survey and the touchscreen survey. Findings from the Playing Pitch Strategy indicate that the provision of playing pitches in

52 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS SYNTHETIC TURF PITCH PROVISION National Standards and benchmarking Current Provision (stations per 1,000 population) Active Places Power calculates the national ratio of synthetic turf pitch (STP) facilities to be 0.03 stations per 1,000 population (at the time of this report), and the West Midlands Region ratio is also 0.03 stations per 1,000 population. The FPM does not calculate demand/supply in respect of STPs. A PMP audit of facilities has identified 5 STP sites (including provision at Rawlett Specialist Sports College, which is just outside the borough boundary). The facilities include 3 full size (100m x 60m) sand based STPs which are all provided on school sites, plus 1 newly opened full size 3G pitch at Rawlett College. In addition, there are two further sand-based pitches at Tamworth Castle Ground and Rawlett College. APP calculates current provision in Tamworth to be equivalent to 0.04 STPs per 1,000 population (excluding the smaller STPs and 3G pitch at Rawlett College, suggesting that current provision is above both the regional and national average. (Provision would increase further to 0.05 STPS per 1,000 population with the inclusion of Rawlett). Tamworth Local Plan Policy ENV2 protects the Green Belt from inappropriate development for purposes other than essential facilities for outdoor sport and recreation. Existing Local Standards and strategic context Policy ENV13 states that the Council will seek to retain and enhance existing open spaces identified on the proposals map and redress any accessibility deficiencies. Policy ENV14 outlines that a minimum of 2.43 hectares of open space per 1000 population is required for new developments Policy ENV17 indicates that the Council will seek to increase public access to open space.

53 Open Space for New Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document 2007 Developers should provide 2.43 hectares per 1000 population. To ensure that open space is usable and can be easily maintained, it should not be provided on site unless it is over 0.1 hectares in size. On developments accommodating 42 people dwellings or more and where there is an identified neighbourhood deficiency of outdoor sports facilities, provision is expected to be provided. Tamworth Open Space Position Statement 2007 The report summarises the open space study completed in Existing Local Standards and strategic context The key findings with regards to outdoor sports facilities are: only the neighbourhoods of north Fazeley, Two Gates/north Dotshill and south Wilnecote do not contain outdoor sports facilities the majority of facilities are grass pitches of the schools in the borough, half make some of their facilities available to the public over 80% of pitches were rated as good or excellent. The recommended quantity standard set for outdoor sports facilities as part of the open space study is 1.5 hectares per 1000 population (excluding golf courses). The Sub-regional strategy has highlighted below average levels of STP provision across the County with the total supply equating to 27 pitches. However, given above average levels of provision in Tamworth, no additional provision has been specifically identified within the borough. 19% of respondents to the household survey consider the quantity of STPs to be about right / more than enough, whilst 49% consider there to be not enough / nearly enough provision. The overall findings suggest that perception across the borough is that current supply is not adequate. The survey results are set out below: Consultation statistics HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 1% - More than enough 18% - About Right 12% - Nearly Enough 37% - t Enough 32% - Opinion

54 With a higher proportion of respondents in the South East analysis area (51%) and rth analysis area (42%) indicating that they consider there to be not enough STP provision. OTHER SURVEYS Similarly, a relatively large proportion of respondents to the touchscreen and online surveys consider there to be not enough STP facilities, with 60% of online survey respondents and 58% of the touchscreen survey respondents deeming current provision insufficient. Consultation Comments PMP Recommendation (per 1,000 population) PMP Justification Consultation with key stakeholders highlighted that STPs are often fully booked during peak periods. Standards to be set at the current levels of provision (i.e. 0.04STPs per 1000 population) APP indicates that the current level of STP provision in Tamworth is higher than both the national and West Midlands Regional average level. Whilst the surveys indicated that many respondents would like to see additional STP provision it should be noted, that the new 3G pitch opened at Rawlett College in 2009, which respondents may not have been aware of. Furthermore, their views are likely to reflect the heavy use of pitches during peak periods, rather than an overall lack of provision. The sub-regional strategy also does not identify the need for any additional STP provision in Tamworth, therefore, the quantity standard for STP facilities in Tamworth has been set at current levels.

55 TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS SPORTS SPECIFIC OUTDOOR PROVISION Fields in Trust (formally known as NPFA ) - 6 acre standard (2.43 ha) per 1,000 population for 'playing space' consisting of 4 acres (i.e per 1,000 population) for outdoor sport - includes pitches, athletics tracks, bowling greens, tennis courts, training areas and croquet lawns. National Standards Active Places Power calculates provision per 1,000 population for athletics tracks and golf as follows: the national ratio of athletics tracks (lanes) is estimated to be 0.05 lanes per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.06 lanes per 1,000 population the national ratio of golf provision (holes) is estimated to be 0.68 holes per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.61 holes per 1,000 population. Tamworth Local Plan Policy ENV2 protects the Green Belt from inappropriate development for purposes other than essential facilities for outdoor sport and recreation. Policy ENV13 states that the Council will seek to retain and enhance existing open spaces identified on the proposals map and redress any accessibility deficiencies. Policy ENV14 outlines that a minimum of 2.43 hectares of open space per 1000 population is required for new developments Policy ENV17 indicates that the Council will seek to increase public access to open space.

56 Open Space for New Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document 2007 Developers should provide 2.43 hectares per 1000 population. To ensure that open space is usable and can be easily maintained, it should not be provided on site unless it is over 0.1 hectares in size. On developments accommodating 42 people dwellings or more and where there is an identified neighbourhood deficiency of outdoor sports facilities, provision is expected to be provided. Tamworth Open Space Position Statement 2007 Existing Local Standards and strategic context The report summarises the open space study completed in The key findings with regards to outdoor sports facilities are: only the neighbourhoods of north Fazeley, Two Gates/north Dotshill and south Wilnecote do not contain outdoor sports facilities the majority of facilities are grass pitches of the schools in the borough, half make some of their facilities available to the public over 80% of pitches were rated as good or excellent. The recommended quantity standard set four outdoor sports facilities as part of the open space study is 1.5 hectares per 1000 population (excluding golf courses). Current Provision per 1,000 population 0.11 athletics track (lanes) per 1,000 population 0.07 bowling greens per 1,000 population 0.08 tennis courts per 1,000 population 0.24 golf provision (holes) per 1,000 population 0.01 skate park per 1,000 population 0.09 MUPAs per 1,000 population

57 Consultation from Household Survey (too much / about right / not enough) Athletics: 3% more than enough 26% about right 14% nearly enough 31% not enough 26% no opinion Although given the existing provision in the borough this is likely to reflect the limited access (ie club members only) to facilities rather than the actual quantity of provision. Golf Courses: 3% more than enough 43% about right 11% nearly enough 18% not enough 24% no opinion Bowling Greens: 1% more than enough 29% about right 16% nearly enough 19% not enough 35% no opinion Skate parks: 2% more than enough 15% about right 10% nearly enough 38% not enough 34% no opinion Tennis Courts: 2% more than enough 25% about right 14% nearly enough 33% not enough 25% no opinion MUPAs: 1% more than enough 12% about right 9% nearly enough 49% not enough 28% no opinion Household Survey Analysis Area Athletics Tracks: Findings from the individual analysis areas were generally consistent, although a higher proportion (45%) of respondents from the South East analysis area consider that there is not enough athletics tracks. Golf Courses: Results from the individual analysis areas generally support the perception that there is adequate golf course provision, although a higher proportion of respondents in the South East (28%) and South West (26%) analysis areas indicated that they consider that there is not enough provision Bowling Greens: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is adequate bowling green provision. The only analysis area where an above average proportion of respondents indicated that there is not enough provision was the rth East analysis area (27%). Skate Parks: Results were generally consistent across individual analysis areas, although a higher proportion of respondents from the South East (46%) and rth East (44%) analysis areas consider that there is not enough skate parks. Tennis Courts: Findings from the individual analysis areas were generally consistent, although it should be noted that a higher proportion of respondents in the South West analysis area consider there to be not enough tennis courts (50%) Multi-Use Play Areas: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is not enough MUPAs in Tamworth. In particular, an above average proportion of respondents in the South East (55%), South West (55%) and rth East (57%) analysis areas consider there to be not enough MUPA provision.

58 The results of the household survey indicate that the outdoor specialist sports facilities used most often by residents are MUPAs and golf courses followed by tennis courts, athletics tracks and bowling greens Outdoor sports facilities are very much demand led and the outdoor sports facility typology encompasses a wide variety of different facilities including grass pitches, golf courses and bowling greens. This means the standards should be applied for broad planning need only. Of the six facility types surveyed, the highest levels of dissatisfaction (in terms of quantity of provision) was shown with the provision of MUPAs (49%), skate parks (38%), tennis courts (38%) and athletics (31%). However, the quantity of bowling greens and golf courses was generally perceived to be sufficient. Consultation Comments (quantity) OTHER SURVEYS 64% of respondents from the Touch Screen surveys and 44% of respondents from the on-line survey perceive the quantity of outdoor specialist sports provision to be insufficient. 33% (at secondary schools) and 29% (at primary schools) of respondents to the IT Young People s Survey identified playing sport outdoors as their favourite activity, making it the second most popular activity for young people. The outdoor facilities which the highest proportion of young people consider that there is not enough athletics tracks (35%) and skate parks (26%). SPORTS CLUB SURVEY PMP Recommendation (per 1000 population) Of those clubs that responded to the sports club survey, the provision of tennis courts and bowling greens is considered to be good. The quantity of athletics tracks is identified as average. Minimum standards of provision to be set at current levels for all types of specialist outdoor provision, with the exception of MUPAS and Skate parks, where standards should be set slightly above current levels ie MUPA standard to be set at MUPAs per 1,000 population and skate park standard to be set at 0.03 skate parks per 1,000 population.

59 Overall, residents generally appear to be satisfied with the current level of outdoor specialist sports provision, with the exception of MUPAs and skate parks, where a relatively large proportion of respondents consider that there is not enough facilities currently. Plus responses from sports clubs indicate that the current provision of tennis courts and bowling greens is considered to be adequate. PMP Justification The Sub-regional strategy does not recommend any additional outdoor provision for athletics or tennis in the borough; with the focus on maintaining existing provision and the consideration of a small scale indoor athletics training facility. (nb scope of sub-regional strategy does not include skate parks, MUPAs, outdoor bowls or golf) Plus APP shows that amount of athletics track provision per 1,000 population is currently above both regional and national average levels. In light of the above evidence it is recommended that the local standard is set at existing levels of provision with the exception of MUPAs and skate parks. Setting the standard above the existing level of provision for these two typologies, will enable the Council to identify any areas deficient in the provision and, combined with the application of the accessibility standard, enable the identification of locational deficiencies as well as the provision of new facilities to meet increased demand.

60 National Standards Existing Local Standards and strategic context Current Provision per 1,000 population TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL SETTING QUANTITY STANDARDS SPORTS SPECIFIC INDOOR PROVISION Active Places Power calculates provision per 1,000 population for indoor bowls, indoor tennis, ice rinks and ski slope provision as follows: the national ratio of indoor bowls (rinks) is estimated to be 0.04 rinks per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.02 rinks per 1,000 population. APP also calculates that 59.08% of demand is met nationally, whilst 23.34% of demand is met within the West Midlands region. the national ratio of indoor tennis (courts) is estimated to be 0.03 courts per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.01 courts per 1,000 population the national ratio of ice rink provision is estimated to be 1.10m² per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.94 m² per 1,000 population. the national ratio of ski slope provision is estimated to be 0.0 slopes per 1,000 population and the West Midlands Region ratio is 0.0 slopes per 1,000 population. ne indoor bowling (rinks) provision per 1,000 population. APP also calculates that the existing provision can supply 936 VPWPP compared to an estimated demand in Tamworth of just 589 VPWPP and as such, suggests that % of demand is being met, which is significantly above the national and regional levels and that current supply adequately meets local demand. 0.0 indoor tennis (courts) provision per 1,000 population 7.9m² of ice track provision per 1,000 population 0.05 of ski slope provision per 1,000 population 0.01 boxing gym provision per 1,000 population Indoor Bowls: 3% more than enough 22% about right 9% nearly enough 19% not enough 47% no opinion Indoor Tennis: 2% more than enough 9% about right 8% nearly enough 38% not enough 43% no opinion Ice Rinks: 8% more than enough 42% about right 13% nearly enough 19% not enough 19% no opinion Consultation from Household Survey (too much / about right / not enough) Ski Slopes: 12% more than enough 56% about right 11% nearly enough 7% not enough 15% no opinion Boxing Gyms: 2% more than enough 20% about right 12% nearly enough 15% not enough 51% no opinion

61 Household Survey Analysis Area Indoor Bowls: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is adequate bowling green provision; with no significant differences in opinions. Ski Slopes: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is adequate ski slope provision; with no significant differences in opinions. Indoor Tennis: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is not enough indoor tennis provision in Tamworth; with the proportion of respondents stating this, being slightly higher amongst respondents in West analysis area (44%). Boxing Gyms: Results were generally consistent across individual analysis areas, with only a relatively small proportion of respondents considering there to be not enough boxing provision. Although it should be noted, that the proportion was higher amongst respondents from the South East (27%) and West (20%) analysis areas. Ice Rinks: Results from the individual analysis areas support the perception that there is adequate ice provision; with no significant differences in opinions.