Borough Council of Wellingborough
Open Space, Sports and Recreation Audit and Assessment
Final Report November 2015
OVERVIEW Proposed Local Provision Standards 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Context 1 Support 1 2 PURPOSE & SCOPE 5 Overview 5 Objectives 6 Sites and Typologies 6 Location 7 Population 8 Strategic Development 10 3 METHODOLOGY 11 Guidance 11 Consultation 12 Audit and Assessment 14 4 POLICY & STANDARDS 18 Policy 18 Standards 21 5 CONSULTATION 24 Community Consultation 24 Ward Councillors 30 Parish Councils 30 Sports Clubs 31 Sports Facilities 32 County Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies 33 Neighbouring Councils 33 6 TYPOLOGY ASSESSMENT 36 Introduction 36 Parks and Gardens 39 Natural and Semi-Natural Open Spaces 45 Amenity Greenspace 51 Linear Greenspace 57 Provision for Children and Young People 63 Allotments and Community Gardens 69 Cemeteries and Churchyards 74 Civic Spaces 78 Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities 81 Football Pitches 87 Cricket Pitches 98 Rugby Pitches 106 Synthetic Turf Pitches 112 Bowling Greens and Rinks 118 Tennis Courts 125 Athletics Tracks and Training Facilities 132 Golf Courses and Golf Driving Ranges 136 Closed Road Cycle Track 140 Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities 142 Swimming Pools 145 Sports Halls 150 Health and Fitness Facilities 159 Gymnastics Centres 162 7 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 164 Protection, Enhancement and Provision 164 Mechanisms for Delivery 168
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015
APPENDICES
Appendix A Population Review and Local Sport Profile
Appendix B Consultation Methodology and Questionnaires
Appendix C Site Audit Methodology and Audit Forms
Appendix D Site Designations
Appendix E Planning Policy Review
Appendix F Standards Review
Appendix G Quantity Standards Review
Appendix H Quality Standards Review
Appendix I Accessibility Standards Review
Appendix J Quality and Value Scores
Appendix K Future Provision Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) Analysis
Appendix L Churchyard and Cemetery Capacity Overview
Appendix M Other Local Plan Policies Review
OTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION (SUPPLIED TO BCW SEPARATELY)
Consultation Information: Consultation Data
Site Audit Information: Site Quality and Value Data
Sports Information: Sports Facilities and Team Data
Standards Review: Quantity, Quality and Accessibility Standards 2005/2008/2015
Maps: Borough Wide 2015 Typology Overview, Accessibility and Quality Maps
GIS Data: 2015 Sites Data
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015
OVERVIEW Proposed Local Provision Standards
Quantity Quality Accessibility
Parks and Gardens – e.g. urban parks and formal gardens
A welcoming, clean and litter free site providing a wide range of leisure, recreational and enriched play opportunities for all ages, varied and well-kept vegetation, lighting with attractive Urban: 1.5 ha per 1000 Borough Wide: and appropriate boundaries to promote the feeling of safety. population 15 minutes-walk The appropriate location and level of ancillary (equates to 1000 accommodation (including benches, signage, notice boards, metres walking Rural: 1.0 ha per 1000 toilets, litter bins and dog bins) with accessibility by various distance) population forms of transport. To encourage informal recreation with clear access and footpath surfacing which improves accessibility.
Natural and Semi-Natural Open Spaces – e.g. country parks, nature reserves, woodlands, meadows A varied site that encourages wildlife conservation, biodiversity and environmental education and awareness, Urban: 1.8 ha per 1000 making the most of natural features such as the Borough Wide: population watercourses. To encourage informal recreation, clear 15 minutes-walk access and footpaths with surfaces which improve (equates to 1000 Rural: 6.0 ha per 1000 accessibility, signage and noticeboards, dog/litter bins and metres walking population other appropriate ancillary accommodation should be distance) provided. Boundaries should be attractive and promote a feeling of safety. Amenity Greenspace – e.g. spaces within residential areas for formal and informal recreation
A clean and well maintained site, with appropriate ancillary Urban: 1.0 ha per 1000 accommodation (benches, signage and noticeboards, dog population fouling bins etc.) and landscaping in the right places, Borough Wide: enhancing the local environment and conveniently located 10 minutes-walk close to housing that is easily accessible and big enough to (equates to 700 metres Rural: 0.5 ha per 1000 encourage informal play. Boundaries should be attractive walking distance) population and promote a feeling of safety with improved surfacing facilitating accessibility across the site.
Linear Greenspace – e.g. footpaths, cycleways, canal and river corridors
A well-lit and clean route that provides well-maintained sustainable transport methods and varied vegetation linking Urban: 1.6 ha per 1000 major open spaces together with ancillary facilities such as Borough Wide: population bins and seating in appropriate places. Opportunities to 15 minutes-walk increase or enhance grenspace links between existing open (equates to 1000 Rural: 8.0 ha per 1000 spaces and the rural and urban areas should be taken where metres walking population possible, in particular where this can enhance Green distance) Infrastructure Networks.
Provision for Children and Young People – e.g. sites with equipped play facilities Borough Wide: 0.65 no. of facilities per 1000 population A site providing a mix of well-maintained formal equipment Borough Wide: and enriched play environment for all young people, in a (equivalent to) 10 minutes-walk clean, safe and attractive setting with appropriate ancillary (equates to 700 metres accommodation (such as benches, dog fouling and litter Borough Wide: 0.065 walking distance) bins) and accessible to all. ha per 1000 population (based on an average site size of 0.1 ha)
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015
OVERVIEW Proposed Local Provision Standards
Quantity Quality Accessibility
Allotments and Community Gardens – e.g. growing produce, promoting sustainability, health, social inclusion
A site that encourages sustainable development, Urban: 0.38ha per biodiversity, healthy living and education objectives 15 minutes-walk 1000 population that is clean and well-maintained with clear footpaths, (equates to 1000 boundaries, good security and quality soils. Ancillary metres walking facilities to meet local needs including car parks, Rural: 1.2ha per 1000 distance) population toilets and water supply should be provided where appropriate.
Cemeteries and Churchyards – e.g. including disused and other burial grounds
A well-maintained, clean site with a known burial capacity and a plan for the future. Provision of seating areas, clear No quantity standard footpaths and varied vegetation that provides a sanctuary for No accessibility set for this typology. wildlife, where appropriate and particularly in areas devoid of standard set for this greenspace. The primary function of the decent and typology. dignified interment of human remains should be respected at all times.
Civic Spaces – e.g. hard surfaced areas usually located in town or city centres
A clean, safe and attractive site that is fit for purpose, No accessibility No quantity standard providing landscaping where appropriate and ancillary standard set for this set for this typology. accommodation (e.g. benches, toilets) should be provided to typology. meet local needs. Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities – e.g. includes playing fields, pitches, greens, courts and artificial pitches Borough wide: 2.40 ha per 1000 population
Football: 1.18 ha A comprehensively well planned sports facility site, well-drained and well-kept surfaces, Cricket: 0.88 ha appropriate ancillary accommodation including 15 minutes-walk Rugby: 0.29 ha changing accommodation and toilets, suitable (equates to 1000 Synthetic Turf: 0.05 pitches lighting, good site access and varied and metres walking Bowling Greens: 0.21 ha attractive landscaping. Outdoor sports facilities distance) Tennis: 0.21 ha should be accessible by a variety of modes of transport. Athletics tracks: 0.04 no. Golf Bays: 0.24 no. Closed Road Cycle: 0.0023 no. Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities – e.g. includes indoor sports halls, gyms, swimming pools
Swimming Pools: 13m² Sports Halls: 0.4 courts A comprehensively well planned sports facility Health and Fitness: 2.85 stations site, with well-maintained facilities, appropriate 15 minutes-walk ancillary accommodation including changing (equates to 1000 Indoor Bowls: 0.08 rinks accommodation and toilets, suitable lighting and metres walking Indoor tennis: 0.02 ha good site access. Indoor sports facilities should distance) Indoor athletics: 0.0023 no. be accessible by a variety of modes of transport. Indoor athletics: 0.0023 no.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 1 Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION
Context
1.1 Open space, sport and recreational facilities are important due to their valuable contribution to quality of life, health and the local economy. Furthermore, open spaces provide green infrastructure benefits such as mitigating climate change, flood alleviation, and ecosystem services.
1.2 The provision of these facilities in our cities, towns and villages is of high importance to a sustainable future and is embedded in National Planning Policy.
1.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), adopted in March 2012, recognises the opportunities that appropriately located and well-designed open space, sport and recreational facilities have, paragraph 73 states:
‘Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities.
Planning policies should be based on robust and up to date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area.
Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required’.
1.4 Open space, sport and recreation provision crosses many aspects of National Planning Policy including:
. Promoting Healthy Communities . Delivering Sustainable Development . Supporting a Prosperous Rural Economy . Promoting Sustainable Transport . Requiring Good Design . Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Historic Environment . Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change
Support
1.5 There are many organisations who are associated with open space, sport and recreation. It is not possible to list them all, but several key bodies are set out below. Many also provide guidance on national standards. Information on Standards can be found in Section 4 of this report.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 1 1 Introduction
Sport England
1.6 Sport England provides services and funding to sport in England. A Sporting Habit for Life: Sport England Strategy (2013-2017) aims to increase the number of people taking on and keeping a sporting habit for life, to create more opportunities for young people, to nurture and develop talent, to provide the right facilities in the right places, to support local authorities and to unlock local funding and ensure opportunities for communities. Sport England provide sports planning tools including Active Places Power data and Local Sport Profiles.
1.7 Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport, enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places, based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need for all levels of sport and all sectors of the community to meet the requirements of Paragraph 73 of the NPPF. Sport England guidance is cited in Planning Practice Guidance for Open space, sports and recreation facilities, public rights of way and local green space. More information on Sport England guidance used for the Methodology for this study can be found in Section 3 of this report.
Play England
1.8 Play England is an organisation whose primary vision is for England to be a country where all children and young people can fully enjoy their right to play, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 and the Charter for Children's Play.
1.9 To achieve this, Play England aims to ensure that:
. All children and young people have the freedom - time, space, permission and opportunity - to play throughout their childhood and teenage years; . All residential neighbourhoods are child friendly places where children and young people can regularly play outside; and . Everyone is aware of the importance of play - outdoors and indoors - as part of children and young people's daily lives.
1.10 National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is the leading charity aiming to improve the lives of children and young people. Play England is part of the NCB children’s charity.
Fields in Trust
1.11 Fields in Trust (FiT) are a national charity operating to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better statutory protection for all kinds of outdoor sites. FiT provides national agendas and guidelines and highlights the value of national standards.
Natural England
1.12 Natural England works in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the natural environment is protected and wherever possible, enhanced.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 2 Final Report November 2015 1 Introduction
1.13 Natural England works in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the natural environment is protected and wherever possible, enhanced.
Design Council (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment - CABE)
1.14 CABE was the UK Government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space between 1999 and 2011. CABE merged with the Design Council in 2011 and continues to offer expert advice on the built environment.
1.15 CABE Space publications continue to be made available through the Design Council including Open Space Strategies: Best Practice Guidance (2009).
Groundwork
1.16 Groundwork have been working to support communities across the UK for over 30 years. They are passionate about creating a future where everywhere is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and where everyone can reach their potential.
1.17 A Groundwork report, Grey Places Need Green Spaces (2012), issued a call to the public, private and voluntary sectors to use a variety of approaches to protect and improve publicly accessible parks and green spaces.
1.18 Another report Green Spaces: What Are They Worth? (2014) brought together research on the value of green spaces and the benefits their continued development and upkeep can bring to society and the economy. It focused on a number of key areas: physical health, mental well‐being, strong and safe communities and preparing for climate change.
1.19 More recently, Groundwork have highlighted the report Places to Be: Green spaces for active citizenship (2015) by Ed Wallis from the Fabian Society. Highlighting their vital role they play in bringing people together, it calls for a new focus from national and local government in protecting parks and open space.
Heritage Lottery Fund
1.20 The Heritage Lottery Fund has published State of UK Public Parks 2014: Renaissance to risk? its first report to comprehensively review the condition and management of the UK’s public parks. They say that after two decades of public and Lottery investment has ensured that the majority of UK parks are in better condition, but unless future funding is generated in new ways, parks are at serious risk of rapid decline and even being sold off and lost to the public forever.
Nesta
1.21 Nesta are an innovation charity with a mission to help people and organisations bring great ideas to life. One of their projects is called Rethinking Parks.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 3 1 Introduction
1.22 Their report Rethinking Parks: Exploring New Business Models for Parks in the 21st Century highlights the need for new business models to run parks, given the cuts in government funding, and discusses 20 international examples of how parks innovators are doing just that.
Keep Britain Tidy
1.23 Formed almost 60 years ago, Keep Britain Tidy’s work consists of a whole range of environmental programmes, from beaches to parks and schools. They work at the heart of business, government and the community to help people better understand that what's good for the environment is also good for us.
1.24 Keep Britain Tidy manage the Green Flag Award Scheme, recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. More information is provided on the Green Flag Standards in Section 4 of this report.
The Parks Alliance
1.25 The Parks Alliance is a membership organisation for the UK’s greenspace organisations and stakeholders seeking to build a secure future for parks and green spaces. They work to:
. Promote the issues and developments to enable parks and open spaces and the people who use them to thrive; and . Understand and share best practice in the management and care of parks and open spaces within the sector and more widely.
Landscape Institute
1.26 As a professional body and educational charity, the LI work to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit. They work with government to improve the planning, design and management of urban and rural landscape.
1.27 The LI’s policy section of their website provides their latest policy publications on their key areas of policy work which includes Green Infrastructure, Public Health, Housing, Water and Liveability.
Royal Town Planning Institute
1.28 The RTPI have recently published Promoting Healthy Cities (October 2014), tackling the role of planning in creating healthy cities. The paper states that planning from development management and infrastructure to the location of health and community services can play a crucial role in creating environments that enhance people’s health and wellbeing.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 4 Final Report November 2015 2 Purpose & Scope
2 PURPOSE & SCOPE
Overview
2.1 The purpose of the Open Spaces, Sport and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment is to assess the Quantity, Quality and Accessibility of existing provision of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the Borough of Wellingborough (BCW), building on and updating existing studies, assessing future needs and to develop locally derived standards.
2.2 The study takes into account changes in provision, planned development and the local needs of the community as well as changes in planning policy. This important update ensures that, the new Local Plan is informed by up-to-date and accurate information.
2.3 As part of the study, open spaces were audited using Green Flag criteria, and sport and recreation facilities audits were based on Sport England’s playing pitch criteria.
2.4 The consultation process assisted in establishing a qualitative vision for open spaces and sport and recreation facilities and included community questionnaires and consultation with Ward Councillors, Parish Councils, Sports Clubs, Sports Facilities, County Sports Partnerships (CSPs), National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Neighbouring Local Authorities.
2.5 The audits and consultation enabled local standards to be proposed for Quantity, Quality and Accessibility of parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural open space, amenity greenspace, linear greenspace, provision for children and young people, allotments, cemeteries and churchyards, civic spaces, outdoor sports facilities, and indoor sports facilities.
Irchester Country Park
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 5 2 Purpose & Scope
Objectives
2.6 The objectives of the study are:
. To identify deficiencies or surpluses in provision and options for addressing these; . To use the audit and assessment to set locally derived open space and recreation provision standards for quantity, quality and accessibility including possible thresholds above which developers should be required to provide on-site open space; . To provide a robust and comprehensive evidence base to underpin the development of detailed planning policies in the new Local Plan; . To provide information to justify the collection of developer contributions towards open space; and . To provide information to help inform the spending of Community Infrastructure Levy receipts.
Sites and Typologies
2.7 The following typologies and facilities have been included in this study. The number of each type of site in the Borough of Wellingborough is also shown.
Typology Description Number
Includes urban parks and formal gardens. Parks usually Parks and Gardens contain a variety of facilities, and may have one of more of the 18 other types of open space within them. Includes country parks, nature reserves, publicly accessible Natural and Semi- woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, grasslands (e.g. downlands, 69 Natural Open Space commons, meadows), wetlands and wastelands. Most commonly but not exclusively found in housing areas. Amenity Greenspace 114 Includes informal recreation green spaces and village greens. Linear green spaces including towpaths along canals and Linear Greenspace 102 riverbanks, cycleways, rights of way and disused railway lines. Provision for Areas designed primarily for play and social interaction Children and Young 49 specifically designed as equipped play facilities. People Opportunities for those people who wish to do so to grow their Allotments and own produce as part of the long-term promotion of 25 Community Gardens sustainability, health and social inclusion Cemeteries and Cemeteries and churchyards including disused churchyards 36 Churchyards and other burial grounds. Hard surfaced areas located usually located within town or city Civic Spaces 2 centres. Outdoor Sports and Natural or artificial surfaces either publicly or privately owned Recreational 71 used for sport and recreation. Includes school playing fields. facilities Indoor Sports and Recreational Includes indoor sports halls, gyms, swimming pools. 42 facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 6 Final Report November 2015 2 Purpose & Scope
Location
2.8 The Borough of Wellingborough is in Northamptonshire in the East Midlands. The borough lies to the east of Northampton and the M1 motorway, and to the south of Kettering and the A14 trunk road. The borough comprises the main town of Wellingborough, surrounded by rural towns and villages and open countryside. The Nene Valley runs through the borough south of the main town of Wellingborough.
2.9 The Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment covers the entire borough, as shown by the map below.
Borough of Wellingborough
Reproduced with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office Crown Copyright and database right 2014
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 7 2 Purpose & Scope
Population
Current Population
2.10 The Office of National Statistics (ONS) Census Data from 2011 showed that the Borough of Wellingborough has a population of 75,356; of which 49,087 are in the urban area and 26,269 in the rural area. In urban areas the density is 22 persons per hectare and in rural areas the density is 2 persons per hectare.
Local Sport Profile Tool
2.11 Sport England Local Sport Profile Tool. The web based tool is a comprehensive store of relevant, accurate and up-to-date data which can inform strategic planning and development of sporting opportunities by local authorities and other partners involved in delivering sport in their local communities
2.12 A full 2015 Local Sport Profile for Wellingborough can be found in Appendix A to this report. Some of the key points can be summarised as follows:
. Between 2008 and 2014 there has been a reduction in the 16+ population in Wellingborough. . There is a higher 16+ BME population in Wellingborough (12.3%) compared to the East Midlands (8%). . The unemployment rate is higher in Wellingborough (8.3% than the East Midlands (5.9%). . The population in Wellingborough up to 2018 is predicted to increase slightly less (at 3.4%) than the East Midlands as a whole (3.8%). . Wellingborough has a higher adult obesity rate (at 70.2%) than the East Midlands (65.6%). . The obesity rate in children is the same as the East Midlands (18.4%). . Life expectancy is slightly higher in Wellingborough (83.3) than the East Midlands average. . Wellingborough has a higher percentage (30.9%) of inactive adults than the East Midlands (27.5%). . Adult participation in sport (at least once a week) has dipped to 26% in 2014/15 from 31.6% in 2005/6. . The percentage of adults wanting to do more sport is 59.5%, higher than the East Midlands rate of 57.6%.
Market Segmentation
2.13 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England to help all those delivering sport to better understand their local markets and target them more effectively.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 8 Final Report November 2015 2 Purpose & Scope
2.14 Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment, their motivations to play sport, satisfaction with the sporting experience, top sports they currently play and would like to play, and factors that could encourage them to do more sport.
2.15 The table and chart below shows the 19 market segments and the percentage split of population for Wellingborough, the East Midlands, and England. Additional information can be found in Appendix A to this report, and on Sport England’s website.
Name Description Wellingborough % East Midlands % England %
Ben Competitive Male Urbanites 4.3 4.3 4.9 Jamie Sports Team Drinkers 4.2 5.2 5.4 Chloe Fitness Class Friends 3.6 3.9 4.7 Leanne Supportive Singles 3.4 4.2 4.3 Helena Career Focused Females 3.7 4.1 4.5 Tim Settling Down Males 8.1 8.2 8.8 Alison Stay at Home Mums 4.5 4.2 4.4 Jackie Middle England Mums 5.9 5.5 4.9 Kev Pub League Team Mates 6.0 5.7 5.9 Paula Stretched Single Mums 3.9 3.3 3.7 Philip Comfortable Mid-Life Males 10.2 9.4 8.6 Elaine Empty Nest Career Ladies 6.4 6.3 6.1 Roger & Joy Early Retirement Couples 7.9 7.6 6.8 Brenda Older Working Women 5.4 5.2 4.9 Terry Local Old Boys 3.8 3.8 3.7 Norma Later Life Ladies 2.1 1.9 2.1 Ralph & Phyllis Comfortable Retired Couples 2.5 3.6 4.2 Frank Twilight Year Gents 5.3 4.7 4.0 Elsie & Arnold Retirement Home Singles 9.0 8.6 8.0
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 9 2 Purpose & Scope
Future Population
2.16 The Interim Housing Statement on Housing Requirements in North Northamptonshire (January 2014); and Assessing the Housing Requirements of North Northamptonshire Final Report for NNJPU (December 2013) reports provide an overview of housing targets and an up to date evidence base for population growth.
2.17 The total population figure in 2031 is expected to rise to 89,100; an increase of 17.8% from 20111. Refer to Appendix A for further information on Population.
2.18 The emerging Joint Core Strategy seeks to adjust the previous housing requirement strategy used in the adopted Core Spatial Strategy (CSS) by reducing the share of housing to be provided by Wellingborough, reflecting local aspirations and the heavy reliance on two Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUE).
2.19 The housing requirement figures within the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (JCS) Pre-Submission Plan (January 2015) as part of Policy 28 – Housing Requirements and Strategic Opportunities are; 5750 in the urban area (growth town of Wellingborough), and 1250 in the rural area, resulting in 7000 new homes in total.
Strategic Development
2.20 There are two significant strategic developments proposed in the Borough of Wellingborough. It is anticipated that the masterplans for each (set out below) will provide a certain level of open space, which has been sensitively tester against the baseline open space, sports and recreational provision standards in this study.
2.21 It should be noted that the proposed provision standards in this study do not incorporate future committed developments at present. To gain an understanding as to how future commitments would affect future projected surplus and deficiencies, the committed provision has been tested against the provision of future open space. The analysis for this can be found in Appendix K to this report.
Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) Wellingborough East Masterplan
2.22 This Masterplan has an open space corridor which runs along the river with a woodland buffer. There are land allocations for mixed use development, neighbourhood centres, sports ground, local equipped area for play (LEAPs) and neighbourhood equipped area for play (NEAPs), which give continuity and green space links across Wellingborough East.
Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) Wellingborough North Masterplan
2.23 There is currently an outline application for this site for 3,000 dwellings and related development. Open space provision has been considered and is integral to the design which includes neighbourhood centres, community facilities and formal and informal open space areas.
1 Assessing the Housing Requirements of North Northamptonshire, Appendices, December 2013
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 10 Final Report November 2015 3 Methodology
3 METHODOLOGY
Guidance
3.1 The methodology was formed using guidance from Sport England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities (2014) and Playing Pitch Strategy (2013), as well as drawing on other best practice.
3.2 The methodology structure is as follows:
Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance Facilities A1: Purpose & Objectives
A2: Proportionate Approach Stage A: A3: Typology Scope Prepare and Step 1: Prepare and tailor the approach tailor the A4: Geographical Scope approach A5: Strategic Context
A6: Project Management
B1: Consultation Stage B: Step 2: Gather supply information and Gather views B2: Desk-Based Research information on Supply B3: Site Audits and Step 3: Gather demand information and views Demand B4: GIS Mapping / Sites Database Step 4: Understand the situation at C1: Assessing Provision individual sites Step 5: Develop the current and future C2: Reviewing and Setting Standards Stage C: pictures of provision Assessment C3: Applying Standards Step 6: Identify the key findings and issues C4: Identifying Actions D1: Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study Report
Stage D: D2: Planning Policy Step 7: Develop the recommendations Application and action plan D3: Development Management
D4: Infrastructure Planning/CIL/S106
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 11 3 Methodology
Consultation
3.3 The consultation process, undertaken between November 2014 and February 2015 (with additional sports consultation in August 2015), assisted in setting standards for open spaces and sport and recreation facilities and included:
. Community questionnaires; . Ward Councillors consultation; . Parish Councils consultation; . Sport clubs consultation; . Sport facilities consultation; . County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) consultation; and . Neighbouring local authorities’ consultation.
3.4 Refer to Appendix B for the full Consultation Methodology and Questionnaires.
3.5 Results from the Consultation can be found in Section 5 of this report. All consultation data has been provided to BCW as part of the separate supporting information.
Community Questionnaires
3.6 Postal questionnaires were sent to 5,000 randomly selected households from the electoral roll in the Borough of Wellingborough, split proportionately across urban and rural areas. A further 1,000 questionnaires were made available to the public at libraries and leisure facilities, as well as at consultation events for the emerging Local Plan.
3.7 The questions within the survey were based on best practice guidelines and experience from previous studies.
3.8 A total of 447 surveys were received. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
Ward Councillors and Parish Councils Consultation
3.9 Questionnaires for Ward Councillors and Parish Councils captured information about the quantity, accessibility, availability and demand of open spaces and sports and recreational facilities across the Borough of Wellingborough.
3.10 9 out of the 16 Wards, and 11 out the 18 Parishes responded. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 12 Final Report November 2015 3 Methodology
Sports Clubs Consultation
3.11 Questionnaires for sports clubs were based on the Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance (2013) for football, hockey, rugby and cricket. A general questionnaire for all other types of sports captured information from other sports clubs.
3.12 Questionnaires were sent to 77 sports clubs, of which 15 responded covering 8 types of sport (football, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics, golf, bowls, and table tennis).
3.13 The results of the questionnaires provide information on quality, quantity and local demand for indoor and outdoor sports facilities from the clubs who use them. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
Sport Facilities Consultation
3.14 Questionnaires to sport facility owners/ managers are based on Template B in Sports England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities (2014). Although the template is for capturing information from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) about specific sports facilities, the facility owners/ managers were asked to provide specific information.
3.15 Questionnaires were sent to 64 sports facilities, of which 13 responded including a mixture of leisure centres, schools, playing fields and club grounds.
3.16 The results of the questionnaire provide information about quality, quantity, availability, usage and throughout trends, as well as unmet, latent, displaced and future demand of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. This questionnaire has also been used to consult schools as possible providers of sports facilities to the community. Specific questions for schools included in the questionnaire obtained information about any external sports facilities the school use and any associated issues they face with external provision. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
3.17 CSPs and NGBs were asked to complete a questionnaire based on the template provided in Sports England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities (2014).
3.18 Questionnaires were sent to 64 consultees, of which 15 responded including indoor bowls, basketball, water ski and wakeboard, football, boxing, goal ball and tennis.
3.19 The results of this consultation provided strategic information about the quantity, sports participation profile, unmet, latent, displaced and future demand as well as local demand and NGB priorities for indoor and outdoor sports facilities in the Borough of Wellingborough. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 13 3 Methodology
Neighbouring Local Authorities Consultation
3.20 The surrounding Local Authorities were informed of the Study as part of the BCW’s duty to co-operate with other local authorities. The neighbouring local authorities were asked to identify key cross boundary provision of facilities. The findings from the survey can be found in Section 5 of this report.
Audit and Assessment
3.21 The site audit and assessment process covers the following aspects:
. Quantity; . Quality; . Value; . Accessibility.
3.22 Refer to Appendix C for the full Site Audit Methodology. Results from the audit and assessment can be found in Section 6 of this report.
Eastfield Park
Quantity
3.23 The Quantity audit was carried out through the GIS geo-database using the sites data. Sites are mapped in the geo-database which provides the total area of each site. Each site is assigned a typology so that a total area of sites by typology can be calculated.
3.24 When combined with population figures, Quantity can be expressed in terms of a Hectares per 1000 Population figure. This is the way that local authorities express their quantity of open space, and is also how the Quantity standards are expressed.
3.25 In this study, total area or in some cases numbers of sites have been used to calculate the current Quantity provision for the Borough of Wellingborough. Population figures,
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 14 Final Report November 2015 3 Methodology
shown in Section 2 of this report and in Appendix A, have been used to calculate the Hectare per 1000 Population figures for each typology; for the urban and rural areas of the borough; and for the current and future population.
3.26 The proposed Quantity provision standards in this study do not incorporate future committed developments at present. The projected future surplus and deficiencies, are based on no additional provision in the future. This type of analysis provides the amount of different types of open space, sports and recreational facilities required to meet future needs, when compared with the existing provision.
3.27 To gain an understanding as to how future commitments would affect future projected surplus and deficiencies, the committed provision for Wellingborough’s the two proposed Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs) has been tested against the provision of future open space. The analysis for this can be found in Appendix K to this report.
Quality
3.28 The Quality site audits were based on the Green Flag Raising the Standard Green Flag Manual, and Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance criteria which are shown in the tables below.
Green Flag Criteria Description
Signage, safe access for all, public Welcoming Place transport, cycle provision, car parking. Security, site staff, facilities, first aid, Healthy, Safe and Secure lighting. Litter bins, cleanliness, hard and soft Well Maintained and Clean landscape, buildings, play areas, sports facilities.
Sustainability and Environmental Management Energy, recycling and composting. Water, woodland and trees, grassland, Conservation and Heritage ecological features, historic features, art. Community ‘Hub’, events, volunteering, Community Involvement facilities and attractions.
Playing Pitch Criteria Description
Grass cover, artificial grass condition, Playing Surface size, slope, evenness, litter, damage to surface. Line marking, grass cutting, seeding, Maintenance Programme (from site managers/clubs) dressing, weeding. Clubhouse, changing rooms, access for Built Facilities all, car parking, secure boundaries. Ancillary Features Goalposts, floodlighting, rails, stands.
3.29 The full audit forms can be found in Appendix C.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 15 3 Methodology
Croyland Park
Value
3.30 The Quality and Value scores will be used as part of determining appropriate recommendations for sites. The table below summarises the types of recommendations applicable to the Quality and Value scores.
Good Quality Good Quality Low Value High Value
Enhance Value Protect Change Use
Poor Quality Poor Quality Low Value High Value
Enhance Quality Enhance Quality and Value Protect Possible surplus
3.31 The Quality element will be based on the Quality audit score for the sites.
3.32 The Value element will be based on:
. Access criteria; accessible sites are more valuable. . Whether a site is multi-functional; the more functions the higher the value. . The amount of provision of other sites in the same area; a site surrounded by very few other sites is likely to be more highly valued. . Whether the site is designated or protected in some way; designations indicate that a site is valued. Refer to Appendix D for the Site Designations. . Information gathered from consultation; well used sites indicate high value.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 16 Final Report November 2015 3 Methodology
Accessibility
3.33 The Accessibility audit was carried out through the GIS geo-database and site visits. The site visits allow access points to the site to be mapped, and the site access category is also recorded on site as follows:
. Full Open Access; . Restricted Access; . Closed Access (Physical); . Closed Access (Private Land).
3.34 The GIS geo-database is used to map distance thresholds or catchment areas. The distances applied are based on walking times to sites. Walking time is converted to pedestrian distance and straight line distance. Straight line distance is calculated at 60% of pedestrian distance, based on Fields in Trust guidance (formally National Playing Fields Association). This method has been applied to the Borough Council of Wellingborough’s existing accessibility standards, and is widely used by other local authorities.
3.35 The table below sets out the time and distances applied to map distance thresholds or catchment areas.
Pedestrian Straight Line Walking Time Distance Distance
20 minutes 1300 metres 780 metres 15 minutes 1000 metres 600 metres 10 minutes 700 metres 420 metres 5 minutes 400 metres 240 metres
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 17 4 Policy & Standards
4 POLICY & STANDARDS
4.1 Current National, Local Strategic and Local Planning Policy and Standards applicable to this study are summarised below. Refer to Appendix E for a more detailed Planning Policy Review, and Appendix F for a more detailed Standards Review.
Policy
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012)
4.2 The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and is a material consideration in planning decisions and guides policy development in Local Plans.
4.3 Of particular relevance it is the Promoting Healthy Communities section of the NPPF which states that planning policies should be based on robust and up to date assessments of the needs for open space and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision.
Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) (2014)
4.4 In March 2014 the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) launched PPG as a web-based resource. Of most relevance is Open Space, Sports and Recreation Facilities, Public Rights of Way and Local Green Space.
North Northamptonshire Urban Structure Study (2013)
4.5 This study looks at how the framework of streets and open spaces in the town affects the way that people can move around to access local facilities and the countryside. It sets out design principles based on improving connectivity, which will need to be considered alongside other planning considerations on a site by site basis.
North Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan (2014)
4.6 This document summarises many of the Green Infrastructure (GI) projects planned and underway in North Northamptonshire. The plan identifies the need for significant investment to provide a net gain in GI and improve existing provision in line with local and national policy.
4.7 The plan reiterates that GI is addressed in Policy 5 of the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy (CSS) (2008) where a range of policies and initiatives from the local to national level are relevant to GI, including Natural England’s Access to Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt). The ANGSt highlighted that there are currently no accessible 500 ha sites in North Northamptonshire, reflecting a key green space deficit in the area. The plan also identifies areas which have no access to significant accessible natural green space.
Cultural Investment Framework for North Northamptonshire (October 2014)
4.8 This document concentrates on cultural infrastructure, required to support development in North Northamptonshire identified in the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) review.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 18 Final Report November 2015 4 Policy & Standards
4.9 The focus of this document is on the physical infrastructure and programmes that will help to deliver sustainable places through the JCS and forms part of an evidence base for policies and proposals in Local and Neighbourhood Plans and their supporting Infrastructure Delivery Plans.
Emerging North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy
4.10 The Joint Core Strategy (JCS) is the strategic Plan for East Northamptonshire, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. It is prepared by the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit, reporting to a Joint Committee made up of elected representatives from the District, Borough and County Councils.
Emerging Borough Council of Wellingborough Local Plan
4.11 BCW are currently preparing the Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough (PBW) which will replace the Town Centre Area Action Plan (adopted 2009), the saved policies from The Borough of Wellingborough Local Plan (1999 and 2004), and the Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document (which reached preferred options stage in 2010).
4.12 The emerging PBW will sit alongside the North Northamptonshire JCS. Both documents will cover the borough for the period 2011 to 2031. The JCS will set out strategic policies for the area, whilst the PBW will add local detail.
4.13 Together these documents will form the Local Plan for the borough, which will be the basis for making decisions about planning applications. It is helpful to think of these two documents as Part 1 (the JCS) and Part 2 (the PBW) – both of which make up the entire Local Plan.
Borough of Wellingborough Local Plan (1999-2004): Local Plan Saved Policies (2007)
4.14 Saved policies from the above plan will be replaced by the Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough. There are several saved policies that continue to be used by BCW in the determination of planning applications. The saved policies relevant to this Audit and Assessment are listed in the Planning Policy Review in Appendix E.
Wellingborough Neighbourhood Plans
4.15 Neighbourhood planning was introduced as a new power to communities by the Localism Act 2011. Local planning authorities have a legal duty to support the development of Neighbourhood Plans and orders.
4.16 The following Neighbourhood Plans are emerging for the Borough of Wellingborough:
. Earls Barton (at examination stage, June 2015); . Wollaston (submission to BCW imminent, June 2015); . Irchester (pre-regulation 14 stage); and . Ecton (designation as a Neighbourhood Area confirmed, December 2014).
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 19 4 Policy & Standards
Wellingborough Town Centre Area Action Plan (AAP) (2009)
4.17 The Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough (PBW) is currently being prepared to help guide future planning decisions in the area and will replace the Town Centre Area Action Plan.
Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document (SSP DPD) Preferred Options Background Report, Environmentally Important Open Space (EIOS) (2010)
4.18 Whilst this document has limited planning policy status because it did not progress beyond Preferred Options it provides the background material on sites assessed and designated as Environmentally Important Open Space (EIOS).
Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document (SSP DPD) Preferred Options Background Report, Important Amenity Areas (IAA) (2010)
4.19 This background report provides background material to enable the designation of sites within and outside the town and villages as Important Amenity Areas (IAA). These sites were important for their recreational value.
Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document (SSP DPD) Preferred Options Background Report, Sports Village (2010)
4.20 This report provides information on the allocation of a Sports Village as part of the preferred option in the SSP DPD. The purpose of allocating a preferred site for a Sports Village was to provide a site to meet the sports and recreational needs identified for the Borough of Wellingborough up to 2021 and beyond. The need for this was established at a time when the Regional Spatial Strategy established housing figures which were not based on objectively assessed housing need, and therefore different household projections than the objectively assessed housing need requirements of the NPPF.
The Embankment
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 20 Final Report November 2015 4 Policy & Standards
Standards
Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play, Fields in Trust (2008)
4.21 Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play published by FiT supersedes all previous editions of the ‘Six Acre Standard’ which were intended to provide guidance to ensure that the provision of outdoor playing space was adequate and meets local needs.
4.22 Whilst the guidance does not intend to set a benchmark for a maximum or minimum standard of outdoor space in terms of quantity, it does strongly recommend that any adopted standards below the appropriate benchmark could only be justified where public participation and support can be evidenced.
Planning and Design for Outdoor Sport and Play Review, Phase 2 Survey Findings for England and Wales (2015)
4.23 This document is a review of how open space standards are used by local planning authorities in England and Wales. It confirms the relevance of benchmark standards alongside local assessments but does not make any recommendations for revised standards at this stage.
4.24 The Review has been used to inform the proposed standards for accessibility of parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural open space, amenity greenspace, provision for children and young people and allotments.
4.25 The Review states that Neighbourhood Planning will be of ongoing relevance and the review of FiT standards will need to consider how this will be reflected in standards, for example incorporating the Local Green Space designation as advocated in the NPPF.
Nature Nearby, Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance Natural England (March 2010)
4.26 The concept of ‘Nature Nearby’ is one of providing inspiring green spaces with high quality access to the natural environment by applying the three Natural England standards:
. An Accessibility and Quantity Standard – to ensure equitable provision both close to home and within sustainable transport distances, i.e. Natural England’s ANGSt; . Service Standards – for core services and facilities for each site type; and . A national Quality Standard, i.e. The Green Flag Award scheme.
4.27 The Natural England ANGSt recommend:
. That no person should live no more than 300m from their nearest area of natural green space of at least 2ha in size; . That there should be at least once accessible 20ha site within 2km from home; . That there should be one accessible 100ha site within 5km of home; . That there should be one accessible 500ha site within 10km of home; and
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 21 4 Policy & Standards
. Provision of at least 1ha of Local Nature Reserve per 1,000 population.
4.28 The three underlying principles of ANGSt are to improve access, naturalness and the connectivity of green spaces.
4.29 The recommendations within this Guidance have been used to inform the proposed accessibility standards for natural and semi-natural open space.
Woodland Trust
4.30 The Woodland Trust has developed the Woodland Access Standard (WASt), which complements ANGSt. It recommends that everyone should have access to woodland of at least 2 ha within 500 m of their home, and of at least 20 ha within 4 km.
Green Flag Award Scheme
4.31 The Green Flag Award Scheme is licenced to Keep Britain Tidy which is an environmental charity and anti-litter campaign for England.
4.32 The Green Flag Award Scheme is the benchmark for national standards for parks and green spaces in the UK. The aim of the scheme is to set a ‘benchmark of excellence’ for recreational green spaces and encourage others to achieve high environmental standards through partnership working. It rewards the best green spaces in the country.
National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
4.33 The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners provide standards for allotments, including:
. 20 allotment plots per 1,000 households (or 20 allotments per 2,200 people where there are 2.2 people per house); or . 1 allotment plot per 200 people.
4.34 With an average allotment plot of 250m² this equates to 0.125 ha per 1,000 population.
North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (May 2010)
4.35 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework provides a set of sports facility priorities for North Northamptonshire. It focuses on those facilities which are of strategic importance within North Northamptonshire.
4.36 Sport England has given parameters for all boroughs’ sport provision and the calculations for the Borough of Wellingborough are based on the assumption that the area should have the same level of provision per thousand head of population as the average for the East Midlands.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 22 Final Report November 2015 4 Policy & Standards
North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (September 2014)
4.37 The North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) updates the 2010 study to include revised population data and projections through to 2031 in line with housing levels set out in the emerging North Northamptonshire JCS.
4.38 This document forms part of an evidence base for policies and proposals in Local and Neighbourhood Plans and their supporting Infrastructure Delivery Plans and aligns to policies set out in the NPPF.
Planning for Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation (2005)
4.39 The 2005 study and associated report for BCW was conducted by PMP in accordance with PPG17 and its Companion Guide. The study involved a comprehensive review of existing work undertaken by the BCW and assessed local needs through household questionnaires.
4.40 Key findings of the study are under the headings of quantity, quality, accessibility and value in the following paragraphs and further detailed in Appendix F.
4.41 This document is still applicable as it has not been superseded, however many of the documents used within the 2005 study are now out of date or are no longer relevant following the production of the NPPF. The study was carried out in accordance with PPG17 and its Companion Guide which have now been replaced by the NPPF.
Sports Facilities Strategy – Provision of built facilities for sports and recreation in the Borough (2008)
4.42 In 2008 BCW’s Sports Facilities Strategy was published which identified the future need for built facilities for sport and recreation in the borough as well as serving as an update to the previous Playing Pitch Strategy.
4.43 This Strategy provides the future need for built facilities for sport and recreation, taking into our account anticipated growth in population and demand for new facilities. It still provides a current evidence base for future demand for facilities.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 23 5 Community Consultation
5 CONSULTATION
Community Consultation
5.1 The community consultation commenced with 5,000 questionnaires sent out to randomly selected households from the electoral roll split proportionately across urban and rural areas within the Borough of Wellingborough. The same questionnaire was posted on Limehouse, BCW’s online consultation portal. 341 postal questionnaires were returned and a further 18 responses were received on Limehouse. Following this consultation and the lower than expected return rate, a further 1,000 questionnaires were placed at a consultation event for the emerging Local Plan and at various leisure facilities across the Borough of Wellingborough. A further 88 completed questionnaires were received. The response rate from both consultation exercises was 7.5%.
5.2 The following information summarises the views provided by respondents.
Quantity
5.3 54% of respondents felt that there is a satisfactory provision of open spaces, sports and recreation facilities within the Borough of Wellingborough.
5.4 The highest majority of respondents felt that the provision of parks and gardens is satisfactory (69%).
5.5 The following typologies were very close in the percentage of respondents feeling there is satisfactory or not enough provision:
. Provision for children and young people: Satisfactory: 44% Not enough: 44%; . Outdoor sports and recreational facilities: Satisfactory: 45% Not enough: 44%; and . Indoor sports and recreational facilities: Satisfactory: 46% Not enough: 43%.
5.6 Many respondents commented that they would like to see more facilities catering for older people and disabled people. Respondents also wrote about the need for better connected cycle paths, one respondent wrote, ‘We no longer cycle with our family in the borough due to the gates on cycle paths, trying to get through these with a child or a bike is impossible’. Another respondent wrote, ‘I'd like to cycle more if paths were better, safer and less obstructed’.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 24 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
More than enough Satisfactory Not enough No opinion
Quantity Satisfaction Results
Quality
5.7 The majority of respondents (29%) are fairly satisfied with the open spaces, sports and recreation facilities within the Borough of Wellingborough.
5.8 The highest percentage against very dissatisfied was attributed to cycling routes (traffic free) at 20%.
5.9 Gyms/fitness facilities had the highest very satisfied response of 18%.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 25 5 Community Consultation
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Fairly dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know - no view
Quality Satisfaction Results – Open Spaces
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Fairly dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know - no view
Quality Satisfaction Results – Sports Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 26 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
Usage
5.10 The highest daily use typology was linear greenspace, with 15% of respondents using them daily. This was closely followed by parks and gardens and natural and semi- natural open space at 13% each.
5.11 Parks and gardens had the highest weekly use, with 31% of respondents using them weekly. Natural and semi-natural open space weekly use is 27%, linear greenspace is 23%, indoor and outdoor sports facilities are both 22%.
5.12 The typology with the highest monthly use was natural and semi-natural open space (20%). Parks and gardens and amenity green space received 17%, and linear greenspace received 16%.
5.13 The majority of respondents do not use allotments and community gardens (75%), followed by churchyards and cemeteries (52%), provision for children and young people (47%), and civic spaces (44%).
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Daily Weekly Monthly Occasionally/Seasonally Don't Use
Frequency of Use Results
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 27 5 Community Consultation
Accessibility
5.14 Respondents are most likely to walk 1-5 minutes to amenity greenspace (18%), followed by linear greenspace (16%) and provision for children and young people (13%).
5.15 Respondents are likely to walk 6-10 minutes to provision for children and young people (38%), followed by parks and gardens (30%), and amenity green space (29%).
5.16 Most respondents are likely to walk 11-15 minutes to all types of facilities, the highest being indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities (38%). Fewer people walk 11-15 minutes to linear greenspace (27%) and provision for children and young people (27%).
5.17 Within the 20+ minute’s bracket, most people would be prepared to take this amount of time to walk to indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities (19%) and natural and semi-natural open space (19%).
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1-5 minutes 6-10 minutes 11-15 minutes 16-20 minutes 20+ minutes
Walking Times Results
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 28 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
Future Improvements
5.18 The graph below indicates the results from the question asked about future improvements to open spaces, sports and recreational facilities.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Play equipment
Maintenance
Boundaries (fences, hedges etc.)
Toilets
Parking
Provision of litter bins
Dog fouling bins
Seats/benches
Shelters
Tables
BBQ Facilities
Access points to site
Pathways
Level surfaces
Information boards and signage
Community notice board
Planted areas
Grassed areas
Natural features e.g. woodland, wildlife
Art/sculptures
Changing rooms
Lighting
Pitches
Artificial grass pitches
On site security e.g. CCTV cameras
Dog free areas
Major improvements needed Some improvements needed No improvements needed
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 29 5 Community Consultation
Ward Councillors
5.19 Questionnaires were issued to 36 Councillors from the 16 Wards within the Borough of Wellingborough. 9 Councillors covering 6 Wards provided a response. This provides a response rate of 38% from wards and 25% response rate from councillors.
5.20 The following Wards provided responses: Castle, Irchester, Queensway, Redwell East, Swanspool and West.
Quantity
5.21 The majority of Ward Councillors felt there is either a satisfactory provision of (43%) or more than enough (27%) open spaces, sports and recreational facilities in their ward.
5.22 There are not enough indoor sports and recreational facilities according to 56% of Ward Councillors or allotment and community gardens (44%).
5.23 The response for outdoor sports and recreational facilities is split equally between satisfactory and not enough.
Quality
5.24 The majority of Ward Councillors (49%) are either very satisfied or fairly dissatisfied with open spaces, sports and recreational facilities in their wards.
Accessibility
5.25 Ward Councillors indicated that the main barriers to accessing open spaces, sports and recreational facilities were public transport not being available, that they cost too much and that there was a lack of facilities in the local area.
Demand
5.26 75% of Ward Councillors thought there was demand for open spaces, sport and recreational facilities within their ward which were not being met. For example, one Ward Councillor points out that there are no facilities for women’s sport in the ward, including netball.
Parish Councils
5.27 Questionnaires were issued to 18 Parishes, responses were received from 11 Parish Councils. This provides a response rate of 61%.
5.28 The following Parishes provided responses: Orlingbury, Grendon, Earls Barton, Great Doddington, Wilby, Isham, Finedon, Wollaston, Mears Ashby, Little Harrowden and Irchester.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 30 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
Quantity
5.29 66% of Parish Councils stated that there was either more than enough or a satisfactory provision of open spaces, sports and recreational facilities within their Parish.
5.30 The majority of Parish Councils (46%) felt that there was not enough provision of indoor sports and recreational facilities in their Parish.
Quality
5.31 The majority of Parishes were very satisfied or fairly satisfied with all open spaces, sport and recreational facilities in their Wards. The exceptions were sports hall, synthetic/all-weather pitches and skate parks which Parish Councils were fairly dissatisfied or had no views on them.
5.32 Cycling and walking running routes (traffic free) had a particularly high number of Parish Councils stating that they were either fairly dissatisfied (41%) or very dissatisfied (23%) with them.
Accessibility
5.33 Parish Councils indicated that the main barriers to accessing open spaces, sports and recreational facilities were public transport not being available (55%) and no/lack of safe cycle routes (68%).
Demand
5.34 73% of Parish Councils thought there was a demand for open spaces, sport and recreational facilities within their Parish which were not being met. Parish Councils responses indicate that there is a general lack of open spaces, sport and recreational facilities within their Parish, particularly in the provision of sport and recreational facilities.
Sports Clubs
5.35 Out of 77 questionnaires distributed to sports clubs based in the Borough of Wellingborough, 15 responded, this is a response rate of 20%. Sports clubs represented 15 different types of sports, of which 8 types (football, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics, golf, bowls, and table tennis) responded (53%).
Quality
5.36 The split between sports clubs who were happy with the facilities in the Borough of Wellingborough was 53% who said no and 47% who said yes.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 31 5 Community Consultation
Usage
5.37 Only one club (Wollaston Cricket Club) stated that the majority of members do not live in Wellingborough, this highlights usage of Wellingborough facilities by those outside of the Borough of Wellingborough.
Demand
5.38 9 out of 15 clubs (covering football, hockey, cricket, athletics, golf, bowls and table tennis) have experienced an increase in numbers in the last 5 years, whereas 2 clubs (cricket and rugby) have experienced a decrease in numbers. The remaining 4 clubs experienced a mixture of increase/decreases across their teams.
5.39 12 clubs specified that they would be looking to increase the number of their teams/members.
Wellingborough Cricket Club
Sports Facilities
5.40 65 sports facilities, including schools, were provided with a sports facility questionnaire. The number of responses received was 13, which equated to a response rate of 20%.
5.41 The following information summarises the views provided by sports facilities.
Quality
5.42 In general, sports facilities are meeting the users’ needs and expectations. Funding and a need for volunteers to open/close facilities were listed as barriers in meeting user needs and expectations.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 32 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
Usage and Accessibility
5.43 Of the sport facilities which responded, 85% were available for community use and were used, whilst 8% were available for community use but were unused.
5.44 Only one respondent stated that they had no capacity whilst 69% of facilities had some form of capacity.
5.45 Heating costs and staffing/volunteers shortages were defined as barriers to use of facilities.
5.46 5 schools responded the questionnaire, of these, 4 used external sports facilities. One school noted that there was an issue with the cost of transport whilst other schools noted no problems with using external sport facilities.
County Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies
5.47 Questionnaires were emailed to 64 County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) covering 47 different sports. Initially 7 responded (indoor bowls, basketball, water ski and wakeboard, football, boxing, goal ball and tennis) making a response rate of 15%. Further consultation was undertaken to support the assessment of indoor and outdoor sports facilities as detailed in later sections of this report. This resulted in a 32% return rate overall (15 out of 47 sports).
Sports Strategies
5.48 Wellingborough was not part of an identified priority area for the CSPs and NGBs who responded. Feedback from NGBs for each sport can be found in the specific sport sections in the Typology section of this report.
Availability
5.49 No barriers identified for increasing the use of and availability of sports facilities were specific to Wellingborough, other than British Water Ski & Wakeboard who stated that there was a need for local interest in running a wake park or water sports centre.
5.50 Barriers which were not specific to Wellingborough include, the high cost and limited access of schools and privately owned sites, lack of publicly owned sites (which are also well maintained), and construction costs if there was unmet demand needing to be satisfied.
Neighbouring Councils
5.51 In order to co-operate with surrounding local authorities and to ensure the study analysed cross boundary provision neighbouring councils were consulted. Bedford, Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Northampton and South Northamptonshire councils were asked to provide information on any key cross boundary provision of Open Space, Sports and Recreation facilities that should be taken into account within this study.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 33 5 Community Consultation
5.52 Corby Council noted that Adrenalin Alley with indoor skating and BMX facilities as a cross boundary sports facility.
Bedford
5.53 Bedford Borough Council’s Open Space, Recreation and Sport Strategy was produced in 2007 in accordance with PPG17 requirements.
Corby
5.54 In 2006, Corby Open Space, Recreation and Sport Strategy was produced.
5.55 Corby Council’s current accessibility and quantity standards were used to inform the setting of standards within this study.
Daventry
5.56 The Daventry Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment was produced in 2009.
5.57 Daventry District Council, in partnership with Northampton Borough Council and South Northamptonshire Council, are planning to carry out an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy for the sub area of West Northamptonshire.
East Northamptonshire
5.58 East Northamptonshire’s Open Space Strategy (2006) is currently in place however East Northamptonshire Council are in the process of updating the Open Space Strategy for the Four Towns Plan in the south of the district.
5.59 East Northamptonshire’s current accessibility and quantity standards were used to inform the setting of standards within this study.
Kettering
5.60 Kettering Council’s PPG17 Open Space Needs Assessment 2007 forms part of their LDF evidence base.
5.61 Kettering Council’s current accessibility and quantity standards were used to inform the setting of standards within this study.
Milton Keynes
5.62 The Core Strategy (2013) includes a Green Infrastructure Plan amongst evidence base documents that will be used to inform the future local plan for the Borough (Plan:MK).
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 34 Final Report November 2015 5 Community Consultation
Northampton
5.63 Northampton have the following Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment and Audit: An Update Report (2006 and update 2009) as well as a Parks and Open Space Strategy for Northampton (2013 refresh).
5.64 Northampton Borough Council in partnership with Daventry District Council and South Northamptonshire Council are planning to carry out Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategies for the sub area of West Northamptonshire.
South Northamptonshire
5.65 South Northamptonshire’s Open Space Strategy covers the period of 2007 – 2021 and have a Play Strategy for 2007-2012. In 2011, South Northamptonshire Sports Facilities & Playing Pitch Strategy was produced.
5.66 South Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with Northampton Borough Council and Daventry District Council, are planning to produce an Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy for the sub area of West Northamptonshire.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 35 6 Typology Assessment - Introduction
6 TYPOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Introduction
6.1 This section presents the results of the Quantity, Quality and Accessibility assessment. Utilising the information and data gathered from the consultation and site audits, TEP have reviewed the Borough of Wellingborough’s existing provision standards for open space, sport and recreational facilities. The proposed standards are set out in the following pages, and in the Overview at the front of this report.
6.2 The standards review considered several aspects covering existing local and national standards, standards applied by neighbouring boroughs, and consultation feedback. Detailed information on the standard reviews for Quantity, Quality and Accessibility can be found in Appendix G (Quantity), Appendix H (Quality) and Appendix I (Accessibility).
6.3 When the proposed standards are applied to each typology, surplus and deficiencies in terms of Quantity, Quality and Accessibility can be demonstrated. For Quantity, this is calculated using existing and future population figures (as described in Section 2 of this report and Appendix A), therefore both current and future surplus and deficiency has been calculated.
6.4 The assessment applies the proposed provision standards for Quantity, Quality and Accessibility for each of the typologies as follows, and shown on the sites overview map below:
. Parks and Gardens; . Natural and Semi-Natural Open Spaces; . Amenity Greenspace; . Linear Greenspace; . Provision for Children and Young People; . Allotments and Community Gardens; . Cemeteries and Churchyards; . Civic Spaces; . Outdoor Sports and Recreation Facilities; and . Indoor Sports and Recreation Facilities.
6.5 Quality and Value scores are available for each site in Appendix J. Full Quality and Value audit data for each site has been provided separately to BCW as supporting information.
6.6 The Quantity assessment is shown for urban and rural areas. This is based on the existing urban/rural split for the Borough of Wellingborough, which is based on the existing ward boundaries (2014). The ward boundaries for Wellingborough changed in 2015, therefore any further analysis will need to be adjusted to reflect the new ward boundaries and revised urban/rural split. The map below illustrates the existing urban and rural areas in Wellingborough.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 36 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment - Introduction
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 37 6 Typology Assessment - Introduction
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 38 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
Parks and Gardens
Quantity Assessment
6.7 TEP recommends increasing the existing borough wide Quantity standard of 0.7 hectares per 1000 population to 1.5 for the urban area, and 1.0 for the rural area. This allows the existing level of provision in the urban area to be maintained in the future, and an aspirational rural standard to increase provision in the rural area.
6.8 People feel there is satisfactory provision in both the urban (71%) and rural (67%) areas. This is interesting as there is very little provision of parks and gardens in the rural area, therefore people are likely to perceive other types of open space as parks and gardens.
Proposed Parks and Gardens Quantity Standard Urban 1.5 Hectares per 1000 Population Rural 1.0 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.9 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that ‘where an overall standard for parks and amenity space was provided, the median level of provision was 1 ha per 1000 population. The median level of provision for local parks and gardens was 0.8 ha per 1000' para.4.2.14.
6.10 The table below shows a current surplus in the quantity of parks and gardens in the urban area, a future deficiency in the urban area, and a current and future deficit in the rural area.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Numbe Current/ and and Urban/ of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year r of Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural Sites 1000 1000 Sites Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 17 78.98 49,087 1.61 1.5 0.11 5.35 Rural 2015 1 0.06 26,269 0.00 1.0 -1.00 -26.21 Urban 2031 17 78.98 60,377 1.31 1.5 -0.19 -11.59 Rural 2031 1 0.06 28,723 0.00 1.0 -1.00 -28.66
6.11 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000 population) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or the actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 1.5 multiplied by 49,087/1000 = 34.36 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 78.98 (Ha.) minus 73.63 (Ha.) = 5.35
6.12 An above standard level of provision, or surplus in the urban area should be seen as a benefit for the urban area as it exceeds the borough wide provision, and you would expect provision of more 'formal' open space in urban areas. This also allows provision to be sustained with future population increases, at least in the short term.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 39 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 40 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
6.13 A below standard provision, or deficit in the rural area should be seen as an opportunity to enhance existing sites (such as amenity, linear greenspace, natural and semi-natural) to provide for 'formal' provision in a manner appropriate to the character and setting of the sites, and where accessibility provision is taken into account.
6.14 The projected surplus and deficiency assumes that no further open space will be provided in the future, including committed provision from the Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUE’s). The figures demonstrate the ratio of existing open space against the proposed provision standard for the current and future population.
6.15 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For parks and gardens, an estimated 30 hectares will be provided as part of the two SUE’s.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.16 The proposed parks and gardens Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A welcoming, clean and litter free site providing a wide range of leisure, recreational and enriched play opportunities for all ages, varied and well-kept vegetation, lighting with attractive and appropriate boundaries to promote the feeling of safety. The appropriate location and level of ancillary accommodation (including benches, signage, notice boards, toilets, litter bins and dog bins) with accessibility by various forms of transport. To encourage informal recreation with clear access and footpath surfacing which improves accessibility.
6.17 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for parks and gardens are:
Good (48% - 60%) Standard (36% - 47%) Poor (22% - 35%)
6.18 The table below shows that the average quality score for parks and gardens based on the 2015 audit is 43%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (39%) fall into the ‘standard’ category, with ‘good’ being the next highest (33%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (71%) fall into the ‘high’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 43% Standard 33% 39% 28% 71% 22% 7%
6.19 The quality of parks and gardens within the borough are mostly good or poor with a high value. The parks and gardens Quality map shows the good, standard and poor quality parks and gardens within the borough. Castlefields Park (PG001), Croyland Park (PG002) and Queensway (PG007 & PG012) are noted as good parks with a high value. Cedar Way Park and Garden (PG006) and Ryeburn Open Space (PG011) are of poor quality and medium value. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 41 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 42 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 43 6 Typology Assessment – Parks and Gardens
Accessibility Assessment
6.20 TEP recommend that the existing borough wide Accessibility standard of 15 minutes- walk is retained. Consultation has demonstrated that walking 15 minutes is an appropriate walking time to parks and gardens. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 15 minutes as the median walking time to parks and gardens.
Proposed Parks and Gardens Accessibility Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.21 The parks and gardens Accessibility map illustrates high accessibility to parks and gardens in the urban area and in the rural village of Wollaston. All other rural villages have no accessibility to this typology.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 44 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
Natural and Semi-Natural Open Spaces
Quantity Assessment
6.22 TEP recommend retaining the existing urban Quantity standard of 1.8 hectares per 1000 population based on the existing urban provision and Wellingborough's existing standard. TEP recommend revising the rural Quantity standard from 0.38 to 6.0 hectares per 1000 based on the existing rural provision. The rural figure excludes the large strategic sites of Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve, Irchester Country Park Nature Reserve, and Sywell Reservoir and Country Park.
Proposed Natural and Semi-Natural Standard Urban 1.8 Hectares per 1000 Population Rural 6.0 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.23 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that ‘for natural and semi-natural open space (including linear greenspace) the median level of provision was 1.78 ha per 1000' para.4.2.14.
6.24 The table below illustrates that there is a surplus of natural and semi-natural open spaces throughout the borough. In the future a deficit of natural and semi-natural open spaces is predicted.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Current/ and and Urban/ Number of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites Sites 1000 1000 Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 17 88.63 49,087 1.81 1.8 0.01 0.27 Rural 2015 28 161.22 26,269 6.14 6.0 0.14 3.60 Urban 2031 17 88.63 60,377 1.47 1.8 -0.33 -20.05 Rural 2031 28 161.22 28,723 5.61 6.0 -0.39 -11.12
6.25 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or the actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 1.8 multiplied by 49,087/1000 = 88.36 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 88.63 (Ha.) minus 88.36 (Ha.) = 0.271.8
6.26 An above standard level of provision, or surplus in the rural areas should be seen as a benefit for the rural area as it exceeds the borough wide provision, and you would expect provision of more 'informal' open space in rural areas.
6.27 A future deficit in provision of natural and semi-natural open space in the urban area creates an opportunity for additional provision through larger developments; and/or this provides an opportunity to change the use of other types of sites such as amenity or linear greenspace, particularly given the added benefits to biodiversity.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 45 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 46 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
6.28 The future deficit in the rural area needs to be weighed up against the existing provision of the large strategic sites of Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve, Irchester Country Park Nature Reserve, and Sywell Reservoir and Country Park; which more than make up for the quantitative deficit. However these sites should not negate the need to provide more locally accessible natural sites in the rural areas.
6.29 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For natural and semi-natural provision, an estimated 100 hectares will be provided as part of the two SUE’s.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.30 The proposed natural and semi-natural Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A varied site that encourages wildlife conservation, biodiversity and environmental education and awareness, making the most of natural features such as the watercourses. To encourage informal recreation, clear access and footpaths with surfaces which improve accessibility, signage and noticeboards, dog/litter bins and other appropriate ancillary accommodation should be provided. Boundaries should be attractive and promote a feeling of safety.
6.31 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for natural and semi-natural open spaces are:
Good (50% - 74%) Standard (25% - 49%) Poor (0% - 24%)
6.32 The table below shows that the average quality score for natural and semi-natural open space based on the 2015 audit is 24%, which just falls into the ‘poor’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (63%) fall into the ‘poor’ category. Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (40%) fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 24% Poor 6% 31% 63% 14% 40% 46%
6.33 The majority of natural and semi-natural open spaces have been recorded as poor quality with medium to low value. The highest scoring natural and semi-natural open space of good quality is Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve (NSN021). The natural and semi-natural Quality map shows the distribution of good, standard and poor quality natural and semi-natural open spaces throughout the borough. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 47 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 48 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 49 6 Typology Assessment – Natural and Semi-Natural
Accessibility Assessment
6.34 TEP recommend that the existing borough wide standard of 15 minutes-walk is retained. Consultation has demonstrated that walking 15 minutes is an appropriate walking time to natural and semi-natural open space. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 15-20 minutes as the median walking time to natural and semi-natural open space.
Proposed Natural and Semi-Natural Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.35 The natural and semi-natural Accessibility map illustrates that accessibility to natural and semi-natural open spaces within the borough is higher in the urban area particularly in the north. Rural villages in the north and south have no accessibility to this typology. There are a number of inaccessible semi and semi-natural open spaces in Ecton, Croyland, Finedon and Irchester which if accessible would improve accessibility to this typology in those areas.
Natural and Semi-Natural Open Space
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 50 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
Amenity Greenspace
Quantity Assessment
6.36 TEP recommend reducing the urban standard from 1.59 to 1.0 hectares per 1000 based on the existing urban provision, and retain the rural standard of 0.5 hectares per 1000.
Proposed Amenity Greenspace Standard Urban 1.0 Hectares per 1000 Population Rural 0.5 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.37 The reduction in the urban amenity greenspace standard needs to be read in conjunction with the recommendation to introduce a new standard for linear greenspace, for which there are no existing standards. This is because in the previous study (2005), linear greenspace sites were largely classified as amenity greenspace.
6.38 This considers consultation results which indicated that people feel there is satisfactory provision in both the urban (59%) and rural (55%) areas.
6.39 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that 'the median level of provision for Amenity Greenspace was 0.55 ha per 1000'. para.4.2.15.
6.40 The table below illustrates that there is a current and future deficit in the quantity of amenity greenspace within the urban and rural areas of the borough. The current deficits for amenity greenspace are not significant, as the recommended standard reflects the existing provision. The future provision requirements should be met by future developments.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Current/ and and Urban/ Number of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites Sites 1000 1000 Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 78 46.88 49,087 0.95 1.0 -0.05 -2.21 Rural 2015 36 11.75 26,269 0.45 0.5 -0.05 -1.39 Urban 2031 78 46.88 60,377 0.78 1.0 -0.22 -13.50 Rural 2031 36 11.75 28,723 0.41 0.5 -0.09 -2.62
6.41 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 1.0 multiplied by 49,087/1000 = 49.09 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 46.88 (Ha.) minus 49.09 (Ha.) = -2.21
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 51 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 52 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
6.42 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For amenity greenspace provision, an estimated 16.5 hectares will be provided as part of the two SUE’s.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.43 The proposed amenity greenspace Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A clean and well maintained site, with appropriate ancillary accommodation (benches, signage and noticeboards, dog fouling bins etc.) and landscaping in the right places, enhancing the local environment and conveniently located close to housing that is easily accessible and big enough to encourage informal play. Boundaries should be attractive and promote a feeling of safety with improved surfacing facilitating accessibility across the site.
6.44 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for amenity greenspace are:
Good (80% - 100%) Standard (40% - 79%) Poor (0% - 39%)
6.45 The table below shows that the average quality score for amenity greenspace based on the 2015 audit is 61%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (72%) fall into the ‘standard’ category. Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (60%) fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 59% Standard 15% 67% 18% 0% 60% 40%
6.46 The majority of amenity greenspace is of a standard quality and medium value. The amenity greenspace Quality map shows the good, standard and poor quality amenity greenspaces within the borough. Church Farm amenity greenspace, Bozeat (AG020) and High Street amenity greenspace, Irchester (AG108) are both of particular poor quality. Princess Way amenity greenspace (AG063) and Butts Road amenity greenspace (AG034) in Croyland are of the best quality. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 53 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 54 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 55 6 Typology Assessment – Amenity Greenspace
Accessibility Assessment
6.47 TEP recommend that the existing borough wide standard of 10 minutes-walk is retained. Consultation demonstrated that walking 10 minutes is an appropriate walking time to amenity greenspace. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 10 minutes as the median walking time to amenity greenspace.
Proposed Amenity Greenspace Standard Borough Wide 10 minutes-walk
6.48 The amenity greenspace Accessibility map illustrates that there is no accessibility to amenity greenspaces in a number of rural villages, including: Great Harrowden, Strixton, Ecton, Great Doddington and Wilby. Existing amenity greenspace provision in Grendon is not accessible.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 56 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
Linear Greenspace
Quantity Assessment
6.49 TEP recommend introducing a new urban standard for linear greenspace of 1.6 hectares per 1000 population in the urban area, and 8.0 hectares per 1000 population in the rural area, based on the existing provision. This reflects the need to acknowledge the role linear greenspaces play in providing networks of greenspace, due to their linear nature and connectivity benefits. People feel there is satisfactory provision in both the urban (59%) and rural (49%) areas.
Proposed Linear Greenspace Standard Urban 1.6 Hectares per 1000 Population Rural 8.0 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.50 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that 'for Natural and Semi-Natural open space (including Linear greenspace) the median level of provision was 1.78 ha per 1000'. (para.4.2.14).
6.51 The table below shows that the standard creates a slight deficit in the urban area and a surplus in the rural area based on the existing population, and a deficit based on the future population, and therefore provision will need to be considered, especially in terms of larger developments in the future. Provision should also be considered in terms of connecting existing open spaces along Wellingborough’s Green Infrastructure corridors.
Surplus Surplus Current Proposed and and Area of Current/ Urban/ Number Ha. Per Ha. Per Deficie Deficie Year Sites Projected Rural of Sites 1000 1000 ncy by ncy by (Ha.) Population Population Standard Standar Area d (Ha.) Urban 2015 68 78.21 49,087 1.59 1.6 -0.01 -0.33 Rural 2015 35 215.46 26,269 8.20 8.0 0.20 5.31 Urban 2031 68 78.21 60,377 1.30 1.6 -0.30 -18.39 Rural 2031 35 215.46 28,723 7.50 8.0 -0.50 -14.32
6.52 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 1.6 multiplied by 49,087/1000 = 78.54 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 78.21 (Ha.) minus 78.54(Ha.) = -0.33
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 57 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 58 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
6.53 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For linear greenspace provision, an estimated 11 hectares will be provided as part of the Wellingborough North SUE. A figure for the Wellingborough East SUE was not available at the time of calculating the provision.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.54 The proposed linear greenspace Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A well-lit and clean route that provides well-maintained sustainable transport methods and varied vegetation linking major open spaces together with ancillary facilities such as bins and seating in appropriate places. Opportunities to increase or enhance linear greenspace links between existing open spaces and the rural and urban areas should be taken where possible, in particular where this can enhance Green Infrastructure Networks.
6.55 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for linear greenspace are:
Good (41% - 61%) Standard (21% - 40%) Poor (0% - 20%)
6.56 The table below shows that the average quality score for linear greenspace based on the 2015 audit is 24%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (54%) fall into the ‘standard’ category, followed by ‘poor’ (39%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (60%) fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 24% Standard 7% 54% 39% 8% 60% 32%
6.57 Most linear greenspaces are recorded as being of a standard quality and medium value. The highest quality linear greenspace is the River Nene Green Corridor (GC037). The linear greenspaces Quality map shows the good, standard and poor quality linear greenspaces throughout the borough. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 59 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 60 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 61 6 Typology Assessment – Linear Greenspace
Accessibility Assessment
6.58 TEP recommend that a new borough wide standard of 15 minutes-walk is introduced. This reflects the need to acknowledge the role linear greenspace plays in Green Infrastructure networks, due to their linear nature and connectivity benefits.
Proposed Linear Greenspace Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.59 There is high accessibility to linear greenspace throughout the urban wards which is shown on the linear greenspace Accessibility map. Accessibility to the west of the urban area would be improved if inaccessible linear greenspace were accessible. The rural villages to the north of the urban area, Orlingbury, Isham, Little Harrowden and Great Harrowden, have no accessibility to linear greenspace. The rural villages to the south of the urban area, Irchester, Wollaston, Strixton, Grendon and Bozeat, have no accessibility to linear greenspace.
Linear Greenspace
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 62 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
Provision for Children and Young People
Quantity Assessment
6.60 TEP recommend setting a new borough wide standard of 0.65 no. per 1000 population (equivalent to 0.065 hectares per 1000 based on an average play area size in Wellingborough of 0.1 hectares). The urban standard therefore changes slightly from the existing 0.625 no. per 1000, and the rural is brought in line with the urban standard, creating a borough wide standard. People feel there is satisfactory provision in the urban area (46%) and not enough in the rural area (46%). There has been an increase in provision in the rural area since the last study (2005), therefore it is likely that local deficiencies still exist and this will be picked up in the accessibility analysis.
Proposed Provision for Children and Young People Standard Borough Wide 0.65 No. (0.065 Ha.) Per 1000 Population
6.61 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that ‘the median level of provision for designated play was identified as 0.25 ha per 1000' para. 4.2.8.
6.62 The tables below show surplus and deficiency in terms of No. per 1000 and Ha. Per 1000. The difference in urban and rural surplus and deficit for Ha. Per 1000 is due to the standard being consistent for both, but the average existing size of sites being different for each (urban is 0.05 ha. and rural is 0.2 ha).
Surplus Proposed Surplus Current/ Current No. and Urban/ Number No. Per and Year Projected Per 1000 Deficiency Rural of Sites 1000 Deficiency Population Population by Standard by No. Standard
Urban 2015 33 49,087 0.67 0.65 0.02 1.09 Rural 2015 16 26,269 0.61 0.65 -0.04 -1.07 Urban 2031 33 60,377 0.55 0.65 -0.10 -6.25 Rural 2031 16 28,723 0.56 0.65 -0.09 -2.67
Surplus Surplus Proposed Area of Current/ Current Ha. and and Urban/ Ha. Per Year Sites Projected Per 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Rural 1000 (Ha.) Population Population by by Area Standard Standard (Ha.) Urban 2015 1.70 49,087 0.03 0.065 -0.03 -1.50 Rural 2015 3.10 26,269 0.12 0.065 0.05 1.40 Urban 2031 1.70 60,377 0.03 0.065 -0.04 -2.23 Rural 2031 3.10 28,723 0.11 0.065 0.04 1.24
6.63 A future deficit in provision of provision for children and young people in the urban and rural areas creates an opportunity for additional provision through larger developments; and/or this provides an opportunity to add play facilities to other types of sites such as amenity, natural and semi-natural and linear greenspace.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 63 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 64 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
6.64 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and East of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For linear greenspace provision, an estimated 12 play areas will be provided as part of the Wellingborough East SUE. A figure for the Wellingborough North SUE was not available at the time of calculating the provision.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.65 The proposed provision for children and young people Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A site providing a mix of well-maintained formal equipment and enriched play environment for all young people, in a clean, safe and attractive setting with appropriate ancillary accommodation (such as benches, dog fouling and litter bins) and accessible to all.
6.66 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for provision for children and young people are:
Good (51% - 76%) Standard (26% - 50%) Poor (0% - 25%)
6.67 The table below shows that the average quality score for provision for children and young people based on the 2015 audit is 46%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (67%) fall into the ‘standard’ category, followed by ‘good’ (31%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (50%) fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 46% Standard 31% 67% 2% 0% 50% 50%
6.68 The majority of provision for children and young people is of standard quality and of medium to low value. The provision for children and young people Quality map shows the distribution of the good, medium and poor provision for children and young people within the borough. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 65 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 66 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 67 6 Typology Assessment – Provision for Children and Young People
Accessibility Assessment
6.69 TEP recommend that the existing borough wide standard of 10 minutes-walk is retained. Consultation has demonstrated that walking 10 minutes is an appropriate walking time to provision for children and young people. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 10 minutes as the median walking time to provision for children and young people.
Proposed Provision for Children and Young People Standard Borough Wide 10 minutes-walk
6.70 Provision for children and young people is high throughout the urban area of the borough. The rural villages of Orlingbury, Great Harrowden, Hardwick, Mears Ashby, Great Doddington, Ecton and Grendon have no accessibility to this typology as illustrated on the provision for children and young people Accessibility map.
Provision for Children and Young People
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 68 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Allotments and Community Gardens
Allotments and Community Gardens
Quantity Assessment
6.71 TEP recommend retaining the existing urban standard of 0.38 hectares per 1000 population, and revising the rural standard from 1.3 to 1.2 hectares per 1000 to better reflect the current provision. This considers consultation results which indicated that people feel there is satisfactory provision in the rural area (52%). In the urban area it is satisfactory (38%), closely followed by not enough (36%).
Proposed Allotments and Community Gardens Quantity Standard Urban 0.38 Hectares per 1000 Population Rural 1.2 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.72 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport, with a new publication due in 2015. The Survey Findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that: ‘for Allotments, Community Gardens and Urban Farms, the median level of provision was 0.3 ha per 1000' para 4.2.18.
6.73 The table below illustrates that there is a current and future deficiency in the quantity of allotments and community gardens throughout the borough, most notably in the urban area.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Current/ and and Urban/ Number of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites Sites 1000 1000 Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.) Urban 2015 4 13.50 49,087 0.28 0.38 -0.10 -5.15 Rural 2015 21 30.53 26,269 1.16 1.2 -0.04 -0.99 Urban 2031 4 13.50 60,377 0.22 0.38 -0.16 -9.44 Rural 2031 21 30.53 28,723 1.06 1.2 -0.14 -3.93
6.74 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 0.38 multiplied by 49,087/1000= 18.65 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 13.5 (Ha.) minus 18.65 (Ha.) = -5.15
6.75 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For allotment provision, an estimated 6.3 hectares will be provided as part of the two SUE’s.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 69 6 Typology Assessment – Allotments and Community Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 70 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Allotments and Community Gardens
Quality and Value Assessment
6.76 The proposed allotments and community gardens Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A site that encourages sustainable development, biodiversity, healthy living and education objectives that is clean and well-maintained with clear footpaths, boundaries, good security and quality soils. Ancillary facilities to meet local needs including car parks, toilets and water supply should be provided where appropriate.
6.77 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for allotments and community gardens are:
Good (37% - 49%) Standard (25% - 36%) Poor (12% - 24%)
6.78 The table below shows that the average quality score for allotments and community gardens based on the 2015 audit is 32%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (60%) fall into the ‘standard’ category, followed by ‘good’ (24%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (96%) fall into the ‘low’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Average Quality Split Value Split Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 32% Standard 24% 60% 16% 0% 4% 96%
6.79 The quality of allotments and community gardens within the borough are mostly standard quality with low value. The allotments and community gardens Quality map shows the good, standard and poor quality allotments and community gardens within the borough.
Accessibility Assessment
6.80 TEP recommend that the existing borough wide standard of 15 minutes-walk is retained. Consultation has demonstrated that walking 15 minutes is an appropriate walking time to Allotments. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 15 minutes- walk as the median walking time to Allotments.
Proposed Allotments and Community Gardens Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.81 The allotments and community gardens Accessibility map shows that provision of allotments and community gardens is concentrated within rural villages. There is no accessibility within the 15 minute walking catchment area to this typology in the urban areas of Redwell, Queensway and Brickhill. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 71 6 Typology Assessment – Allotments and Community Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 72 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Allotments and Community Gardens
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 73 6 Typology Assessment – Cemeteries and Churchyards
Cemeteries and Churchyards
Quantity Assessment
6.82 A quantity standard for cemeteries and churchyards has not been set, as a standard expressed in this way is not appropriate for this type of provision. The table below shows the current quantity of this typology throughout the borough.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Current/ and and Urban/ Number of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites Sites 1000 1000 Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 9 11.78 49,087 0.24 n/a n/a n/a Rural 2015 27 14.00 26,269 0.53 n/a n/a n/a Urban 2031 9 11.78 60,377 0.20 n/a n/a n/a Rural 2031 27 14.00 28,723 0.49 n/a n/a n/a
6.83 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For cemetery provision, an estimated 0.5 hectares will be provided as part of the Wellingborough East SUE. A figure for the Wellingborough North SUE was not available at the time of calculating the provision.
Future Capacity
6.84 A review of future capacity for cemeteries and churchyards was undertaken to understand the quantity provision for the future. This provides a snapshot of existing churchyard and cemetery capacity, and is not a detailed needs assessment. The information, obtained from the churchyard and cemetery managers, can be found in Appendix L to this report.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 74 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Cemeteries and Churchyards
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 75 6 Typology Assessment – Cemeteries and Churchyards
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 76 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Cemeteries and Churchyards
Quality and Value Assessment
6.86 The proposed cemeteries and churchyards Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A well-maintained, clean site with a known burial capacity and a plan for the future. Provision of seating areas, clear footpaths and varied vegetation that provides a sanctuary for wildlife, where appropriate and particularly in areas devoid of greenspace. The primary function of the decent and dignified interment of human remains should be respected at all times.
6.87 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for cemeteries and churchyards are:
Good (45% - 57%) Standard (33% - 44%) Poor (20% - 32%)
6.88 The table below shows that the average quality score for cemeteries and churchyards based on the 2015 audit is 44%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (53%) fall into the ‘good’ category, followed by ‘standard’ (39%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (67%) fall into the ‘low’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 44% Standard 53% 39% 8% 3% 30% 67%
6.89 Cemeteries and churchyards within the borough are mostly good quality with low value. The cemeteries and churchyards Quality map shows the good, standard and poor quality churchyards and cemeteries within the borough. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Accessibility Assessment
6.90 There are no accessibility standards for churchyards and cemeteries in the borough, as a standard expressed in this way is not appropriate for this type of provision.
Cemeteries and Churchyards
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 77 6 Typology Assessment – Civic Spces
Civic Spaces
Quantity Assessment
6.91 A quantity standard for civic spaces has not been set, as a standard expressed in this way is not appropriate for this type of provision. The table below shows the current quantity of this typology throughout the borough.
Surplus Surplus Area Current Proposed Current/ and and Urban/ Number of Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites Sites 1000 1000 Population by by Area (Ha.) Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 2 0.82 49,087 0.02 n/a n/a n/a Rural 2015 0 0.00 28,723 0.00 n/a n/a n/a Urban 2031 2 0.82 60,377 0.01 n/a n/a n/a Rural 2031 0 0.00 28,723 0.00 n/a n/a n/a
Quality Assessment
6.92 The proposed civic spaces Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A clean, safe and attractive site that is fit for purpose, providing landscaping where appropriate and ancillary accommodation (e.g. benches, toilets) should be provided to meet local needs.
6.93 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for civic spaces are:
Good (53% - 54%) Standard (51% - 52%) Poor (49% - 50%)
6.94 The table below shows that the average quality score for civic spaces based on the 2015 audit is 52%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the one site falls into the ‘good’, and the second site falls into the ‘poor’ category. Based on the 2015 value audit scores, both sites fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Quality Value
Average Quality Split Value Split Average Criteria Score Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 52% Standard 50% 0% 50% 0% 100% 0%
6.95 The civic spaces Quality map shows the two civic spaces within the town centre. Fountain Swanspool House is of good quality, whilst the civic space at Market Street is noted as being of poor quality. Both civic spaces are of medium value. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Accessibility Assessment
6.96 There are no accessibility standards for civic spaces in the borough, as a standard expressed in this way is not appropriate for this type of provision.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 78 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Civic Spaces
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 79 6 Typology Assessment – Civic Spces
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 80 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.97 The Outdoor Sports and Recreation Facilities assessment updates the BCW Sports Facilities Strategy (2008), and compares findings with the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facility Framework (2014). Both of these documents are summarised in Section 4 of this report ‘Policy and Standards’, and in Appendix F ‘Standards Review’.
6.98 The provision of the following Outdoor Sports and Recreation Facilities has been assessed:
. Football Pitches; . Cricket Pitches; . Rugby Pitches; . Synthetic Turf Pitches; . Bowling Greens and Rinks; . Tennis Courts; . Athletics Tracks; . Golf Courses and Golf Driving Ranges; and . Closed Road Cycle Track.
Quantity Assessment
6.99 Quantity assessments for each facility listed above are provided in the subsequent sections of this report. Unless otherwise stated, the facilities information is based on Sport England Active Places Data (2015) supplemented by information obtained for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment.
6.100 In addition to individual facility standards, TEP recommend that an overall standard is set for outdoor sports sites. This standard will update the standard set by the previous Planning for Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation study in 2005. Outdoor sports sites provide a valuable contribution to open space provision generally, as well as specific sporting provision.
6.101 TEP recommend retaining the existing Borough wide standard of 2.4 hectares per 1000 population. There has been an overall decrease in the amount of outdoor sports provision since the previous study in 2005, therefore this standard reflects the need to provide the same level of provision as was previously considered appropriate for the borough. The figures exclude the large Great Harrowden Golf Club site.
Proposed Outdoor Sports Standard Borough Wide 2.4 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.102 People feel there is satisfactory provision in the urban area (52%). In the rural area people feel there is not enough (51%).
6.103 Fields in Trust (FiT) are currently reviewing their 2008 guidance Planning and Design for Outdoor Play and Sport. The survey findings for the 2015 review (based on responses from 119 local planning authorities in England and Wales) state that: 'for Playing Pitches, the median level of provision was 1.21 ha per 1000’ para 4.2.2.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 81 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.104 There is a current and predicted deficit in the quantity of outdoor sports and recreation facilities throughout the borough.
Surplus Surplus Current Proposed Area of Current/ and and Urban/ Number Ha. Per Ha. Per Year Sites Projected Deficiency Deficiency Rural of Sites 1000 1000 (Ha.) Population by by Area Population Standard Standard (Ha.)
Urban 2015 36 97.55 49,087 1.99 2.4 -0.41 -20.26 Rural 2015 35 59.56 26,269 2.27 2.4 -0.13 -3.49 Urban 2031 36 97.55 60,377 1.62 2.4 -0.78 -47.35 Rural 2031 35 59.56 28,723 2.07 2.4 -0.33 -9.38
6.105 Surplus and deficiency is expressed in terms of an above or below the standard (ha. per 1000) figure; but also in terms of the area (ha.) or actual amount of provision. This is calculated as follows: multiply the Proposed Standard by the Population/1000, and then subtract this amount from the existing Area of Sites (Ha.).
Proposed Standard multiplied by the Population/1000 2.4 multiplied by 49,087/1000 = 117.81 Subtract this amount from the existing amount 97.55 (Ha.) minus 117.81 (Ha.) = -20.26
6.106 As part of the assessment of future provision, the planned open space commitments (as of June 2015) from the two SUE’s to the North and West of Wellingborough has been tested against the proposed standards. As the new developments will become part of the urban area of Wellingborough, the provision of open space contributes to the urban standards. The calculations can be found in Appendix K to this report. For outdoor sports provision, an estimated 25 hectares will be provided as part of the two SUE’s.
Quality and Value Assessment
6.107 The proposed outdoor sports and recreational facilities Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A comprehensively well planned sports facility site, well-drained and well-kept surfaces, appropriate ancillary accommodation including changing accommodation and toilets, suitable lighting, good site access and varied and attractive landscaping. Outdoor sports facilities should be accessible by a variety of modes of transport.
6.108 Based on the 2015 quality audit scores split equally across three categories (good, standard and poor), the categories for outdoor sports and recreational facilities are:
Good (60% - 89%) Standard (31% - 59%) Poor (1% - 30%)
6.109 The table below shows that the average quality score for outdoor sports and recreational facilities based on the 2015 audit is 51%, which falls into the ‘standard’ category. In terms of the quality split, the greatest number of sites (50%) fall into the ‘standard’ category, followed by ‘good’ (38%). Based on the 2015 value audit scores, the majority of sites (80%) fall into the ‘medium’ value category.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 82 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quality Value
Average Average Quality Split Value Split Score Criteria Good Standard Poor High Medium Low 51% Standard 38% 50% 12% 0% 80% 20%
6.110 The majority of outdoor sports and recreation facilities are recorded as being of standard quality and of medium value. The outdoor sports facilities Quality map shows the distribution of good, standard and poor quality outdoor sports and recreational facilities throughout the borough. Grendon Cricket Pitch is noted as being of particularly good quality, whilst the lowest scoring outdoor sports and recreation facility is Earls Barton Junior School Sports Pitch. Refer to Appendix J for a full list of site scores.
Accessibility Assessment
6.111 TEP recommend revising the borough wide standard from 20 minutes-walk down to 15 minutes-walk. Consultation has demonstrated that walking 15 minutes is an appropriate walking time to Outdoor Sports. The Fields in Trust 2015 review also indicates 15 minutes as the median walking time to Playing Pitches and Other Outdoor Sport.
Proposed Outdoor Sports Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.112 There are many variables for outdoor sport, ranging from types of provision, to the location (urban/rural), to the use of motor transport (drive times). However the access to local facilities should be the overriding factor for setting standards.
6.113 The outdoor sports facilities Accessibility map shows good accessibility to outdoor sports and recreation facilities throughout the borough.
Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 83 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 84 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 85 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 86 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Football Pitches
Supply
6.114 Wellingborough currently has the following football pitch facilities as shown below.
Pitches BCW Site Site Name Senior Junior Ref. Area Area No. No. (Ha) (Ha) Community Use OSR025 BOZEAT PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 OSR057 CASTLE FIELDS 1 1.8 OSR050 CROYLAND PARK 2 3.6 OSR051 CROYLAND PARK 1 0.75 OSR026 DOG AND DUCK FOOTBALL FIELD 1 1.8 OSR059 EASTFIELD PARK 2 3.6 1 0.75 OSR018 FINEDON RECREATION GROUND 1 1.8 1 0.75 OSR017 GREAT DODDINGTON RECREATION GROUND 1 1.8 OSR015 GRENDON HALL 2 3.6 OSR039 GRENDON PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 1 0.75 OSR039 GRENDON SAPPHIRES FOOTBALL CLUB 2 3.6 1 0.75 OSR010 IRCHESTER RECREATION GROUND 1 1.8 OSR011 IRCHESTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 1 1.8 1 0.75 OSR009 ISHAM CRICKET CLUB 1 1.8 OSR007 MEARS ASHBY PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 OSR042 PIONEER SPORTS GROUND 2 3.6 1 0.75 OSR068 QUEENSWAY PARK 2 3.6 1 0.75 OSR061 REDHILL GRANGE SPORTS PITCH 1 1.8 OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE 2 3.6 OSR028 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY 3 5.4 OSR006 SYWELL PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 OSR004 SYWELL RECREATION GROUND 1 1.8 OSR024 THE GRANGE SPORTS FIELD 1 1.8 OSR019 TOWER SPORTS GROUND 2 3.6 1 0.75 OSR031 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE 1 1.8 OSR063 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD 3 5.4 OSR003 WILBY PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 1 0.75 OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD 1 1.8 1 0.75 OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL 3 5.4 1 0.75 OSR034 WRENN SCHOOL - ROSE ACRE SITE 2 3.6 1 0.75 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) data TOTALS 44 79.2 13 9.75
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 87 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Pitches BCW Site Site Name Senior Junior Ref. Area Area No. No. (Ha) (Ha) Other Private Pitches OSR035 FRIARS ACADEMY 1 0.75 OSR013 GRENDON PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS PITCH 1 0.75 OSR046 HARDWICK INFANT SCHOOL 1 0.75 OSR008 LITTLE HARROWDEN COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS PITCHES 1 0.75 OSR064 OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITY ADJ. TO EARLS BARTON LIBRARY 1 1.2 OSR029 REDWELL JUNIOR AND INFANT SCHOOL SPORTS PITCH 1 0.75 OSR030 RUSKIN JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS PITCH 1 0.75 OSR062 WARWICK PRIMARY SPORTS PITCH 1 0.75 OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL 6 7.2 5 3.75 OSR040 WOLLASTON PRIMARY SPORTS PITCH 1 0.75 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) data TOTAL 7 8.4 13 9.75
6.115 Football pitch provision is measured in both the number of pitches and the area (hectares). The area of pitches is based on standard sizes of senior (1.8ha) and junior facilities (0.75ha). This allows for the pitch itself (1.2ha senior, 0.5ha junior) plus car parking and ancillary facilities, equating to 150% of the pitch size. The same standard sizes were applied in the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy which allows for comparison.
6.116 The assessment for provision of football pitches is based on the existing provision of pitches with community use including; free public access, pay and play, and sports clubs, as shown in the table below. It should be noted that there is partial community use on some school sites which should be considered when assessing provision requirements.
BCW Site Site Name Access Type Ref.
Community Use OSR010 IRCHESTER RECREATION GROUND Free Public Access OSR061 REDHILL GRANGE SPORTS PITCH Free Public Access OSR004 SYWELL RECREATION GROUND Free Public Access OSR025 BOZEAT PLAYING FIELD Pay and Play OSR050 CROYLAND PARK Pay and Play OSR051 CROYLAND PARK Pay and Play OSR059 EASTFIELD PARK Pay and Play OSR017 GREAT DODDINGTON RECREATION GROUND Pay and Play OSR039 GRENDON PLAYING FIELD Pay and Play
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 88 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
BCW Site Site Name Access Type Ref.
Community Use OSR039 GRENDON SAPPHIRES FOOTBALL CLUB Pay and Play OSR068 QUEENSWAY PARK Pay and Play OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play OSR019 TOWER SPORTS GROUND Pay and Play OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD Pay and Play OSR057 CASTLE FIELDS Sports Club / Community Association OSR026 DOG AND DUCK FOOTBALL FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR018 FINEDON RECREATION GROUND Sports Club / Community Association OSR015 GRENDON HALL Sports Club / Community Association OSR011 IRCHESTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION Sports Club / Community Association OSR009 ISHAM CRICKET CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR007 MEARS ASHBY PLAYING FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR042 PIONEER SPORTS GROUND Sports Club / Community Association OSR028 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY Sports Club / Community Association OSR006 SYWELL PLAYING FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR024 THE GRANGE SPORTS FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR031 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE Sports Club / Community Association WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS OSR063 Sports Club / Community Association MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD OSR003 WILBY PLAYING FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association OSR034 WRENN SCHOOL - ROSE ACRE SITE Sports Club / Community Association
Demand
Team Generation
6.117 Demand for football pitches can be measured by Team Generation Rates, a planning and facilities tool created by Sport England. Team information has been analysed for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment based on Sport England Active Places Data, supplemented by information from Northamptonshire Football Association’s club data online.
6.118 It should be noted that at the time of writing this report, Northamptonshire Football Association were still affiliating teams for the upcoming season (2015/16) therefore the most up to date information available has been used.
6.119 Team information shown on the Wellingborough Football Clubs - Team Numbers table below has been used to asses Team Generation Rates. The 2007 team figures taken from the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy are shown for comparison.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 89 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 90 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Youth Youth Youth Adult Adult male Mini male female male female u13 under u11 & u11 to u17+ u17+ to 10 u12 u16 u16 Wellingborough Football Clubs – Team Numbers AFC RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS 7 5 3 2
ASHBY ATHLETIC 1
EARLS BARTON UNITED F.C. (INC. YOUTH, GIRLS, MINI) 3 1 4 2 9
FINEDON VICTORIA MINI SOCCER F.C 1 1 1
FINEDON VOLTA F.C. 2
FINEDON VOLTA JUNIOR F.C. 2 2 5
FINEDON VOLTA SUNDAY F.C 1
GREAT DODDINGTON YOUTH F.C. 4 2
GREAT DODDINGTON F.C. 1
GRENDON SAPPHIRES FC 1
IRCHESTER ROMANS 3 1 1 7
IRCHESTER UNITED F.C 3
ISHAM COBRAS F.C. 1
KETTERING NOMADS FC 2
WELLINGBOROUGH ALL STARS F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH AZTECS 1
WELLINGBOROUGH CROYLAND PARK RANGERS 1
WELLINGBOROUGH EXILES F.C 1
WELLINGBOROUGH GLENEAGLES F.C. 2
WELLINGBOROUGH GRAMMARIANS YOUTH F.C. 4 4 2 7
WELLINGBOROUGH HAWKS FC 1
WELLINGBOROUGH HORNETS F.C. 2
WELLINGBOROUGH KWEENSWAY F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS F.C 1
WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS SUNDAY F.C. 2
WELLINGBOROUGH PHOENIX F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH RISING SUN F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH SAXON F.C 3
WELLINGBOROUGH SHELLEY ROAD F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN F.C 3
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN YOUTH F.C 6 2
WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN MINI SOCCER F.C. 5
WELLINGBOROUGH VICARAGE FARM YOUTH MINI SOCCER F.C 4 2 3
WELLINGBOROUGH VICTORIA MILLERS F.C. 1
WELLINGBOROUGH WHITWORTHS F.C. 2 1 1
WILBY F.C. 2
WILBY YOUTH F.C. 1
WOLLASTON VICTORIA F.C. 2
WOLLASTON VICTORIA YOUTH F.C. 4
WOLLASTON VICTORIA VETERANS F.C. 2
Note: Blue Figures Include Mixed Male/Female Teams TOTAL 55 1 33 19 2 45
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 91 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Population Age Group Number of Teams in Age Population as a % of Age Teams Generated Group 2015 within Age Total Groups within Age per 1000 needed to Group Active Group Population generate a Population team Team Generation Rates – Wellingborough (2015) Mini-soccer (U7-U10s) - 6-9yrs 3579 7% 45 12.6 80 mixed Youth football - boys 10-15yrs 2786 6% 52 18.7 54 Youth football - girls 10-15yrs 2688 6% 2 0.7 1344 Men’s football 16-45yrs 14484 30% 55 3.8 263 Women’s football 16-45yrs 14546 30% 1 0.1 14546 TOTAL 38084 155 4.1 246
Population Age Group Number of Teams in Age Population as a % of Age Teams Generated Group 2007 within Age Total Groups within Age per 1000 needed to Group Active Group Population generate a Population team Team Generation Rates – Wellingborough (2007) Mini-soccer (U7-U10s) - 6-9yrs 3680 7% 52 14.1 71 mixed Youth football - boys 10-15yrs 2890 6% 40 13.8 72 Youth football - girls 10-15yrs 2890 6% 4 1.4 723 Men’s football 16-45yrs 15180 30% 50 3.3 304 Women’s football 16-45yrs 15180 30% 2 0.1 7590 TOTAL 39820 148 3.7 269
6.120 The 2015 Team Generation Rate figures show that boy’s youth football has the highest team generation rate at 18.7 teams generated per 1000 population, therefore football teams are most likely to be generated within the 10-15 year age group. The next highest is mixed mini-soccer at 12.6 teams per 1000 population.
2007 2015 Teams Teams Percentage Age Generated Generated Increase/ Groups per 1000 per 1000 Decrease Population Population Mini-soccer (U7-U10s) - mixed 6-9yrs 14.1 12.6 -12% Youth football - boys 10-15yrs 13.8 18.7 35% Youth football - girls 10-15yrs 1.4 0.7 -50% Men’s football 16-45yrs 3.3 3.8 15% Women’s football 16-45yrs 0.1 0.1 0% TOTAL 3.7 4.1
6.121 When compared, the Team Generation Rates for 2007 and 2015 show an increase in boys youth football (35%) and men’s football (15%), but a decrease mixed mini-soccer (-12%) and girls youth football (50%). It should be noted that although the figures show a decrease in girl’s youth football, and no change in women’s football, a number
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 92 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
of clubs have mixed youth and adult teams, as indicated on the Wellingborough Football Clubs - Team Numbers table above.
6.122 Using the Sport England methodology in their Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance, the Team Generation Rates can be applied to the projected future population (up to 2031) to predict future team numbers. This demonstrates where demand is likely to be focused based on the future population within age groups.
2031 % 2007 2015 Number Increase Number Number Age of Teams in Teams of Teams of Teams Groups in Age between in Age in Age Group 2015 and Group Group 2031 Mini-soccer (U7-U10s) 6-9yrs 52 45 54 20% - mixed Youth football - boys 10-15yrs 40 52 60 15% Youth football - girls 10-15yrs 4 2 2 0% Men’s football 16-45yrs 50 55 58 5% Women’s football 16-45yrs 2 1 1 0% TOTAL 148 155 174
6.123 These figures show that the highest demand is likely to be for the 6-9 year (20% increase) and 10-15 year (15% increase) age groups. The demand for the 10-15 year age band should be thought of as demand for both girls and boys, as the figures are derived from a number of mixed youth football teams.
6.124 The results from the team analysis therefore show that despite a fall in team generation rates for mini-soccer since 2008, the future population projections for 2031 show the highest demand for the 6-9 year age group. This is closely followed by the future demand for youth football for the 10-15 year age group.
6.125 The Sport England team generation models use population figures grouped by age, but it should be noted that feedback from Council’s Sports Development officer indicates that the format for junior football has changed and is not directly comparable between age groups, therefore it would be appropriate to consider demand for junior football collectively based on the youth and mini-soccer figures.
Consultation
6.126 Information on demand for football pitches has also been gathered from consultation as part of this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment with the head of football development at Northamptonshire Football Association, and responses from local clubs.
6.127 Northamptonshire Football Association say that demand for football is high across Northamptonshire, and a lot of the issues in Wellingborough reflect issues at a county level. All comments made by Northamptonshire Football Association acknowledge that there is no up to date Playing Pitch Strategy in place for Wellingborough.
6.128 In terms of barriers to increasing use and availability, Northamptonshire Football Association say that publically owned sites seem to be less plentiful and what is available seems to have inadequate maintenance. They are aware that there are a lot of school and privately owned sites that cater for the general public, but at high cost or with limited access. Northamptonshire Football Association are well aware of the
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 93 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
growing pressures on keeping facilities open and maintaining them and offer their support to work with BCW.
6.129 For demand which is currently not being met, Northamptonshire Football Association suggest that there is a need for a new all-weather training and playing facility within the area, but this should be considered as part of a wider Playing Pitch Strategy. Further discussion relating to all-weather facilities is covered in the Synthetic Turf Pitches section of this report.
6.130 Feedback from Council’s Sports Development officer indicates that flexible formats of football, particularly for adults, are becoming increasingly popular including Five-a- Side and Futsal (a variant of Five-a-Side normally played indoors), increasing the need for appropriate surfaces and venues with ancillary facilities such as floodlights and changing.
6.131 Two local clubs, Grammarians Youth Football Club, and Wollaston Victoria Youth Football Club, state that the number of mini-soccer teams has increased. One club, Irchester United, say that adult football has increased. All three clubs say they have plans to increase the number of teams.
6.132 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 10% of respondents currently participate in playing football.
Market Segmentation
6.133 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.134 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in football in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 94 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.135 The data for football participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, with higher participation in the ‘Kev’ (Pub League Team Mates); ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males); ‘Paula’ (Stretched Single Mums); and Terry (Local Old Boys) segments.
6.136 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Kev’, ‘Terry’ and ‘Frank’ (Twilight Year Gents) segments would like to participate in football compared to their current participation level.
Quantity
6.137 Using the existing community use provision of 57 pitches equating to 88.95 hectares, the quantity of pitches per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.138 The existing provision is 1.18 hectares per 1000 population, which becomes 1.00 hectares per 1000 population by 2031.
Current/ Current/ Area of Current/ Proposed Urban/ No. Projected No. Projected Year Pitches Projected Ha. Per 1000 Rural of Pitches Per 1000 Ha. Per 1000 (Ha.) Population Standard Population Population
Both 2015 57 88.95 75,356 0.76 1.18 1.18 Both 2031 57 88.95 89,100 0.64 1.00 1.18
Projected Projected Surplus Proposed Ha. Projected Surplus and Urban/ Surplus and and Year Per 1000 Deficiency by No. of Pitches Rural Deficiency by Deficiency by Standard Senior or Junior Standard Area (Ha.)
Both 2015 1.18 0.00 0.03 0 0 Both 2031 1.18 -0.18 -16.19 -9 -22
Quality
6.139 The Quality site audits were based on the Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance criteria.
6.140 A summary table of the pitch and built facility quality scores and ratings for each site audited, by access type, is provided below. All original survey forms have been provided to the Council as supporting information.
Built Football Pitch Built Site Ref Site Name Access Type Facility Pitch (%) Rating Rating (%) Irchester Recreation OSR010 Free Public Access 50 Standard 0 n/a Ground Sywell Recreation OSR004 Free Public Access 48.6 Poor 7.7 Poor Ground Redhill Grange Sports OSR061 Free Public Access 42.9 Poor 0 n/a Pitch
OSR039 Grendon Playing Fields Pay and Play 72.9 Standard 76.9 Good
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 95 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Built Football Pitch Built Site Ref Site Name Access Type Facility Pitch (%) Rating Rating (%) Redwell Leisure Centre OSR047 Pay and Play 60 Standard 40 Standard Sports pitches OSR025 Bozeat Playing Field Pay and Play 57.1 Standard 30.8 Poor OSR019 Tower Sports Ground Pay and Play 57.1 Standard 76.9 Good OSR002 Wollaston Playing Field Pay and Play 57.1 Standard 38.5 Standard Croyland Park Sports OSR051 Pay and Play 54.3 Standard 27.7 Poor Pitch Queensway Park Sports OSR068 Pitch Pay and Play 54.3 Standard 44.4 Standard
Great Doddington OSR017 Pay and Play 51.4 Standard 7.7 Poor Recreation Ground Eastfield Park Sports OSR059 Pay and Play 41.4 Poor 27.7 Poor Pitch
Wollaston School Sports Club / Community OSR001 Playing Fields 81.4 Good 69.2 Good Association Wellingborough Old Sports Club / Community OSR063 Grammarians Memorial 75.7 Standard 47.7 Standard Association Sports Field Weavers Leisure Centre Sports Club / Community OSR031 72.9 Standard 53.8 Standard Sports Pitches Association Sports Club / Community OSR057 Castlefields Sports Pitch 65.7 Standard 47.7 Standard Association Sports Club / Community OSR015 Grendon Hall 62.9 Standard 92.3 Good Association Sports Club / Community OSR042 Pioneer Sports Ground 62.9 Standard 35.4 Standard Association Sir Christopher Hatton Sports Club / Community OSR028 Academy Sports Pitches 62.9 Standard 0 n/a Association Mears Ashby Playing Sports Club / Community OSR007 Field 60 Standard 20 Poor Association Dog and Duck Football Sports Club / Community OSR026 58.6 Standard 23.1 Poor Field Association Irchester Sports Sports Club / Community OSR011 55.7 Standard 84.6 Good Association Association Finedon Recreation Sports Club / Community OSR018 54.3 Standard 53.8 Standard Ground Association Sports Club / Community OSR024 The Grange Sports Field 54.3 Standard 23.1 Poor Association Wrenn School - Rose Sports Club / Community OSR034 54.3 Standard 7.7 Poor Acre Site Association Sywell Playing Field Sports Club / Community OSR006 48.6 Poor 15.4 Poor Association Sports Club / Community OSR009 Isham Cricket Club 45.7 Poor 0 n/a Association Sports Club / Community OSR003 Wilby Playing Field 0 n/a 0 n/a Association
Ruskin junior school OSR030 Private Use 68.6 Standard 0 n/a sports pitch Wollaston primary sports OSR040 Private Use 52.9 Standard 23.1 Poor pitch Grendon Primary school OSR013 Private Use 50 Standard 23.1 Poor sports pitch
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 96 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Built Football Pitch Built Site Ref Site Name Access Type Facility Pitch (%) Rating Rating (%) Little Harrowden OSR008 Community primary Private Use 40 Poor 20 Poor school sports pitches OSR035 Friars Academy Private Use 0 n/a 0 n/a OSR046 Hardwick Infant School Private Use 0 n/a 0 n/a Redwell junior and infant OSR029 Private Use 0 n/a 0 n/a school sports pitch Warwick Primary Sports OSR062 Private Use 0 n/a 0 n/a Pitch Wellingborough School OSR054 Private Use 0 n/a 0 n/a Sports Pitches Outdoor Sports Facility OSR064 adj. to Earls Barton Unknown 45.7 Poor 7.7 Poor Library
Accessibility
6.141 As shown on the football facilities overview map, there is an even distribution of football pitches across the urban and rural areas of the Borough. The proposed overall Accessibility Standard for Outdoor Sports (15 minutes-walk) can be applied to football provision, although it should be acknowledged that many variables exist for outdoor sport including types of provision, location (urban/rural), and use of motor transport (drive times).
Recommendations
6.142 TEP propose that a standard for football pitches is set at 1.18 hectares per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Football Pitch Standard Borough Wide 1.18 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.143 When the proposed standard of 1.18 hectares per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 16.19 hectares. This equates to the equivalent of 9 senior pitches (at 1.8ha per facility) or 22 junior pitches (at 0.75ha per pitch). Demand suggests that in particular an increase in junior pitches is required.
Proposed Football Pitch Provision 9 senior pitches or 22 junior pitches by 2031
6.144 In order to provide 16.19 hectares of pitches by 2031 for an increase in population of 13744 people, 1.18 hectares of new pitches per 1000 population will be required.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 97 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Cricket Pitches
Supply
6.145 Wellingborough currently has the following cricket pitch facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map.
Pitches BCW Site Ref. Site Name Area No. (Ha) Community Use OSR043 ECTON HALL SPORTS FIELD 1 3 OSR020 FINEDON DOLBEN CRICKET CLUB 1 3 OSR014 GRENDON CRICKET CLUB 1 3 OSR011 IRCHESTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 1 3 OSR009 ISHAM CRICKET CLUB 1 3 OSR044 LITTLE HARROWDEN 1 3 OSR007 MEARS ASHBY PLAYING FIELD 1 3 OSR045 ORLINGBURY CRICKET GROUND 1 3 OSR005 & OSR065 OVERSTONE PARK CRICKET CLUB 2 6 OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE 1 3 OSR024 THE GRANGE SPORTS FIELD 1 3 OSR063 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD 2 6 OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL 4 12 OSR038 WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN CRICKET CLUB 1 3 OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD 1 3 OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL 1 3 OSR036 WRENN SCHOOL - DODDINGTON ROAD SITE 1 3 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) data TOTALS 22 66
6.146 Cricket pitch provision is measured in both the number of pitches and the area (hectares). The area of pitches is based on a standard sizes of 3ha. This allows for the pitch itself (2ha) plus car parking and ancillary facilities, equating to 150% of the pitch size. The same standard size was applied in the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy which allows for comparison.
6.147 The assessment for provision of cricket pitches is based on the existing provision of pitches with community use including; pay and play, private use, and sports clubs, as shown in the table below.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 98 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 99 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
BCW Site Ref. Site Name Access Type
Community Use OSR043 ECTON HALL SPORTS FIELD Pay and Play OSR005 & OVERSTONE PARK CRICKET CLUB Pay and Play OSR065 OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD Pay and Play OSR036 WRENN SCHOOL - DODINGTON ROAD SITE Pay and Play OSR020 FINEDON DOLBEN CRICKET CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR014 GRENDON CRICKET CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR011 IRCHESTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION Sports Club / Community Association OSR009 ISHAM CRICKET CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR044 LITTLE HARROWDEN Sports Club / Community Association OSR007 MEARS ASHBY PLAYING FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR045 ORLINGBURY CRICKET GROUND Sports Club / Community Association OSR024 THE GRANGE SPORTS FIELD Sports Club / Community Association WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS OSR063 Sports Club / Community Association MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association OSR038 WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN CRICKET CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association
Demand
Team Generation
6.148 Demand for cricket pitches can be measured by Team Generation Rates, a planning and facilities tool created by Sport England. Team information has been analysed for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment based on information verified by Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. Team information shown on the Wellingborough Cricket Clubs - Team Numbers table has been used to asses Team Generation Rates as follows.
Population Age Group Number of Teams in Age Population as a % of Age Teams Generated Group 2015 within Age Total Groups within Age per 1000 needed to Group Active Group Population generate a Population team Team Generation Rates – Wellingborough (2015) Junior cricket - boys 11-17yrs 3248 7% 29 8.9 112 Junior cricket - girls 11-17yrs 3066 6% 2 0.7 1533 Men’s cricket 18-55yrs 18637 39% 45 2.4 414 Women’s cricket 18-55yrs 18893 39% 1 0.1 18893 TOTAL 43844 77 1.8 569
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 100 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Adult Adult - - Juniors Juniors female Mini male - boys - girls 18+ 18+ Wellingborough Cricket Clubs – Team Numbers EARLS BARTON CRICKET CLUB 6 3 2 FINEDON DOLBEN CC 4 3 2 GRENDON & PRIMMS CRICKET CLUB 2 IRCHESTER CRICKET CLUB 4 1 ISHAM CRICKET CLUB 4 3 1 LITTLE HARROWDEN CRICKET CLUB 1 MEARS ASHBY CRICKET CLUB 2 OLD WELLINGBURIANS 1 OVERSTONE PARK CC 5 11 2 WELLINGBOROUGH INDIANS CRICKET CLUB 4 1 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS CRICKET CLUB 3 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS LADIES CRICKET CLUB 1 WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN CRICKET CLUB 6 5 2 2 WOLLASTON CRICKET CLUB 3 2 2 TOTAL 45 1 29 2 11
6.149 The 2015 Team Generation Rate figures show that boy’s junior cricket has the highest team generation rate at 8.9 teams generated per 1000 population, therefore cricket teams are most likely to be generated within the male 11-17 year age group. The next highest is men’s cricket at 2.4 teams per 1000 population.
6.150 Using the Sport England methodology in their Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance (2013), the Team Generation Rates can be applied to the projected future population to predict future team numbers. This demonstrates where demand is likely to be focused based on the future population within age groups. The 2007 team figures taken from the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy are shown for comparison.
6.151 These figures show that there has been an increase in boys and men’s cricket teams since 2007, with girl’s and women’s cricket teams have staying the same. The highest demand in the future is likely to be for boy’s junior cricket within the 11-17 year age group (13% increase by 2031).
2031 % 2007 2015 Number Increase Number Number Age of Teams in Teams of Teams of Teams Groups in Age between in Age in Age Group 2015 and Group Group 2031 Junior cricket - boys 11-17yrs 17 29 33 13% Junior cricket - girls 11-17yrs 2 2 2 0% Men’s cricket 18-55yrs 39 45 47 4% Women’s cricket 18-55yrs 1 1 1 0% TOTAL 59 77 84
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 101 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Consultation
6.152 Information on demand for cricket pitches has also been gathered from consultation as part of this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment with from local clubs.
6.153 Irchester Cricket Club state that open age membership has stayed the same, whilst junior membership has decreased. The club has plans to increase the number of teams by one junior team. The club has unmet demand for additional land and more ancillary facilities. They state that additional land is urgently required so that football and cricket clubs can play at the same venue independently.
6.154 Wellingborough Old Grammarians state that men’s open age and junior membership has stayed the same, whilst women’s open age membership has increased. The club has plans to increase the number of teams by one junior team and one women’s team.
6.155 Wollaston Cricket Club state that men’s open age and junior membership has increased, and they have already increased their men’s team by one this year. The club has unmet demand for additional pitches are more ancillary facilities so that their third team can play locally in Wollaston rather than further away in Emberton.
6.156 Feedback from Council’s Sports Development officer indicates that several clubs with two or more adult sections are already playing outside the local authority boundary which may indicate increased current need in provision of playing and potentially practice facilities. There is also likely to be untapped demand for less traditional formats such as indoor cricket or ‘last man stands’.
6.157 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 4% of respondents currently participate in playing cricket.
Market Segmentation
6.158 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.159 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in cricket in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.160 The data for cricket participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, with higher participation in the ‘Kev’ (Pub League Team Mates); ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males); Terry (Local Old Boys); and ‘Frank’ (Twilight Year Gents) segments.
6.161 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Kev’, ‘Terry’, ‘Frank’ and ‘Jamie’ (Sports Team Drinkers) segments would like to participate in cricket compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 102 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.162 Using the existing community use provision of 22 pitches equating to 66 hectares, the quantity of pitches per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.163 The existing provision is 0.88 hectares per 1000 population, which becomes 0.74 hectares per 1000 population by 2031.
Current/ Current/ Area of Current/ Proposed Urban/ No. Projected No. Projected Year Pitches Projected Ha. Per 1000 Rural of Pitches Per 1000 Ha. Per 1000 (Ha.) Population Standard Population Population
Both 2015 22 66 75,356 0.29 0.88 0.88 Both 2031 22 66 89,100 0.25 0.74 0.88
Projected Surplus Projected Surplus Proposed Ha. Projected Surplus and Urban/ and and Year Per 1000 Deficiency by Rural Deficiency by Area Deficiency by No. of Standard Standard (Ha.) Pitches
Both 2015 0.88 0.00 -0.31 0 Both 2031 0.88 -0.14 -12.41 -4
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 103 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quality
6.164 The Quality site audits were based on the Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance criteria.
6.165 A summary table of the pitch and built facility quality scores and ratings for each site audited, by access type, is provided below. All original survey forms have been provided to the Council as supporting information.
Cricket Cricket Site Ref Site Name Access Type (%) Rating OSR005 Overstone Park Cricket Club Pay and Play 69 Standard Redwell Leisure Centre Sports OSR047 Pay and Play 60 Standard pitches OSR002 Wollaston Playing Field Pay and Play 0 n/a OSR043 Ecton Hall Sports Field Pay and Play 0 n/a
OSR020 Finedon Dolben Cricket Club Sports Club / Community Association 89 Good OSR014 Grendon Cricket Club Sports Club / Community Association 88 Good Wellingborough Town Cricket OSR038 Sports Club / Community Association 88 Good Club OSR011 Irchester Sports Association Sports Club / Community Association 78 Standard Wellingborough Old OSR063 Grammarians Memorial Sports Sports Club / Community Association 72 Standard Field OSR045 Orlingbury Cricket Ground Sports Club / Community Association 65 Standard Mears Ashby Playing Field OSR007 Sports Club / Community Association 40 Poor
OSR044 Little Harrowden Cricket Ground Sports Club / Community Association 26 Poor Wollaston School Playing Fields OSR001 Sports Club / Community Association 0 n/a
OSR009 Isham Cricket Club Sports Club / Community Association 0 n/a Wellingborough School Sports OSR054 Sports Club / Community Association 0 n/a Pitches OSR024 The Grange Sports Field Sports Club / Community Association 0 n/a
Wrenn School - London Road OSR036 Private Use 0 n/a Site
Accessibility
6.166 As shown on the cricket facilities overview map, there is a fairly even distribution of cricket pitches across the Borough, with notably more pitches in the rural areas. The proposed overall Accessibility Standard for Outdoor Sports (15 minutes-walk) can be applied to cricket provision, although it should be acknowledged that many variables exist for outdoor sport including types of provision, location (urban/rural), and use of motor transport (drive times).
Recommendations
6.167 TEP propose that a standard for cricket pitches is set at 0.88 hectares per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Cricket Pitch Standard
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 104 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Wide 0.88 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.168 When the proposed standard of 0.88 hectares per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 12.41 hectares. This equates to the equivalent of 4 pitches (at 3ha per facility).
Proposed Cricket Pitch Provision 4 pitches by 2031
6.169 In order to provide 12.41 hectares of pitches by 2031 for an increase in population of 13744 people, 0.9 hectares of new pitches per 1000 population will be required.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 105 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Rugby Pitches
Supply
6.170 Wellingborough currently has the following rugby pitch facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map.
Pitches BCW Site Site Name Ref. Area No. (Ha) Community Use OSR063 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD 2 3.6 OSR041 WELLINGBOROUGH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB 4 7.2 OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL 4 7.2 OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL 2 3.6 12 21.6 Other Private Pitches OSR034 WRENN SCHOOL - DODDINGTON SITE 3 5.4 TOTAL 3 5.4
6.171 Rugby pitch provision is measured in both the number of pitches and the area (hectares). The area of pitches is based on a standard sizes of 1.8ha. This allows for the pitch itself (1.2ha) plus car parking and ancillary facilities, equating to 150% of the pitch size. The same standard size was applied in the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy which allows for comparison.
6.172 The assessment for provision of rugby pitches is based on the existing provision of pitches with community use as shown in the table below.
BCW Site Name Access Type Site Ref.
Community Use WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS OSR063 Sports Club / Community Association MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD OSR041 WELLINGBOROUGH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Sports Club / Community Association OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 106 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 107 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Demand
Team Generation
6.173 Demand for rugby pitches can be measured by Team Generation Rates, a planning and facilities tool created by Sport England. Team information has been analysed for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment based on information from East Midlands Rugby Football Union data online.
6.174 Team information shown on the Wellingborough Rugby Union Clubs - Team Numbers table below has been used to asses Team Generation Rates as follows.
Juniors Juniors Mini Adult - Adult - - boys - girls (mixed) male female (13-17) (13-17) (8-12 ) Wellingborough Rugby Union Clubs – Team Numbers Wellingborough Rugby Football Club LTD 5 1 4 2 7 Wellingborough Old Grammarians Rugby Football Club 2 TOTAL 7 1 4 2 7
Population Age Group Number of Teams in Age Population as a % of Age Teams Generated Group 2015 within Age Total Groups within Age per 1000 needed to Group Active Group Population generate a Population team Team Generation Rates – Wellingborough (2015) Mini-rugby - mixed 8-12yrs 4547 9% 7 1.5 650 Junior rugby - boys 13-17yrs 2319 5% 4 1.7 580 Junior rugby - girls 16-17yrs 832 2% 2 2.4 416 Men’s rugby 18-45yrs 13558 28% 7 0.5 1937 Women’s rugby 18-45yrs 13714 28% 1 0.1 13714 TOTAL 34970 21 0.6 1665
6.175 The 2015 Team Generation Rate figures show that girl’s junior rugby has the highest team generation rate at 2.4 teams generated per 1000 population; therefore rugby teams are most likely to be generated within the female 16-17 year age group. This is closely followed by boy’s junior rugby at 1.7 teams per 1000 population in the male 13-17 year age group, and mixed mini rugby at 1.5 teams per 1000 population in the mixed 8-12 year age group.
6.176 Using the Sport England methodology in their Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance (2013), the Team Generation Rates can be applied to the projected future population to predict future team numbers. This demonstrates where demand is likely to be focused based on the future population within age groups. The 2007 team figures taken from the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy are shown for comparison.
6.177 These figures show that since 2007, mixed mini-rugby and boys junior rugby teams have decreased, adult rugby teams have stayed the same, and girl’s junior rugby has increased. The highest demand in the future is likely to be for boy’s junior rugby within the 13-17 year age group (20% increase by 2031).
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 108 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
2031 % 2007 2015 Number Increase Number Number Age of Teams in Teams of Teams of Teams Groups in Age between in Age in Age Group 2015 and Group Group 2031 Mini-rugby - mixed 8-12yrs 8 7 8 12% Junior rugby - boys 13-17yrs 6 4 5 20% Junior rugby - girls 16-17yrs 0 2 2 0% Men’s rugby 18-45yrs 7 7 7 0% Women’s rugby 18-45yrs 1 1 1 0% TOTAL 22 21 23 Consultation
6.178 Information on demand for rugby pitches has also been gathered from consultation as part of this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment with from local clubs.
6.179 Wellingborough Old Grammarian’s Rugby Club state that senior and youth membership has decreased. The club has plans to increase the number of teams by one senior men’s team. The reason for these changes is a shortage of volunteers to help organise.
6.180 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 3% of respondents currently participate in playing rugby.
Market Segmentation
6.181 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.182 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in rugby union in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.183 The data for rugby participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, with higher participation in the ‘Kev’ (Pub League Team Mates); ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males); and Terry (Local Old Boys) segments.
6.184 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Kev’, ‘Terry’, ‘Frank’ and ‘Roger and Joy’ (Early Retirement Couples) segments would like to participate in rugby compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 109 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.185 Using the existing community use provision of 12 pitches equating to 21.6 hectares, the quantity of pitches per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.186 The existing provision is 0.29 hectares per 1000 population, which becomes 0.24 hectares per 1000 population by 2031.
Current/ Current/ Area of Current/ Proposed Urban/ No. Projected No. Projected Year Pitches Projected Ha. Per 1000 Rural of Pitches Per 1000 Ha. Per 1000 (Ha.) Population Standard Population Population
Both 2015 12 21.6 75,356 0.16 0.29 0.29 Both 2031 12 21.6 89,100 0.13 0.24 0.29
Projected Surplus Projected Surplus Proposed Ha. Projected Surplus and Urban/ and and Year Per 1000 Deficiency by Rural Deficiency by Area Deficiency by No. of Standard Standard (Ha.) Pitches
Both 2015 0.29 0.00 -0.25 0 Both 2031 0.29 -0.05 -4.24 -2
Quality
6.187 The Quality site audits were based on the Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance criteria.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 110 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.188 A summary table of the pitch and built facility quality scores and ratings for each site audited, by access type, is provided below. All original survey forms have been provided to the Council as supporting information.
Site Ref Site Name Access Type Pitch Rating Drainage Action Sports Club / Community OSR001 WOLLASTON SCHOOL M0 Poor D1 Needed Association WELLINGBOROUGH Sports Club / Community OSR041 M2 Good D1 Needed RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Association WELLINGBOROUGH Sports Club / Community OSR054 - n/a - - SCHOOL Association WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS Sports Club / Community OSR063 M0 Poor D1 Needed MEMORIAL SPORTS Association FIELD
Accessibility
6.189 As shown on the rugby facilities overview map, the rugby pitches are located to the west and south of the urban area, as well as within Wellingborough itself. The proposed overall Accessibility Standard for Outdoor Sports (15 minutes-walk) can be applied to rugby provision, although it should be acknowledged that many variables exist for outdoor sport including types of provision, location (urban/rural), and use of motor transport (drive times).
Recommendations
6.190 TEP propose that a standard for rugby pitches is set at 0.29 hectares per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Rugby Pitch Standard Borough Wide 0.29 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.191 When the proposed standard of 0.29 hectares per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 4 hectares. This equates to the equivalent of 2 pitches (at 1.8ha per facility).
Proposed Rugby Pitch Provision 2 pitches by 2031
6.192 In order to provide 4 hectares of pitches by 2031 for an increase in population of 13744 people, 0.29 hectares of new pitches per 1000 population will be required.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 111 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Synthetic Turf Pitches
Supply
6.193 Wellingborough currently has the following synthetic turf pitch facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map.
BCW Site Pitches Site Name Ref. No. Community Use OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Artificial Grass Pitch (Sand Dressed) 1 OSR054 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Artificial Grass Pitch (Sand Dressed) 1 OSR056 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE Artificial Grass Pitch (Sand Dressed) 1 TOTALS 3
6.194 The assessment for provision of synthetic turf pitches is based on the existing provision of pitches with community/partial community use as shown in the table below. Wellingborough School is shown twice as it has two pitches; one was built in 2001, and the second was in 2012. Wrenn School’s pitch was re-surfaced in 2014.
BCW Site Name Access Type Site Ref.
Community/Partial Community* Use WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL* Artificial Grass OSR054 Sports Club / Community Association Pitch (Sand Dressed) WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL* Artificial Grass OSR054 Sports Club / Community Association Pitch (Sand Dressed) WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE OSR056 Sports Club / Community Association Artificial Grass Pitch (Sand Dressed)
Demand
6.195 Demand for synthetic turf pitches covers several sports, and different sports have requirements for different types of pitches as follows: Sand based/sand filled with short pile – most suited to hockey but can be used for football and non-contact rugby training; and Rubber crumb with long pile known as 3rd Generation or 3G – preferred surface for football and rugby, but limited use for hockey.
Team Generation
6.196 Demand for synthetic turf pitches can be measured by Team Generation Rates, a planning and facilities tool created by Sport England. The Team Generation Rates for football and rugby can be found in the previous sections of this report. As hockey is played solely on synthetic turf, the team information for hockey has been analysed based on information from Hockey England.
6.197 Team information shown on the Wellingborough Hockey Clubs - Team Numbers table below has been used to asses Team Generation Rates as follows.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 112 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 113 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Adult - Adult - Juniors male female
Wellingborough Hockey Clubs – Team Numbers Earls Barton Ladies Hockey Club 1 Wildcatz Hockey Club 1 Wellingborough Hockey Club 2 2 4 Grammarians Ladies Hockey Club 1 Rushden & Higham Ladies Hockey Club 1 Olney Ladies Hockey Club 1 TOTAL 2 7 4
Population Age Group Number of Teams in Age Population as a % of Age Teams Generated Group 2015 within Age Total Groups within Age per 1000 needed to Group Active Group Population generate a Population team Team Generation Rates – Wellingborough (2015) Junior hockey – boys 11-15yrs 2322 5% 2 0.9 1161 Junior hockey – girls 11-15yrs 2234 5% 2 0.9 1117 Men’s hockey 16-45yrs 14484 30% 2 0.1 7242 Women’s hockey 16-45yrs 14546 30% 7 0.5 2078 TOTAL 33586 13 0.4 2584
6.198 The 2015 Team Generation Rate figures show that junior hockey has the highest team generation rate at 0.9 teams generated per 1000 population; therefore hockey teams are most likely to be generated within the 11-15 year age group. This is followed by women’s hockey at 0.5 teams per 1000 population.
6.199 Using the Sport England methodology in their Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance (2013), the Team Generation Rates can be applied to the projected future population to predict future team numbers. This demonstrates where demand is likely to be focused based on the future population within age groups. The 2007 team figures are not available as these were not included in the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy.
6.200 These figures show that the team numbers for hockey are likely to stay the same or increase only slightly. The increase from 13 to 14 teams is due to a less than one team increase across all ages, which rounds to one whole team overall.
2031 % 2007 2015 Number Increase Number Number Age of Teams in Teams of Teams of Teams Groups in Age between in Age in Age Group 2015 and Group Group 2031 Junior hockey – boys 11-15yrs - 2 2 0% Junior hockey – girls 11-15yrs - 2 2 0% Men’s hockey 16-45yrs - 2 2 0% Women’s hockey 16-45yrs - 7 7 0% *rounded up TOTAL - 13 14* figure
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 114 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Consultation
6.201 Information on demand for synthetic turf pitches has also been gathered from consultation as part of this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment with Northamptonshire Football Association and England Hockey.
6.202 Northamptonshire Football Association state that facility improvement will be a focus of the Football Association’s Whole Sport Plan, with investment helping to upgrade sand-based astro-turf pitches to 3G ‘rubber crumb’ surfaces used for training, coach education, small-sided and 11-a-side football. The investment into these facilities will underpin the number of different programmes being rolled out to drive participation.
6.203 Northamptonshire Football Association (NFA) are aware that Wellingborough has sites that potentially could be upgraded to 3G pitch surfaces. Feedback from Council’s Sports Development officer adds that the NFA have worked alongside the Borough Council to identify a potential suitable site for a 3G facility and have prioritised the area for Football Foundation investment in recognition of the need to serve the local football community for adequate training provision.
6.204 England Hockey have conveyed that the synthetic turf facilities in Wellingborough are currently very popular with hockey teams in Wellingborough and demand is high. As a county, Northamptonshire has been a 13% growth in hockey (2014 figures), which is higher than the national average.
6.205 Hockey clubs use the pitches at Wellingborough and Wrenn School, both acting as ‘hubs’ for hockey provision, with the pitches at Wrenn also being used for football. England Hockey are aware of the potential to update existing sand-based pitches to 3G pitches, but this would mean the pitches would not be suitable for playing hockey, and therefore they feel there is a need to protect the existing sand-based pitches for hockey whilst providing 3G pitches as a separate facility.
Market Segmentation
6.206 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.207 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in hockey in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.208 The data for hockey participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but it is notably higher in Northamptonshire than the East Midlands for some segments, and Wellingborough is higher than the county, regional and national levels in several segments. Of particular note is the higher than average participation by the ‘Jackie’ (Middle England Mums) and ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males) segments.
6.209 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Jackie’, ‘Leanne’ (Supportive Singles) and ‘Paula’ (Stretched Single Mums) segments would like to participate in hockey compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 115 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.210 Using the existing community use provision of 3 pitches, the quantity of pitches per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.211 The existing provision is 0.04 pitches per 1000 population, which becomes 0.03 pitches per 1000 population by 2031.
Projected Projected Current/ Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus No. Current/ Projected Surplus Urban/ No. Per and and Year of Projected No. Per and Rural 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Pitches Population 1000 Deficiency Standard by by No. of Population by No. Standard Pitches Both 2015 3 75,356 0.04 0.05 -0.01 -0.77 -1 Both 2031 3 89,100 0.03 0.05 -0.02 -1.46 -1
Quality
6.212 As the synthetic turf pitches are well used; have been upgraded recently (2014) in the case of Wrenn School; or are independently funded in the case of Wellingborough School, the pitches can be deemed to be fit for purpose and not requiring any improvements at the present time, although will need to be reviewed in the period up to 2031.
Accessibility
6.213 Both synthetic pitch facilities are located towards the centre of Wellingborough. This allows for access to the majority of the urban population, with the expectation that people will use motor transport from the rural areas.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 116 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Recommendations
6.214 TEP propose that a standard for synthetic turf pitches is set at 0.05 pitches per 1000 population based on increasing the existing provision.
Proposed Synthetic Turf Pitch Standard Borough Wide 0.05 Pitches per 1000 Population
6.215 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.04 pitches per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. Based on the existing provision in Wellingborough of 0.04 pitches per 1000 population, there was no requirement for additional facilities by 2031. The study did note that Wellingborough are seeking to secure a 3G facility in the area as there are currently no 3G facilities, and this is limiting use for football and rugby. It was also noted in the study that the Football Association feels there may be future possibilities of utilising 3G pitches for league games, increasing the demand on 3G pitches.
6.216 When the proposed standard of 0.05 pitches per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of just less than one pitch in 2015, and one and a half pitches by 2031. Therefore there is demand for a new synthetic turf pitch in the short term which will also meet demand (and least in part) up to 2031. Changes to trends in use of synthetic pitches indicate that demand will continue to increase therefore consideration should be given to further provision up to and beyond the 2031 requirements.
Proposed Synthetic Turf Pitch Provision Provide 1 pitch in the short term to meet requirements up to 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 117 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Bowling Greens and Rinks
Supply
6.217 Wellingborough currently has the following outdoor and indoor bowls facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map.
Greens BCW Site Ref. Site Name No. Area (Ha) Outdoor Bowls OSR022 EARLS BARTON TENNIS & BOWLS 1 2 OSR018 FINEDON RECREATION GROUND 1 2 OSR012 IRCHESTER BOWLS CLUB 1 2 OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE 1 2 OSR052 SWANSPOOL GARDENS BOWLING GREEN 2 4 WELLINGBOROUGH OUTDOOR BOWLS OSR048 2 * 4 (HATTON PARK) * Reducing to 1 green by 2016 TOTALS 8 16 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) data
Rinks BCW Site Ref. Site Name No. Indoor Bowls WELLINGBOROUGH BOWLING CLUB (HATTON ISR002 6 PARK)
6.218 Outdoor bowls provision is measured in both the number of greens and the area (hectares). The area of greens is based on a standard size of 2 hectares. This allows for the green with a small clubhouse. The same standard sizes were applied in the 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy which allows for comparison.
6.219 The assessment for provision of bowls is based on the existing provision of greens/rinks with public and private ownership, as shown in the table below.
Ownership BCW Site Ref. Site Name Type
OSR018 FINEDON RECREATION GROUND Public OSR047 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE Public OSR052 SWANSPOOL GARDENS BOWLING GREEN Public OSR022 EARLS BARTON TENNIS & BOWLS Private OSR012 IRCHESTER BOWLS CLUB Private WELLINGBOROUGH OUTDOOR BOWLS OSR048 Private (HATTON PARK) WELLINGBOROUGH BOWLING CLUB ISR002 Sports Club (HATTON PARK)
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 118 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 119 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Demand
Consultation
6.220 Consultation feedback from Redwell Bowls club indicates that improvements are needed to the bowling facilities including seating (outdoor benches and portable chairs), shelter, heating, secure fencing, replacement equipment.
6.221 Irchester Bowls Club responded to the sports facilities consultation questionnaire and indicate that in terms of demand, they expect this to be similar to current use, although they have seen an increase in short mat indoor bowls over the past 5 years. This chimes with the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014), which indicates that historically, indoor bowls is more popular in areas of England where the outdoor game is played on flat greens (as opposed to crown greens). Northamptonshire outdoor bowling is flat, therefore locally indoor bowls is likely to be more popular than in other areas.
6.222 In terms of demand, Redwell Bowls Club state that demand has increased and that this is likely to continue through recruitment drives.
6.223 Feedback was received from the English Indoor Bowls Association (the National Governing Body for Level Green Indoor Bowls). Their Sport England funded ‘Development Whole Sport Plan’ is targeted at: a growth in participation across the adult population (55+); an excellent sporting experience for existing participants to keep them playing Indoor Bowls; and a growth in participation of those who have disabilities.
6.224 The English Indoor Bowls Association say that Wellingborough is not a priority area for the sport and acknowledge that the existing 6 rink indoor facility (Wellingborough Bowls Club), satisfies the demand in Wellingborough.
6.225 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 8% of respondents currently participate in bowling.
Market Segmentation
6.226 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.227 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in bowls in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.228 The data for bowls participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a higher than the county, regional and national levels in a couple segments. Of particular note is the higher than average participation by the ‘Frank’ (Twilight Year Gents) and ‘Elsie and Arnold’ (Retirement Home Singles) segments. There is a lower than average participation in the ‘Ralph & Phyllis’ (Comfortable Retired Couples) segment.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 120 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.229 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Roger and Joy’ (Early Retirement Couples) and ‘Terry’ (Local Old Boys) would like to participate in bowls compared to their current participation level.
Quantity
6.230 For outdoor bowls, using the existing provision of 8 greens equating to 16 hectares, the quantity of greens per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.231 For the future population calculations (2031), the number of greens has been reduced to 7, equating to 14 hectares; as Bowls Northamptonshire confirmed during the consultation that Wellingborough Bowling Club will go from 2 greens to 1 green by 2016.
6.232 The existing provision is 0.21 hectares per 1000 population, which becomes 0.19 hectares per 1000 population by 2016, and 0.16 hectares per 1000 2031.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 121 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Current/ Proposed No. Area of Current/ Current/ Projected Urban/ Projected Ha. Ha. Per Year of Greens Projected No. Per 1000 Rural Per 1000 1000 Greens (Ha.) Population Population Population Standard
Both 2015 8 16 75,356 0.11 0.21 0.21 Both 2016 7 14 75,356 0.09 0.19 0.21 Both 2031 7 14 89,100 0.08 0.16 0.21
Proposed Projected Surplus and Projected Surplus Projected Surplus and Urban/ Ha. Per Year Deficiency by and Deficiency by Deficiency by No. of Rural 1000 Standard Area (Ha.) Greens Standard
Both 2015 0.21 0.00 0.18 0 Both 2016 0.21 -0.02 -1.82 -1 Both 2031 0.21 -0.05 -4.71 -2
6.233 For indoor bowls, using the existing provision of 6 rinks, the quantity of rinks per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.234 The existing provision is 0.08 rinks per 1000 population, which becomes 0.07 rinks per 1000 2031.
Projected Surplus Projected Current/ Projected and Proposed Surplus No. Current/ Projected Surplus Deficiency Urban/ No. Per and Year of Projected No. Per and by No. of Rural 1000 Deficiency Rinks Population 1000 Deficiency Facilities Standard by Population by No. (based on Standard 6 rink facility) Both 2015 6 75,356 0.08 0.08 0.00 -0.03 0 Both 2031 6 89,100 0.07 0.08 -0.01 -1.13 0
Quality
6.235 The 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy identified the quality of bowling greens based on information provided by Bowls Northamptonshire. The table below updates the information in the 2008 Strategy. Changes since the 2008 Strategy are: the purpose built car park for Swanspool Gardens Bowling Green; an increase from C to B Grade for Finedon Bowling Green; and Redwell Leisure Centre becoming ungraded (previously Grade A) as it is not used by Bowls Northamptonshire affiliated clubs.
6.236 The grading system is unique to Northamptonshire and is based on Bowls England criteria. The initiative is designed to encourage and support all clubs to achieve Grade A status.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 122 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
BCW Site Playing Disabled Site Name Flood Lit Changing Facilities Car Parking Fencing Ref. Surface Access
Wellingborough Bowling Greens - Quality EARLS BARTON OSR022 No Yes (male & female) No - on road A Grade Yes Partial TENNIS & BOWLS FINEDON OSR018 RECREATION Partial Yes Yes - shared B Grade Yes Yes GROUND IRCHESTER BOWLS OSR012 Yes Yes (male & female) Yes A Grade Yes Yes CLUB WELLINGBOROUGH One OSR048 OUTDOOR BOWLS Yes (male & female) Yes A Grade Yes Yes Green (HATTON PARK) SWANSPOOL Yes - shared with Yes - purpose A Grade & OSR052 GARDENS BOWLING No Yes Yes tennis built B Grade GREEN REDWELL LEISURE Not OSR047 No Yes Yes Yes Yes CENTRE Graded
Accessibility
6.237 The bowls facilities are well distributed within the urban area of Wellingborough itself, including the indoor bowls facility, and the surrounding rural towns of Finedon, Irchester and Earls Barton. There is no provision in the south of the Borough at present.
Recommendations
6.238 TEP propose that a standard for outdoor bowling greens is set at 0.21 hectares per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Outdoor Bowling Green Standard Borough Wide 0.21 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.239 When the proposed standard of 0.21 hectares per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a deficiency of 1.82 hectares, equivalent to 1 green (at 2ha per facility) by 2016, and a deficiency of 4.71 hectares, equivalent to 2 greens (at 2ha per facility) by 2031.
Proposed Outdoor Bowling Green Provision 2 Greens by 2031
6.240 TEP propose that a standard for indoor bowling rinks is set at 0.08 rinks per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Indoor Bowling Rink Standard Borough Wide 0.08 Rinks per 1000 Population
6.241 When the proposed standard of 0.08 rinks per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 1.13 rinks. As facilities are based on 6 rinks, there are no requirements to provide a new indoor bowling facility by 2031.
6.242 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is slightly lower at 0.06 rinks per 1000 population, based on the
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 123 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. Based on this standard, there would be a surplus of 1 rink, therefore no requirements to provide a new indoor bowling facility by 2031.
Proposed Indoor Bowling Rink Provision No additional rinks by 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 124 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Tennis Courts
Supply
6.243 Wellingborough currently has the following tennis facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map.
BCW Courts Site Name Site Ref. No. Community Use OSR025 BOZEAT PLAYING FIELD 1 OSR069 FINEDON TENNIS COURTS 2 OSR015 GRENDON HALL 2 OSR053 SWANSPOOL GARDENS 2 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL OSR063 3 SPORTS FIELD OSR055 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS 3 OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD 1 OSR036 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE 2 TOTALS 16 Other Private Pitches OSR022 EARLS BARTON TENNIS & BOWLS 3 OSR058 VICTORIA PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS PITCH 1 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) TOTALS 4
6.244 There are currently no indoor tennis facilities provided in Wellingborough.
6.245 The quantity assessment for provision of tennis courts is based on the existing provision of courts with community use, as shown in the table below.
BCW Site Name Access Type Site Ref.
Community Use OSR069 FINEDON TENNIS COURTS Free Public Access WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS OSR063 Free Public Access MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD OSR025 BOZEAT PLAYING FIELD Pay and Play OSR053 SWANSPOOL GARDENS Pay and Play OSR015 GRENDON HALL Sports Club / Community Association WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL TENNIS OSR055 Sports Club / Community Association COURTS OSR002 WOLLASTON PLAYING FIELD Sports Club / Community Association OSR036 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE Sports Club / Community Association
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 125 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 126 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Demand - Tennis
Consultation
6.246 Feedback was received from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) (East Region), who have confirmed that Wellingborough is not a priority area at the moment for the regional LTA. When a Local Authority becomes a priority area the LTA complete a full technical audit of facility stock, as yet this has not been done for this area.
6.247 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 10% of respondents currently participate in tennis.
Market Segmentation
6.248 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.249 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in tennis in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.250 The data for tennis participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a higher than the county, regional and national levels in some segments. Of particular note is the higher than average participation by the ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males) segment. There is a lower than average participation in lower age segments.
6.251 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Leanne’ (Supportive Singles) segment would like to participate in tennis compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 127 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Demand - Netball
Consultation
6.252 There are no specialist facilities for Netball in Wellingborough, as netball can be played on tennis courts (ideally floodlit).
6.253 England Netball said that they are very limited on facilities in Wellingborough and struggle for venues which is a major issue with supporting clubs expanding and delivering new programmes in the Wellingborough area. They have set up some back to netball programmes which have developed teams to feed into the Wellingborough League. There has also been a learning disability club set up with Northants JM’s which has been successful in recruiting over 20 new members.
6.254 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 2% of respondents currently participate in netball.
Market Segmentation
6.255 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in netball in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.256 The data for netball participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle to older female segments, and lower than average in the younger female segments.
6.257 Further information available from Sport England indicates that a higher percentage in the ‘Paula’ (Stretched Single Mums) and ‘Brenda’ (Older Working Women) would like to participate in netball compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 128 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.258 For outdoor tennis, using the existing community use provision of 16 courts, the quantity of courts per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.259 The existing provision is 0.21 courts per 1000 population, which becomes 0.18 hectares per 1000 population by 2031.
Projected Projected Current/ Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus No. Current/ Projected Surplus Urban/ No. Per and and Year of Projected No. Per and Rural 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Courts Population 1000 Deficiency Standard by by No. of Population by No. Standard Courts
Both 2015 16 75,356 0.21 0.21 0.00 0.18 0 Both 2031 16 89,100 0.18 0.21 -0.03 -2.71 -3
6.260 For indoor tennis there are no existing facilities, therefore current and future deficiencies can only be compared against a proposed standard and not existing provision, as shown below.
Projected Surplus Current/ Projected Projected and Projected Proposed Surplus No. Current/ Surplus Deficiency Urban/ No. Per No. Per and Year of Projected and by No. of Rural 1000 1000 Deficiency Courts Population Deficiency Facilities Population Standard by by No. (based on Standard Standard 3 court facility) Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.02 -0.02 -1.51 -0.5 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.02 -0.02 -1.78 -0.6
Quality
6.261 The 2008 BCW Sports Facilities Strategy identified the quality of tennis courts. The table below is the information provided in the 2008 Strategy. Northamptonshire Lawn Tennis Association have been contacted about changes since the 2008 Strategy but have not provided feedback other than verifying that the details are correct for Swanspool Gardens.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 129 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
BCW Flood Changing Playing Disabled Site Site Name Surface Car Parking Fencing Lit Facilities Surface Access Ref.
Wellingborough Tennis Courts - Quality EARLS BARTON All OSR022 No No No Average No Yes TENNIS & BOWLS weather FINEDON TENNIS All High OSR069 No Yes No Average Yes COURTS weather Quality Acrylic WELLINGBOROUGH Acrylic coating 14 OLD GRAMMARIANS OSR063 coating No Yes Yes years old - Yes Yes MEMORIAL SPORTS on tarmac needs FIELD recoating SWANSPOOL All Yes (shared OSR053 No Yes A Grade Yes Yes GARDENS weather with bowls) Average - All showing WOLLASTON weather - OSR002 Yes Yes signs of Yes Yes PLAYING FIELD synthetic wear and grass tear
Accessibility
6.262 The tennis facilities are fairly well distributed across the urban and rural areas. Within the urban area of Wellingborough itself, provision tends to be concentrated to the east and south, and in the rural areas there is less provision in the north than the south of the Borough.
Recommendations
6.263 TEP propose that a standard for outdoor tennis courts is set at 0.21 courts per 1000 population based on retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Outdoor Tennis Court Standard Borough Wide 0.21 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.264 When the proposed standard of 0.21 courts per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 3 courts.
Proposed Outdoor Tennis Court Provision 3 courts by 2031
6.265 TEP propose that a standard for indoor tennis courts is set at 0.02 courts per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
Proposed Indoor Tennis Court Standard Borough Wide 0.02 Hectares per 1000 Population
6.266 When the proposed standard of 0.02 courts per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 1.78 courts, which equates to less than 1 facility when a 3 court facility is considered optimal.
6.267 The North Northamptonshire Strategic Framework provides additional information relating to provision across North Northamptonshire, and states that the 8 court facility
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 130 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
in Corby can serve the wider population, but notes that Wellingborough, East Northamptonshire and Kettering all have limited access to indoor tennis and may look to share facility provision.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 131 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Athletics Tracks and Training Facilities
Supply
6.268 Wellingborough currently has no synthetic athletics tracks or indoor training facilities.
Demand
Consultation
6.269 The consultation with sports clubs for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment also highlighted the demand for athletics facilities in Wellingborough. Currently Wellingborough and District Athletics Club uses Wrenn School grass running track which can only be used from April to August. During the winter the senior runners run on the road or paths around the school, and the juniors train in a small hall. Membership has increased and there is a long waiting list for new members to join. Membership is limited for junior runners due to the constraints on facilities.
6.270 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 18% of respondents currently participate in running, 15% specifically in athletics.
Market Segmentation
6.271 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.272 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in athletics in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.273 The data for athletics participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle age segments. Of particular note is the higher than average participation by the ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males) segment. There is a lower than average participation in lower age segments.
6.274 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Leanne’ (Supportive Singles) and ‘Jackie’ (Middle England Mums) segments would like to participate in athletics compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 132 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.275 A quantity assessment for provision based on the proposed standard is shown in the table below. Track provision is measured by the number of lanes, with tracks generally built in 6 lanes (although smaller tracks are suitable depending on the level of demand).
Projected Surplus Projected Current/ Projected and Proposed Surplus No. Current/ Projected Surplus Deficiency Urban/ No. Per and Year of Projected No. Per and by No. of Rural 1000 Deficiency Lanes Population 1000 Deficiency Facilities Standard by Population by No. (based on Standard 6 lane facility) Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.04 -0.04 -3.01 -0.5 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.04 -0.04 -3.56 -0.6
6.276 Wellingborough currently has no existing indoor athletics training facilities. A quantity assessment for provision based on the proposed standard is shown in the table below.
Current/ Projected Projected Projected Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus No. Current/ Surplus Urban/ No. Per No. Per and and Year of Projected and Rural 1000 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Facilities Population Deficiency Population Standard by by No. of by No. Standard Standard Facilities
Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.17 0 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.20 0
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 133 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quality
6.277 Wellingborough currently has no synthetic athletics tracks or indoor training facilities.
Accessibility
6.278 The nearest synthetic track facility in North Northamptonshire is an 8 lane track in Kettering (other facilities are located in Corby and Oundle). There are no indoor athletic training facilities in North Northamptonshire.
Recommendations
6.279 TEP propose that a standard for outdoor synthetic athletics tracks is set at 0.04 facilities per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
Proposed Outdoor Athletics Standard Borough Wide 0.04 per 1000 Population
6.280 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.04 per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On this basis, 3 lanes are required to meet the provision standard in 2015 and by 2031. This does not meet the requirement for a 6 lane track facility.
6.281 When demand is taken into account there should be consideration for providing smaller facilities within Wellingborough, or aspiring to provide a larger facility in the future, which may provide wider benefits and economies of scale.
6.282 The nearest facility in North Northamptonshire is an 8 lane track in Kettering (other facilities are located in Corby and Oundle). The North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework calculates that 4 additional lanes are required in Kettering by 2031. This does not equate to a new 6 lane facility, but it indicates that demand is already high within Kettering itself. The Strategic framework notes a gap in facilities in Wellingborough and within the southern part of East Northamptonshire, which is also unlikely to be served by the 8 lane track in Northampton due to drive time.
Proposed Outdoor Athletics Provision Provide a 6 lane facility or at least some smaller facility provision
6.283 TEP propose that a standard for indoor athletics training facilities is set at 0.0023 facilities per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
Proposed Indoor Athletics Standard Borough Wide 0.0023 per 1000 Population
6.284 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.0023 per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that a significantly higher population is required to meet the requirements for an athletics training facility, therefore no new facilities are required specifically for Wellingborough.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 134 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Proposed Indoor Athletics Provision Provision should be considered for the wider North Northamptonshire area
6.285 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework suggests that there should be an indoor training facility provided within North Northamptonshire, ideally provided at an existing sports hub. The facility should serve a population of 500,000 living within 30 minutes drive (45 minutes in rural areas).
6.286 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework states that there are two large athletics clubs in North Northamptonshire, based at Corby Athletics Stadium, and Kettering Town Athletics Stadium. Although current provision largely meets demand, the report states there is a strong desire for an indoor sports facility within North Northamptonshire.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 135 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Golf Courses and Golf Driving Ranges
Supply
6.288 Wellingborough currently has the following golf courses as shown below and on the subsequent map.
BCW Site Site Name Holes Access Type Ref.
Sports Club / Community OSR016 WELLINGBOROUGH GOLF CLUB 18 Association WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community OSR027 9 (EMBANKMENT GOLF CLUB) Association
6.289 There is currently no provision of driving ranges in Wellingborough.
Demand
Consultation
6.290 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 10% of respondents currently participate in golf.
6.291 Wellingborough Golf Course responded to the sports facilities questionnaire and indicate that membership has increased over the past 5 years, and that the facilities meet the clubs needs.
6.292 Northamptonshire Golf provided feedback on England Golf’s Strategic Plan for 2014- 2017 ‘Raising Our Game’, with the key themes being: more members; more players; stronger clubs; winning golfers; outstanding championships; improved image; and excellent governance.
Market Segmentation
6.293 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.294 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in golf in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.295 The data for golf participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle to older age segments. Of particular note is the higher than average participation by the ‘Philip’ (Comfortable Mid-Life Males) segment.
6.296 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Tim’ (Settling Down Males) and ‘Kev’ (Pub League Team Mates) segments would like to participate in golf compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 136 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.297 Both the previous BCW Sports Facilities Strategy (2008) and the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) discuss the supply of golf courses. The 2008 strategy discusses supply being market led and provided privately; and the 2014 strategy considers golf courses less of a priority than golf driving ranges, due to the large number of courses in North Northamptonshire and golf not being in the top 5 sports in the area.
6.298 The need to look into the provision of driving ranges is associated with a shift to more non-traditional forms of golf as a way to increase levels of participation, as discussed in more detail in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
6.299 For driving ranges, a provision standard is recommended in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013, which has been used to asses surplus and deficiency in Wellingborough as shown below.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 137 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 138 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Current/ Projected Projected Projected Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus Current/ Surplus Urban/ No. of No. Per No. Per and and Year Projected and Rural Bays* 1000 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Population Deficiency Population Standard by by No. of by No. Standard Standard Bays
Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.24 -0.24 -18.09 -18 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.24 -0.24 -21.38 -21
Quality
6.300 Consultation suggests that the Wellingborough Golf Club course is meeting the club’s needs, and it is assumed that the independently funded Wellingborough School course is well maintained.
Accessibility
6.301 Wellingborough has two golf courses, and North Northamptonshire is well served by golf courses generally, as stated in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facility Framework (2014). There are golf driving ranges located in Kettering and Rushden, but none on the east of Northampton serving Wellingborough.
Recommendations
6.302 TEP propose that a standard for golf driving ranges is set at 0.24 bays per 1000 population, as recommended in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
Proposed Golf Driving Range Standard Borough Wide 0.24 Bays per 1000 Population
6.303 When the proposed standard of 0.24 bays per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 18 bays in 2015 increasing to 21 bays by 2031.
Proposed Golf Driving Range Provision 21 bays by 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 139 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Closed Road Cycle Track
Supply
6.304 Wellingborough currently has no existing closed road cycle track facilities.
Demand
Consultation
6.305 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 20% of respondents currently participate in cycling.
6.306 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in cycling in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
Quantity
6.307 A quantity assessment for provision when compared with the proposed standard is shown in the table below.
Current/ Projected Projected Projected Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus No. Current/ Surplus Urban/ No. Per No. Per and and Year of Projected and Rural 1000 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Facilities Population Deficiency Population Standard by by No. of by No. Standard Standard Facilities
Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.17 0 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.20 0
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 140 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Outdoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quality
6.308 Wellingborough currently has no existing closed road cycle track facilities.
Accessibility
6.309 The nearest facilities to Wellingborough are at Milton Keynes Bowl (road circuit), and Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City (banked track). The nearest BMX tracks are in Milton Keynes or Peterborough. The facilities in Milton Keynes are considered to be within the 1 hour drive time recommended by British Cycling (the National Governing Body).
Recommendations
6.310 TEP propose that a standard for closed road cycle track facilities is set at 0.0023 facilities per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014).
Proposed Closed Road Cycle Track Standard Borough Wide 0.0023 per 1000 Population
6.311 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.0023 per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that a significantly higher population is required to meet the requirements for a closed road cycle track facility, therefore no new facilities are required specifically for Wellingborough.
Proposed Closed Road Cycle Track Provision Provision should be considered for the wider North Northamptonshire area
6.312 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework suggests that there should be a closed road cycle facility provided within North Northamptonshire due to a lack of facilities across the whole county, despite the popularity in the sport (one of the top 5 sports in the area).
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 141 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.313 The Indoor Sports and Recreation Facilities assessment updates the BCW Sports Facilities Strategy (2008), and compares findings with the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facility Framework (2014). Both of these documents are summarised in Section 4 of this report ‘Policy and Standards’, and in Appendix F ‘Standards Review’.
6.314 The provision of the following Indoor Sports and Recreation Facilities has been assessed:
. Swimming Pools; . Sports Halls (including Community Centres and Village Halls); . Health and Fitness Facilities (Gyms); . Gymnastics Centres; . Indoor Athletics Training Facilities (see Athletics Tracks in Outdoor Sports); . Indoor Bowls (see Bowling Green and Rinks assessment in Outdoor Sports); and . Indoor Tennis (see Tennis assessment in Outdoor Sports);
Quantity Assessment
6.315 Quantity assessments for each facility listed above are provided in the subsequent sections of this report. Unless otherwise stated, the facilities information is based on Sport England Active Places Data (2015) supplemented by information obtained for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment.
Quality Assessment
6.316 The proposed indoor sports and recreation Quality standard is expressed as follows:
A comprehensively well planned sports facility site, with well-maintained facilities, appropriate ancillary accommodation including changing accommodation and toilets, suitable lighting and good site access. Indoor sports facilities should be accessible by a variety of modes of transport.
6.317 There are no site quality scores for this facility as quality was assessed through consultation rather than by site audits. Consultation feedback should be referred to for individual site information. This information has been provided to BCW as supporting information.
Accessibility Assessment
6.318 TEP recommend introducing a borough wide standard of 15 minutes-walk.
Proposed Indoor Sports Standard Borough Wide 15 minutes-walk
6.319 There is good accessibility to indoor sports facilities within the urban area, although there is a gap in the Croyland area. In the rural area, there is poor accessibility to indoor sports and recreation facilities in the villages of Great Harrowden, Little Harrowden, Hardwick, Wilby, Earls Barton, Little Irchester, Strixton, and Bozeat.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 142 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 143 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 144 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Swimming Pools
Supply
6.320 Wellingborough currently has the following swimming pool facilities as shown below and on the subsequent map. Swimming pool provision is measured in both the number of lanes and area (m²).
BCW Lanes Area Site Site Name Ref. No. m² Community Use ‘Pay and Play’ ISR042 SCOTT BADER SWIMMING POOL 4 150 ISR004 WAENDEL LEISURE CENTRE 6 475 TOTAL 10 625 Other Facilities ISR005 BANNATYNES HEALTH CLUB 2 160 ISR006 DIANA’S HEALTH AND FITNESS 0* 200 ISR040 FINEDON MULSO SCHOOL 0* - OSR015 GRENDON HALL Outdoor Pools ROWAN GATE PRIMARY SCHOOL Hydrotherapy Pool 0* lanes indicate smaller tank pools TOTAL 2 360 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015)
6.321 The assessment for provision of swimming pools is based on the existing provision of pools with community use (‘pay and play’), as well as other facilities such as those with registered membership use or school sites.
Demand
Consultation
6.322 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 33% of respondents currently participate in swimming. In addition to swimming, pools will also be used for swim fitness classes and learn to swim programmes.
6.323 Wellingborough currently has one swimming club; Wellingborough Amateur Swimming Club. The club uses Waendel Leisure Centre, where the club’s water time has to fit around the centre’s other commitments. Grendon Outdoor Learning Centre’s two outdoor pools were fully booked for summer 2015 which shows popularity. Rowan Gate Primary School has a hydrotherapy pool available for community use and they have seen a slight increase in community use, although limitations are size and staffing.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 145 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 146 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Market Segmentation
6.324 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.325 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in swimming in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.326 The data for swimming participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle to older age segments, but lower than average for the younger segments.
6.327 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Brenda’ (Older Working Women) segment would like to participate in swimming compared to their current participation level.
Quantity
6.328 Using the existing provision of 985 m², the quantity of pools per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.329 The existing provision is 13m² per 1000 population, which becomes 11m² per 1000 population by 2031.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 147 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Projected Surplus Projected Projected and Current/ Proposed Surplus Surplus Deficienc Area of Current/ Projected Urban/ m² Per 1000 and and y by No. Year Pools Projected m² Per Rural Population Deficiency Deficienc of Pools (m²) Population 1000 Standard by y by Area (based on Population Standard (m²) 25m 6 lane pool - 325m²) Both 2015 985 75,356 13 13 0.07 5 0 Both 2031 985 89,100 11 13 -1.95 -173 -1
Quality
6.330 No consultation feedback has been given regarding the quality of swimming pools in the Borough.
Accessibility
6.331 The swimming pools in Wellingborough are well distributed throughout the Borough. Waendel Leisure Centre pool is the only 6 lane pool in the Borough.
6.332 It should be noted that ISR041 Oakway School/Diamond Learning Centre is shown on the map, but that this site has now gone as part of the sire redevelopment, and therefore removed from the assessment. Rowan Gate Primary School hydrotherapy pool is not shown in the map.
Recommendations
6.333 TEP propose that a standard for swimming pools is set at 13m² per 1000 population based retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Swimming Pool Standard Borough Wide 13m² per 1000 Population
6.334 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 13m² per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that the optimum size of a swimming pool facility is a 25m 6 lane pool (325m²), the projected deficit by 2031 (71m² in the Strategic Framework) was not deemed sufficient to require a new facility.
6.335 When the proposed standard of 13m² per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision in this assessment, there is a future deficiency of 173 m². This also does not meet the optimum size of a swimming pool facility. However the existing provision takes into account all facilities, whereas Waendel Leisure Centre pool is the only pay and play community facility which currently meets the minimum size requirements of a 25m 6 lane pool (325m²) plus the learner/teaching pool.
6.336 When the demand for swimming is considered, there is a greater argument for a new pay and play community facility which meets the minimum size requirements.
6.337 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework identifies that swimming is one of the top 5 sports in North Northamptonshire. The study also identifies that swimming is the
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 148 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
second highest participation sport in Wellingborough, above football, cycling and athletics; the highest being going to the gym.
6.338 A 25m 6 lane pool allows for local and club swimming galas, which when combined with a learner/teaching pool, offers greater flexibility and can reduce impact on the main pool.
Proposed Swimming Pool Provision Provide 1 new community use pay and play 25m 6 lane (325m²) facility by 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 149 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Sports Halls
Supply
6.339 Wellingborough currently has the following sports halls as shown below.
BCW Site Site Name Courts Ref. Facilities with Courts ISR038 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE 1 ISR037 WRENN SCHOOL - DODDINGTON SITE 1 ISR015 WOLLASTON SCHOOL 4 ISR008 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL 4 ISR003 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE 5 & 2 ISR039 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY 3 ISR032 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY 1 ISR001 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE 5 ISR031 FRIARS ACADEMY 1 Underlined is non-Sport England Active Places Power (2015) TOTAL 27 Other Facilities with Halls ISR022 EASTON MAUDIT VILLAGE HALL - ISR023 ECTON VILLAGE HALL - ISR009 FINEDON COMMUNITY CENTRE - ISR024 GLAMIS HALL, WELLINGBOROUGH - ISR025 GREAT DODDINGTON VILLAGE HALL - ISR026 GRENDON VILLAGE HALL - ISR017 IRCHESTER METHODIST CHURCH ROOM - ISR016 IRCHESTER VILLAGE HALL - ISR011 ISHAM VILLAGE HALL - ISR012 MEARS ASHBY VILLAGE HALL - ISR013 ORLINGBURY VILLAGE HALL - ISR010 PARSONS HALL, IRCHESTER - ISR027 PRAVASI MANDAL, WELLINGBOROUGH - ISR018 REACH OUT CHURCH IRCHESTER - ISR033 ST JOHN AMBULANCE ROOM, WELLINGBOROUGH - ISR029 SYWELL VILLAGE HALL - ISR034 THE OLD DRILL HALL, WELLINGBOROUGH - ISR003 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE - ISR030 WELLINGBOROUGH DISTRICT HINDU ASSOCIATION (HIGHFIELD) - ISR035 WELLINGBOROUGH OLD GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL SPORTS - ISR008 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL - ISR036 WELLINGBOROUGH WORKING MENS CLUB - ISR014 WOLLASTON VILLAGE HALL -
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 150 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 151 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.340 The standard measurement for sports halls is the number of badminton courts contained within the floor area, although it is recognised that sports halls are used by a range of other sports.
6.341 The sports hall provision of sites with courts includes both pay and play, and sports club/community association use, as well as one private use site. The provision therefore takes into account dual use with schools.
BCW Site Site Name Access Type Ref.
Facilities with Courts ISR038 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE Pay and Play ISR037 WRENN SCHOOL - DODDINGTON SITE Pay and Play ISR015 WOLLASTON SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association ISR008 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Sports Club / Community Association ISR003 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play ISR028 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY Sports Club / Community Association ISR032 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY Sports Club / Community Association ISR001 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play ISR031 FRIARS ACADEMY Private Use
Demand
6.342 The demand for sports halls covers multiple sports and the following teams are known to use sports hall facilities in Wellingborough.
BADMINTON Club Name Facility PYGHTLE BADMINTON CLUB WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL WELLINGBOROUGH NORTHAMPTON ROAD WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL BADMINTON CLUB AND JUNIORS
NETBALL Club Name Facility NORTHANTS JMS NETBALL CLUB REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE ROYALS NETBALL CLUB SIR CHRIS HATTON SCHOOL WELLINGBOROUGH NETBALL LEAGUE WEAVERS ACADEMY WELLINGBOROUGH SUNDAY NETBALL LEAGUE WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL
BASKETBALL Club Name Facility NORTHAMPTON NETS BASKETBALL CLUB WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE WELLINGBOROUGH PHOENIX BASKETBALL CLUB SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 152 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
TABLE TENNIS Club Name Facility
WESTFIELD TABLE TENNIS CLUB WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE
KETTERING TOWN TABLE TENNIS CLUB WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE WELLINGBOROUGH OLD OLD GRAMMARIANS TABLE TENNIS CLUB GRAMMARIANS MEMORIAL SPORTS FIELD ST JOHN TABLE TENNIS CLUB ST JOHN AMBULANCE ROOM WANDERERS TABLE TENNIS CLUB MEARS ASHBY VILLAGE HALL WELLINGBOROUGH WORKING MENS CLUB TABLE WELLINGBOROUGH WORKING MENS TENNIS CLUB CLUB CHESTERWELL TABLE TENNIS CLUB THE OLD DRILL HALL
VOLLEYBALL Club Name Facility FALCONS VOLLEYBALL CLUB WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE
Consultation
6.343 Feedback from Basketball England stated that Wellingborough is not identified as a focus area for 2013-17, but there is likely increase in local and national competition teams. The sport is under consistent threat of reduction in available facility time due to restricted access or high cost, particularly the threat of closure of sports facilities. Competition for time from other sports suffocates the opportunity for growth in current hired sites and can pose a threat to the size of the existing participation base.
6.344 As discussed, England Netball said that they are very limited on facilities in Wellingborough and struggle for venues which is a major issue with supporting clubs expanding and delivering new programmes in the Wellingborough area. They have set up some back to netball programmes which have developed teams to feed into the Wellingborough League. There has also been a learning disability club set up with Northants JM’s which has been successful in recruiting over 20 new members.
6.345 The County Sports Partnershop for Boxing stated that Wellingborough Amateur Boxing Club are operating at full capacity at the training facility currently being used and that more space/sessions or a club of their own would increase capacity.
6.346 In terms of existing facilities, Redwell Leisure Centre sports hall, squash courts, and studio are all available for community use and used, with increased availability in the afternoons, as mornings and evenings are busy.
6.347 Weavers Leisure Centre sports hall, volleyball, table tennis hall are all available for community use and used. Facilities are fully booked including block bookings from clubs. They state that capacity is a barrier to use. The cite table tennis and basketball as having likely increased future demand.
6.348 Finedon Community Sports and Leisure Centre has a single court indoor facility used for badminton, but no ball games allowed due to stained glass. Regular pilates and dance classes held, but insufficient heating is stated as the main barrier.
6.349 Friars Academy sports hall has one badminton court available for community use and is used. It has educational use in the day and community use in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. There is capacity for more members but knowledge of facility is a
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 153 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
barrier to use. This is a notable point as the Sport England Active Places Data (2015) records that Friar’s Academy has Private Use, so this should be updated.
6.350 Chesterwell Table Tennis Club noted that membership has increased in last 5 years.
Market Segmentation
6.351 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.352 The graphs below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in a range of sports and recreation using sports halls in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.353 The data for table tennis participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle and older age segments, but lower than average for the younger segments.
6.354 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Kev’ (Pub League Team Mates), ‘Brenda’ (Older Working Women), ‘Roger and Joy’ (Early Retirement Couples), and ‘Terry’ (Local Old Boys) segments would like to participate in swimming compared to their current participation level.
6.355 The data for badminton participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle age segments. There is a fairly even distribution between male and female participants apart from a couple of higher male segments.
6.356 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Jackie’ (Middle England Mums) segment would like to participate in badminton compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 154 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.357 The data for basketball participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, with a spike in younger male participants.
6.358 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Jamie’ (Sports Team Drinkers) and ‘Leanne’ (Supportive Singles) segments would like to participate in swimming compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 155 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
6.359 The data for boxing participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, with the spokes being younger and mid age male segments.
6.360 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a significantly higher percentage in the ‘Jamie’ (Sports Team Drinkers) segment would like to participate in swimming compared to their current participation level.
6.361 The data for dance exercise participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle to older age segments, but lower than average for the younger segments.
6.362 Further information available from Sport England indicates that in particular a higher percentage in the ‘Alison’ (Stay at Home Mums) segment would like to participate in dance exercise classes compared to their current participation level.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 156 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.363 The quantity assessment for provision of sports halls is based on the number of facilities with badminton courts. Using the existing provision of 30 courts, the quantity of courts per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
6.364 The existing provision is 0.36 courts per 1000 population, which becomes 0.30 courts per 1000 population by 2031.
Projected Surplus Projected Current/ Projected and Proposed Surplus No. Current/ Projected Surplus Deficiency Urban/ No. Per and Year of Projected No. Per and by No. of Rural 1000 Deficiency Courts Population 1000 Deficiency Facilities Standard by Population by No. (based on Standard 4 court facility) Both 2015 27 75,356 0.36 0.37 -0.01 -1 0 Both 2031 27 89,100 0.30 0.37 -0.07 -6 -1
Quality
6.365 The following table shows when facilities were built and whether they have been refurbished.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 157 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
BCW Site Site Name Year Built Year Refurbished Ref.
Facilities with Courts ISR038 WRENN SCHOOL - LONDON ROAD SITE 1990 2007 ISR037 WRENN SCHOOL - DODDINGTON SITE 1970 - ISR015 WOLLASTON SCHOOL 1958 - ISR008 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL 1987 2003 ISR003 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE 1972 2013 (in part) ISR039 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY 1975 - ISR032 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON ACADEMY 2001 2009 ISR001 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE 1991 - ISR031 FRIARS ACADEMY 1994 -
Accessibility
6.366 There is an even distribution of sports halls within the Borough, with the most notable gaps being in Earls Barton and Bozeat. The sports halls with courts are almost all located in the urban area of Wellingborough, apart from the one in Wollaston. Likewise, the rural areas have a concentration of village halls as would be expected.
6.367 The standard proposed for access to indoor sports facilities is 15 minutes-walk. It is appropriate that this is applied to the provision of sports halls due to the multiple benefits these types of facilities can provide to a local area.
Recommendations
6.368 TEP propose that a standard for sports halls is set at 0.37 courts per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) and retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Sports Hall Standard Borough Wide 0.4 courts per 1000 Population
6.369 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.37 courts per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that the optimum size of a sports hall facility is 4 courts, the projected deficit by 2031 (7 courts) determined that at least one new facility is required.
6.370 When the proposed standard of 0.37 courts per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision, there is a future deficiency of 6 courts which also meets the requirements of at least one new facility.
Proposed Sports Hall Provision Provide 1 new sports hall facility (minimum 4 courts) by 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 158 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Health and Fitness Facilities
Supply
6.371 Wellingborough currently has the following health and fitness facilities (gyms) as shown below and on the subsequent map. Health and fitness provision is measured in the number of stations provided within each gym.
BCW Site Stations Site Name Access Type Ref. No.
Health and Fitness Facilities ISR005 BANNATYNES HEALTH CLUB Registered Membership use 98 ISR019 BODYWORKS GYM Pay and Play 15
ISR006 DIANA'S HEALTH AND FITNESS Registered Membership use 70 ISR020 FRIARS ACADEMY Registered Membership use 19 ISR001 REDWELL LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 40 ISR004 WAENDEL LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 80 ISR003 WEAVERS LEISURE CENTRE Pay and Play 27 ISR021 WELLINGBOROUGH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Sports Club / Community Association 6 ISR008 WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL Private Use 15 ISR015 WOLLASTON SCHOOL Private Use 8 FIT 4 LESS (WELLINGBOROUGH CENTRE) Registered Membership use - TOTAL 378
6.372 The assessment for provision of health and fitness facilities is based on the existing provision of gyms with community use (‘pay and play’), as well as other facilities such as those with registered membership use or school sites.
Demand
6.373 Demand for health and fitness facilities should be considered due the popularity and therefore importance of these facilities. The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework identifies that going to the gym is in the top 5 sports in all areas of North Northamptonshire. The study also identifies that going to the gym is the highest participation sport in Wellingborough, above swimming, football, cycling and athletics.
6.374 The community consultation questionnaire for this Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment, identified that 31% of respondents currently participate in gym/fitness.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 159 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 160 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.375 Using the existing provision of 378 stations, the quantity of per 1000 population figure is calculated for the current (2015) and projected future (2031) population. This is compared with the proposed standard to project surplus and deficiency of facilities, as shown in the table below.
Projected Projected Surplus and Current/ Projected Proposed Surplus Deficiency Current/ Projected Surplus Urban/ No. of No. Per and by No. of Year Projected No. Per and Rural Stations 1000 Deficiency Facilities Population 1000 Deficiency Standard by (based on 50 Population by No. Standard station facility) Both 2015 378 75,356 5.02 2.85 2.17 163 3 Both 2031 378 89,100 4.24 2.85 1.39 124 2
6.376 The existing provision is 5.02 stations per 1000 population, which becomes 4.24 per 1000 population by 2031.
Quality
6.377 No consultation feedback has been given regarding the quality of health and fitness in the Borough.
Accessibility
6.378 There is an even distribution of sports halls within the Borough, with the most notable gaps being in Croyland, Earls Barton and Bozeat. The standard proposed for access to indoor sports facilities is 15 minutes-walk. It is appropriate that this is applied to the provision of health and fitness facilities.
Recommendations
6.379 TEP propose that a standard for health and fitness is set at 2.85 stations per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013) and retaining the existing provision.
Proposed Health and Fitness Standard Borough Wide 2.85 per 1000 Population
6.380 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 2.85 per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that health and fitness stations are built in groups of 50, the projected surplus by 2031 (115 stations) lead to the conclusion that no new facilities were required.
6.381 When the proposed standard of 2.85 per 1000 population is compared against the existing provision in this study, there is a future surplus of 124 stations.
Proposed Health and Fitness Facility Provision No further provision required by 2031
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 161 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Gymnastics Centres
Supply
6.382 Wellingborough currently has no existing gymnastics centres.
Demand
6.383 The Strategic Sports Facilities Framework suggests that the two existing gymnastic facilities in Corby and Kettering meet the demand up to 2031, however there is a need for a competition venue for artistic gymnastics somewhere in the county (at present the Phoenix Centre in Daventry is used). It goes on to say that The British Gymnastics Facility Strategy aims to establish dedicated gymnastics centres for each county to encourage formation of county squads. This would provide a training and competition facility for both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, and could also cater for judo.
6.384 Nene Valley Gymnastics Club are based in Wellingborough at Weavers Leisure Centre.
Market Segmentation
6.385 Sports Market Segmentation is a web-based tool developed by Sport England. Sport England has split the adult population into 19 segments or types based on their age, gender, socio-demographic information, and overlaid sporting activity and preferences to show the sporting habits of each segment.
6.386 The graph below (Sport England), demonstrates participation in gymnastics in Wellingborough compared with the county, regional and national data.
6.387 The data for gymnastics participation in Wellingborough shows that participation largely follows the trends, but there is a slightly higher than the county, regional and national levels in the middle to older age segments, but lower than average for the younger segments.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 162 Final Report November 2015 6 Typology Assessment – Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities
Quantity
6.388 A quantity assessment for provision when compared with the proposed standard is shown in the table below.
Current/ Projected Projected Projected Projected Proposed Surplus Surplus No. Current/ Surplus Urban/ No. Per No. Per and and Year of Projected and Rural 1000 1000 Deficiency Deficiency Facilities Population Deficiency Population Standard by by No. of by No. Standard Standard Facilities
Both 2015 0 75,356 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.17 0 Both 2031 0 89,100 0.00 0.0023 0.00 -0.20 0
Quality
6.389 Wellingborough currently has no existing gymnastics centres.
Accessibility
6.390 There are existing gymnastic facilities in Corby and Kettering and a competition venue for artistic gymnastics at the Phoenix Centre in Daventry.
Recommendations
6.391 TEP propose that a standard for gymnastics is set at 0.0023 facilities per 1000 population based on the East Midlands standard (2013).
Proposed Gymnastics Standard Borough Wide 0.0023 per 1000 Population
6.392 The recommended standard in the North Northamptonshire Strategic Sports Facilities Framework (2014) is 0.0023 per 1000 population, based on the East Midlands standard provided by Sport England in 2013. On the basis that a significantly higher population would be required to meet the requirements for a gymnastics centre, no new facilities are required specifically for Wellingborough.
Proposed Gymnastics Centre Provision Provision should be considered for the wider North Northamptonshire area
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 163 7 Policy Recommendations
7 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Protection, Enhancement and Provision
7.1 The three central planning objectives that have guided the findings of this study to ensure that open space, sports and recreational facilities in Wellingborough meet the required demand are protection, enhancement and provision.
7.2 The protection of sites seeks to safeguard them from loss as a result of development or redevelopment; enhancement is carried out through improving each sites quality, accessibility and management; and provision of new sites ensures the Council meets current and future needs.
7.3 The results of the study will form an evidence base for emerging local and local strategic policy in Wellingborough and the North Northamptonshire area. The following diagram is taken from Sport England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities and shows how these three objectives relate to one another.
Planning Objectives diagram from Sport England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities 2014
7.4 The following paragraphs detail the main recommendations for policy following the results of this study. Each recommendation or set of recommendations is followed by a supporting table detailing the ‘policy references’, showing links to relevant existing and emerging national, local strategic and local policy.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 164 Final Report November 2015 7 Policy Recommenations
7.5 Recommendation 1: Wellingborough should designate Local Green Infrastructure (GI) Corridors. Higher level Sub-Regional GI Corridors are already designated through the emerging North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.
The Wellingborough Green Infrastructure Corridors Map below illustrates Local and Sub-Regional GI Corridors in relation to Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Sites.
7.6 Recommendation 2: Local Policy should be introduced to protect Green Infrastructure (GI) Corridors in Wellingborough. Policy for Green Infrastructure (GI) Corridors exists in the emerging North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy, this applies to Sub- Regional and Local Green Infrastructure Corridors. A local policy would provide additional protection to GI Corridors in Wellingborough.
7.7 Recommendation 3: As a means of protecting individual sites in Green Infrastructure GI Corridors, sites could be designated as ‘Environmentally Important Open Spaces’ (EIOS). This would require a review of the EIOS designation criteria; and a subsequent assessment of the sites against those criteria.
Policy References for Recommendations 1, 2 and 3
Chapter 11. Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment Para 114. “Local planning authorities should: set out a strategic approach in Relevant NPPF Policy their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure…”.
North Northamptonshire CSS (2008) Policy 5: Green Infrastructure Existing Local Strategic Policy Emerging North Northamptonshire JCS (2015) Policy 19: Safeguarding GI Corridors
Policy 15: Well-connected towns, villages and neighbourhoods The Plan for Borough Issue 27: Green Corridors. of Wellingborough – Should locally specific green infrastructure corridors be identified? Issues and Options Paper
7.8 Recommendation 4: Wellingborough should continue to have Environmentally Important Open Space (EIOS) and Important Amenity Area (IAA) designations; allowing both to be used in tandem but also separately dependent on each site. BCW should review EIOS and IAA criteria to ensure they are consistent with NPPF policy.
7.9 Recommendation 5: Local Policy should be introduced for ‘Local Green Space’ in line with NPPF policy.
7.10 Recommendation 6: Local Policy should be introduced advocating maintaining the proposed Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facility Provision Standards. This will support the protection of existing assets now and in the future.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 165 7 Policy Recommendations
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 166 Final Report November 2015 7 Policy Recommenations
7.11 Recommendation 7: There is no requirement for a stand-alone policy for other ‘Important Open Space’ as existing designations offer suitable protection for these sites.
Policy References for Recommendations 4, 5, 6 and 7
Chapter 8. Promoting Healthy Communities Para 73.”Information gained from [open space, sport and recreational facilities] assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is required.”
Para 74. Existing open space, sports and recreational building and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless: an assessment has been undertaken which shows open space, building or land to be surplus to requirements; or the loss… would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity to quality in a suitable location; or the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.” Relevant NPPF Policy
Para 76. “Local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify for special protection green areas of particular importance to them… Identifying land as Local Green Space should be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and… Local Green Space should only be designation we a plan is prepared or reviewed, and be capable of enduring beyond the end of the plan period.”
11. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment Para 114. “Local planning authorities should: Set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure…”
Existing Local Emerging North Northamptonshire JCS (2015) Strategic Policy Policy 20: The Nene and Ise Valley
Local Plan Saved Policies Policy L5: Important Amenity Areas
Policy G19: Environmentally Important Open Space Existing Local Policy Policy G18: Sites of Nature Conservation Value
Town Centre Area Action Plan Policy WTC17: Environmentally Important Open Spaces
Issue 28: Protecting Existing Assets. How should existing open space, sports and recreational facilities be The Plan for Borough protected at the local level? of Wellingborough –
Issues and Options Issue 29: Important Open Space that needs protection. Paper Are there any types of important open space, sports facilities which should be protected? If so, where?
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 167 7 Policy Recommendations
7.12 Recommendation 8: Existing Local Policy should be amended so that all new housing developments should contribute to off-site and on-site provision based on local standards for Quality, Quantity and Accessibility provision. Policy should avoid requirements for new quantitative provision alone, as other contributions to enhance the quality and accessibility may be more appropriate.
Policy References for Recommendation 8
Chapter 8. Promoting healthy communities Para 73.”Information gained from [open space, sport and recreational facilities] assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is required.”
Para 74. Existing open space, sports and recreational building and land, NPPF including playing fields, should not be built on unless: an assessment has been undertaken which shows open space, building or land to be surplus to requirements; or the loss… would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity to quality in a suitable location; or the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.”
Local Plan Saved Policies Existing Local Policy Policy L7: Provision of new Recreational Open Space
The Plan for Borough Issue 30: New Open Space Provision of Wellingborough – How should new open space, sports and recreational facilities be provided? Issues and Options
Paper
Mechanisms for Delivery
7.13 In order to ensure the delivery of the above policy recommendations, the Borough Council must ensure they have appropriate mechanisms in place to do this. These policy recommendations can be actioned through developer contributions and through protection under local planning policies. The following list gives the main mechanisms for delivery available to the Borough Council of Wellingborough.
Section 106
7.14 The BCW will work on a ‘Planning Obligations SPD’. This should set out the Council’s policies and procedures for securing developer contributions; explain the relationship between CIL and S106 planning obligations; and provide clear guidance to developers, landowners and stakeholders on the scope and scale of planning obligations likely to be sought for different developments.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
7.15 CIL is a planning charge that can be placed on new development to help towards funding a range of infrastructure including improvements to open space, sport and recreational facilities. BCW are working on a ‘Draft Charging Schedule’ which will set
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment 168 Final Report November 2015 7 Policy Recommenations
out rates for the area. In support of this BCW will also have an ‘Infrastructure Plan’ which will demonstrate the infrastructure required to deliver the development detailed in the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and outlines any deficit in meeting this plan via the different funding mechanisms.
Designations
7.16 BCW are also able to ensure the delivery of policy recommendations relating to “protection and enhancement” of sites through designations in local and local strategic policy. This will include the existing Environmentally Important Open Spaces (EIOS) and Important Amenity Areas (IAA) designations, as well as consideration of incorporating the ‘Local Green Space’ designation (assessed against similar criteria to EIOS and IAA) as advocated in the NPPF.
North Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure (GI) Delivery Plan (2014)
7.17 North Northamptonshire GI Delivery Plan summaries the GI projects planned and underway in the area. This plan identifies the need for significant investment to provide a net gain in GI and improve existing provision. The Plan demonstrates how specific actions will deliver strategic policies to increase the amount and benefits of green infrastructure in North Northamptonshire in line with local and national policy. The following table shows GI projects planned or underway in North Northamptonshire:
Notable changes to Planning Law regarding CIL
7.18 On 6th April 2015, the following change to planning law came into force which will affect the way Councils can use the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) putting a restriction on the pooling of planning obligations relating to specific types of infrastructure. Councils are prevented from seeking planning obligations relating to infrastructure where five or more planning obligations for that infrastructure have been entered into since 6th April 2010.
7.19 This restriction will therefore limit the ability of the Council to utilise Section 106 as a mechanism for funding strategic or non-site specific infrastructure. For example where five or more S1006 contributions have been sought towards a particular site or project after 6 April 2010, the Council will not be able to seek more obligations for that site or project. The Council will have to identify how best it will successfully operate CIL and S106 mechanisms without double charging or appearing to double charge developers for the same infrastructure type or project.
Borough Council of Wellingborough Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Audit and Assessment Final Report November 2015 169
Appendix A Population Review
Appendix B Consultation Methodology & Questionnaires
Appendix C Site Audit Methodology & Audit Forms
Appendix D Site Designations
Appendix E Planning Policy Review
Appendix F Standards Review
Appendix G Quantity Standards Review
Appendix H Quality Standards Review
Appendix I Accessibility Standards Review
Appendix J Quality and Value Scores
Appendix K Future Provision SUE Analysis
Appendix L Churchyard and Cemetery Capacity
Appendix M Other Local Plan Policies Review