REFERENCE: O&SB/04/14

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BOARD

Date: TUESDAY 8TH APRIL 2014

Time: 6.00 pm

Place: Committee Room 3 – Luton Town Hall

Councillors: Hinkley (Chair) O’Callaghan (Vice-Chair) A Khan Franks Garrett (Vice-Chair) Moles Gale Rathore Cato

*Statutory B. O’Byrne (Diocesan Representative) Diocesan Representative – Vacant Co-Optees: R. Nazar (Parent Governor Representative) M. Malik (Parent Governor Representative)

*Statutory co-optees are entitled to vote on items relating to education functions that are the responsibility of the Executive.

Quorum: 3 elected Members

Emergency Evacuation Procedure – Room 3

Proceed straight ahead through two sets of double doors, follow the green emergency exit signs to the main town hall entrance and proceed to the assembly point at St. Georges Square.

Page 1 of 210 AGENDA

Agenda Subject Page Item No. 1 Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes

1. 25th February 2014 2.1/1 – 2.1/5

3. Chair’s Update Chair to report on issues since the last meeting of the Board

4. PECUNIARY AND NON PECUNIARY INTERESTS

Members are reminded that they must disclose both the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and any personal interest that they have in any matter to be considered at the meeting unless the interest is a sensitive interest in which event they need not disclose the nature of the interest.

A member with a disclosable pecuniary interest must not further participate in any discussion of, vote on, or take any executive steps in relation to the item of business.

A member with a personal interest, which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member’s judgment of the public interest, must similarly not participate in any discussion of, vote on, or take any executive steps in relation to the item of business.

Disclosable pecuniary interests and Personal Interests are defined in the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members and Co-opted members.”

5. Urgent Business To consider any urgent business and determine when, during the meeting, any items should be discussed.

6. Active Luton – Leisure Service Review Oral Report (Oral update by the Head of Housing and Community Living)

7. Youth Service Consultation – Progress Update/Outcome Withdrawn (Report of the Head of Area Integration Service)

8. Luton Dunstable Busway – Progress Update 8/1 – 8/5 (Report of the Head of Planning and Transportation)

9. 2014 – 2021 Playing Pitch Strategy 9/1 – 9/209 (Report by the Project Manager)

10. OSB Work Programme 2014/15 & Executive Forward Plan 10/1 -10/11 - 7th April 2014 to 28th April 2014 (Report of the Democracy & Scrutiny Team Leader) Page 2 of 210 Contact Officer: Angela Fraser Direct Line: (01582) 546070 AGENDA ITEM

2.1 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BOARD

25TH FEBRUARY 2014 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT: Councillor Hinkley (Chair), Councillors Cato, Gale, Hanif, Moles, O’Callaghan, Rathore and Mr O’Byrne (Diocesan Representative)

8. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (REF: 1)

Apologies for absence from the meeting were received on behalf of Councillors Franks, Garrett and A. Khan.

9. MINUTES (REF: 2)

The minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2014, were agreed as a true record and the chair was authorised to sign them.

10. EDUCATION OUTCOMES IN LUTON SCHOOLS 2013 – FOUNDATION STAGE TO KEY STAGE 4 (REF: 6)

The Board received a report from the School Improvement Advisors updating them on the current key educational standards indicators for Luton schools for 2013. The Board was also informed of the work being undertaken by the Support, Challenge and Intervention Service in improving leadership and management, achievement, behaviour and teaching in schools.

Members were pleased to note that for 2013, there had been an improvement in reading, writing and mathematics at all levels. In particular the increase in Level 5+ in maths from 30% to 36% was a real achievement. In response to a question, officers confirmed that they would be working closely with schools to put into practice the work undertaken to improve the maths figures for other subjects.

It was noted that the 1% inadequate figure for current school OFSTED outcomes related to 1 nursery school.

Officers advised that 45% of pupils in Luton were entitled to free school meals (FSM). This figure had remained constant over several years despite it continuing to be an issue to get those entitled to Free School Meals to sign up. Members were pleased to hear that the progress in English and Maths in respect of FSM pupils had continued.

Officers briefed Members on Neighbourhood Improvement Partnerships (school to school support) and also the work undertaken by School Improvement Advisors (SIA’s) in relation to the four Support

Page2.1/ 3 of1 210

Level Categories (A,B,C and D) which identified the core level of support required by schools.

Resolved: (i) That the school improvement practices as described in the report of the School Improvement Advisor (Ref: 6) in the event of an OFSTED inspection of the Local Authority’s school support arrangements be noted;

(ii) that it also be noted that some Members may be interviewed about this area of the Council’s work as part of any future OFSTED inspection.

11. OFSTED INSPECTION OF LOCAL AUTHORITY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SERVICE (REF: 7)

The Board received a report from the Interim Head of Support, Challenge and Intervention updating them on the current arrangements for the inspection of Local Authority School Improvement Services.

Officers outlined the key indicators which would trigger an inspection including:

 Where the proportion of children who attend a good or better school, pupil referral unit and/or alternative provision is lower than that found nationally.

 Where there is a higher than average number of schools in an Ofsted formal category of concern and/or there are indicators that progress of such schools is not securing rapid improvement or where there is a higher than average proportion of schools that have not been judged to be good by Ofsted.

 Where attainment levels across the local authority are lower than that found nationally and/or where the trend of improvement is weak.

 Where rates of progress, relative to starting points, are lower than that found nationally and/or where the trend of improvement is weak.

 Where the volume of qualifying complaints to Ofsted about schools in a local authority area is a matter of concern.

Members were advised that currently, the self-evaluation framework used by the Authority indicated that the service was effective. If an inspection was triggered, Officers informed the Board that the Inspection Team would wish to meet with a range of key stakeholders including Officers, Members and Headteachers.

Resolved: That the report (Ref 7) be noted.

Page2.1/ 4 of2 210

12 PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR FOSTERING AND ADOPTION (REF: 8)

The Head of Specialist Family Support Service gave a presentation on the proposed changes to the Fostering and Adoption Service. The main aims were to:

 Increase the number of children in in-house fostering placements;  Reduce the number of children in Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) placements;  Increase the number of Adopters  Increase the number of children adopted and the timeliness of those adoptions

The following questions/comments were made:

Could Officers clarify what a A Special Guardianship Order was ‘Special Guardianship where the birth parents still retained Order’was parental responsibility. It was increasingly used for younger children but was nationally still an untested area. Why had 12 cases gone to an There could be a number of reasons Independent Fostering Agency including safety issues where some rather than retained in-house? placements were better to be done outside of Luton. Have we carried out Not formally as yet but this would be consultation around financial done within the next year. incentives? How had the timescales for Previously 72 weeks was the average placements changed? for placements. Following a national push this had now reduced to 34 weeks. This was partly due to a number of efficiency and more effective measures put in place by the Authority but also due to a change in Judges approach to cases. Do we deal with adoptions from No all these cases have to be abroad? referred to a national agency. Does the Council have any The Council viewed this as important rules for potential adopters in but would not be a ‘deal breaker’ in relation to culture/religion? any case. The Government Regulations state that consideration of these matters should not substantially delay any placement.

Resolved: That the presentation (Ref 8) be noted.

Page2.1/ 5 of3 210

13 CONSULTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT: DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR NATIONAL NETWORKS (REF: 9)

The Head of Planning and Transportation submitted a report relating to the Department for Transport Consultation on the Draft National Policy Statement (NPS) for National Networks (NN).

The Planning Officer explained that there was a need for the NN NPS due to the Networks being under considerable pressure and also to promote regional economic growth and regeneration, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

The report set out a list of questions set by the Department for Transport as part of the consultation together with the Council’s proposed response.

The Board expressed general support for the proposed response particularly in relation to improving access for people with disabilities to public transport.

Resolved: That the responses to the questions set out in the consultation at Appendix A to the report of the Head of Planning and Transportation (Ref: 9) be supported.

14 QUARTER 3 2013/14 PERFORMANCE REPORT (REF: 10)

The Corporate Improvement and Development Manager presented the report (Ref: 10) on the quarter 3 figures in the 2013/14 Performance Report. Officers highlighted details of some key measures and trends

The following questions/comments were made:

Former NI 60 / 2022SC - The Members were concerned that this percentage of core assessments indicator has been performing (Children)that were completed poorly for the past 3 years. Officers within 35 working days of their advised that the issue was with commencement workers not completing/ signing off their assessments within timescales in order that authorising managers could authorise them in time. An operational change was made within the team and the report was amended to show a ‘before and after’ position to see if the operational change was having an effect. From that date in June to the end of October, there was indeed a demonstrable improvement, however, since Page2.1/ 6 of4 210

November performance has once again dropped to previous levels. Going forward, these 2 measures are being removed as individual measures, being replaced by one single assessment process and will be reported to future meetings.

(Former NI 131) - 2C - Delayed Members asked if the monthly transfers of care (DTC) from figure was cumulative and for an hospital, and those which are explanation on how monthly attributable to adult social care per performance is calculated. Officers 100,000 population – GENERAL advised that they would look into this and advise Members before the next meeting. CTS 23 - Percentage of Officers agreed to provide controllable spend covered by Members with a basic explanation implemented category strategy as to what the indicator is measuring including details on the categories. Emerging Risks - Woodland vs Members raised a number of Essex webinar. queries including whether all LBC Schools and Trusts had been made aware of this incident.

Resolved: That Officers consider the comments listed above and report back to a future meeting on the outcomes.

15 WORK PROGRAMME (REF 11)

Resolved: That the work programme be noted.

(Note: The meeting ended at 7.55 p.m.)

Page2.1/ 7 of5 210

AGENDA OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BOARD ITEM: 8

DATE OF MEETING: 8th April 2014

REPORT AUTHOR: Phil Cunningham/ Keith Dove 546652

SUBJECT: LUTON DUNSTABLE BUSWAY (LDB) – PROGRESS REPORT

PURPOSE: To report progress on the Busway project

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The Overview & Scrutiny Board is recommended to note the report and the use of the Luton Dunstable Busway.

REPORT:

Background 1. A number of reports on the LDB have been made to the Executive, the last report being on 11th July 2011. 2. The latest progress report presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Board (O&SB) was on 15th October 2013 when it was resolved: (i) That the [Board] notes the report and the opening of the Luton Dunstable Busway. (ii) That the Overview and Scrutiny Board requests Officers bring back a report to include usage and maintenance costs and final closing figures to the 8th April 2014 meeting. 3. Previous reports have been presented to the O&SB on: 31st August 2011, 1st December 2011, 28th February 2012, 7th June 2012 and 26th February 2013.

Implementation/Construction

3. In the last O&SB meeting it was reported that the Council formally took over the Busway on 2nd August 2013 and this subsequently allowed the Busway and bus interchange to be officially opened on 24th September by the Minister for Transport and was then opened to commercial services from 25th September 2013.

Page 8 of 210 8/1 4. The Tender price for the BAMN contract set out in the Full Approval Business Case (FABC) was £51,613,363 (including the bus interchange). The current Target Cost is around £56.5 million. Most of the increase in the BAMN construction cost is currently being covered by savings in other areas, for example savings made on land acquisition costs. The risk to the Council is if the Target Cost increases due to Compensation Events (CEs). There are 420 Compensation Events and BAMN are challenging the NEC Project Manager’s decisions on many of these.

5. At a mediation that took place in mid June 2013, a confidential mediation agreement was signed in order to help put in place a “route-map” setting out actions to be taken to progress the opening of the Busway and subsequently reach an agreement on financial closure. The mediation was successful in terms of ensuring the successful opening of the Busway and also allowing a better understanding of the contractors’ position and arguments on various CEs . However, the mediation did not result in an agreement on financial closure, and as a result the Councils ended the mediation process in March. It is therefore probable that a process of adjudication will now follow.

Bus Operations

6. There are four main bus routes that use the Busway – Services A, B, C and E. In total there are 282 bus journeys operating on the Busway per day. In addition other services use the bus interchange such as the National Express Services and other services serving the airport. These result in a total number 868 other bus journeys operating on the Busway/bus interchange per day. Therefore the daily total number of bus journeys using the Busway/bus interchange is 1,150. Passenger numbers on Services A, B, C and E are currently only available up to the end of December 2013. In the three months (1st October to 31st December 2013) there were 346,854 trips on the four main Busway Services, of which only 8.3% were concessionary fares to be reimbursed by Luton.

Initial Feedback from operators and public

7. Feedback from operators and the public has generally been positive. However a number of issues have been raised since the Busway became operational and these are summarised below.

Concerns of cyclists and cycle stakeholder groups

8. The Luton Dunstable Cycle Forum, Sustrans and others expressed concerns about the cycle track’s surface (including the grasscrete areas behind the Busway stops), and also raised a number of issues about signage and connectivity to the existing cycle network and the use of ‘A frame’ barriers at all locations where people could get access to the track.

9. A note that addressed these concerns was prepared and discussed with cycling stakeholder groups, engineers and sustainable travel officers and an action plan was prepared.. The initial priorities were to:

i. Replace grasscrete behind the stops with tarmac (currently under construction) ii. Attend to unrestrained edges on some sections of the cycleway iii. Tarmac the unbound surface, starting at New Bedford Road and working towards Dunstable (dependant on funding)

Page 9 of 210 8/2

Concerns about cars travelling on the Busway

10. There were initially a fairly high number of reported incidents of cars or vans using the Busway. This is clearly not allowed and is an offence under article 34 of the Luton Dunstable Translink Order 2006. We have CCTV cameras covering all highway junctions with the Busway. The only way for a car to access the Busway is to ignore signs and road markings stating that the route is open to buses only and to drive across the car traps (either risking damage to their vehicle or deliberately creating a temporary 'bridge' from something). It is not possible to 'accidentally' find yourself in the Guideway.

11. The section where other vehicles were ‘accidentally’ gaining access to the Busway was at New Bedford Road, and particularly at peak times. The ‘car trap’ at the start of the guideway here was deepened by removing some of the gravel fill; this stopped most cars/vans progressing beyond this point but often damaged them. As a result the Dunstable bound guideway was not available for use by buses whilst the other vehicles were recovered. More recently a temporary variable message sign has been erected at New Bedford Road to reinforce the extensive existing signing. Overall the number of cars now entering the Busway has dramatically reduced.

Concerns about acts of vandalism along the Busway

12. There have been a number of acts of vandalism since the Busway opened, involving both damage to Busway stops and buses. The incidents have mainly occurred in the vicinity of the stops at Stanton Road and Clifton Road. Many of these incidents have some CCTV footage of the culprits, although in some cases this is not of sufficient clarity to form good evidence.

Concerns of residents about noise levels in their homes

13. There have been some complaints received from residents whose properties are located close to the Busway, in particular the Toland Close / Stanton Road area of Luton and Jeans Way / Ludun Close in Dunstable, about noise and vibration experienced when buses go past. Meetings have been held with the project team on-site to experience the severity of the problem.

14. As a result AECOM, who undertook the original noise sampling and modelling work, were commissioned to undertake some noise and vibration monitoring at three properties close to the Busway, including the properties of residents who had raised these concerns. The report concluded that:

 the main source of the problems is caused by low frequency noise and not vibration  there is no correlation between low frequency noise levels and different vehicles  the primary source of the noise is where the buses pass over the joints in the beams.

15. The report suggests these noise impacts might be mitigated by filling the expansion gaps between the beams. Further enquiries are now being made to source a flexible material that could mitigate these impacts, and advice is also being sought from the Council’s Environmental Protection officers given the low frequency nature of the noise.

Page 10 of 210 8/3

Proposals for additional Busway stops

16. Interest has been expressed by the bus operators, local Councillors and local residents for new stops on the Busway. Jeans Way and Chaul End have been suggested as locations where potential demands are not being served. A Jeans Way bus stop was included in the original Busway proposals but following opposition from residents (supported by their local Councillors) this was removed in around 2001. A stop at Chaul End Lane could be located near the Busway traffic signalised access point onto the Busway, and principally serve the local businesses at Chaul End retail park and at the western end of Dallow Road. Further investigation is currently being undertaken in respect to these possible new stops, though these will be subject to funding being identified.

Safety

17. There have been two accidents involving the Busway. The first was when a car lost control while driving down Hatters Way and travelled over the footway/cycleway and through a fence onto the Busway. Buses were delayed for a short period due to this incident. The second accident was when a bus failed to correctly enter the start of the guided section of Busway at Church Street, Dunstable. It would seem that this was down to driver error. There were two slight injuries in this incident.

Financial Implications

18. The latest financial estimates indicate the project will be delivered over but close to the £89.2 million cost set out in the Full Approval Business Case (FABC). However, Members should be clear that the scheme has committed the Councils (Luton and Central Beds) to funding capital costs over and above the £80.28m Government grant, and to funding the ongoing revenue costs of the project. A legal agreement between the two authorities has been signed, which provides for joint working, cost sharing and joint ownership of the Busway. Importantly, as previously reported, the Councils are required to underwrite a minimum 10% contribution of the FABC cost, i.e. £8.92m, plus any additional costs. At present there is a shortfall of around £6 million in the local contribution; this will need to be covered by the Councils if these funds are not able to be secured externally. Whilst a further £3m contribution from a future development site was included as part of the FABC, which would reduce the shortfall to £3 million, given the current financial environment this cannot be assumed to be guaranteed funding.

Revenue Costs

19. It should also be noted that there will be revenue costs arising from the introduction of the Busway, in relation to maintenance, cleaning, business rates and the operation of real time passenger information and communications equipment. The Luton revenue cost share has been estimated at £200,000 per year. Provision has been made for these revenue costs in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan. There is a risk that the maintenance budget for Luton of £200k may be inadequate, and the situation will need to be continually monitored now that the busway is operational.

Page 11 of 210 8/4 20. The revenue budget for 2013-14 is £100k with expenditure of £68.9k to mid March including expenditure on CCTV (c. £25K), routine cleaning (c. £25K) with the balance on miscellaneous items such as recovering vehicles, electricity, additional signage and bus shelter repairs.

Background papers

LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 16th October 2013

LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 26th February 2013 LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 7th June 2012 LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 28th February 2012 LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 1st December 2011 LDB Progress report to Overview and Scrutiny Board 31st August 2011 LDB report to Executive 11th July 2011 LDB report to Executive 7th December 2009 LDB report to Executive on 2nd July 2007 Motion to Council on 24th July 2007. LDB report to Executive on 28th August 2007 Annual Integrated Transport and Highway Maintenance Work Programme reports to Executive (most recent on 28th March 2011) Major Scheme Business Case 14 December 2009 Major Scheme Business Case 29 February 2008 Full Approval letter 10 March 2010 Conditional Approval letter 3 September 2008 Reports to Central Bedfordshire Executive on 8th December 2009 and their Scrutiny Committee on 28th November 2009

Clearance – agreed by: Legal This is a factual progress report. Members are not Agreed by John asked to make any operative decision that has Secker, Legal any legal implications. Services, 27th March 2014.

Page 12 of 210 8/5

AGENDA OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BOARD ITEM: 9

DATE OF MEETING: 8th April 2014

REPORT AUTHOR: Husnara Malik Project Manager, Business Improvement Team

SUBJECT: 2014-2021 Playing Pitch Strategy

WARDS AFFECTED: ALL

PURPOSE:

1. To provide the Overview and Scrutiny Board with a report, on the progress of the Playing Pitch Strategy, and inform members of its current position.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

2. The Overview and Scrutiny Board is recommended to note the report.

BACKGROUND:

3. This report provides the committee with information on the development of a new 2014–2021 Playing Pitch Strategy

4. In April 2013, Luton Borough Council commissioned Knight, Kavanagh, & Page (KKP) to deliver a Playing Pitch Strategy for Luton.

5. The Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS – attached as appendix 1) provides a clear investment framework for outdoor sports facility provision within Luton.

6. A PPS is a key planning tool which helps local authorities make informed decisions about future playing pitch provision.

7. The PPS forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity in Luton, which was approved by Exec in June 2013. This vision outlines the participation levels in sports and physical activities making a significant contribution to health, education and social activities.

8. The PPS was produced using the methodology specified in the Sport England ‘toolkit’, based on a full audit of all playing pitches in the local authority area, including those not available for community use, regardless of ownership. The scope Page 139/1 of 210

of the strategy examined the provision for all outdoor pitch sports as well as non-pitch sports.

9. Sport England is responsible for promoting and investing in sport in England and for helping the Government meet its sporting objectives and distributing both Lottery and Exchequer funds to sport.

10. This strategy will also provide a good evidence base for bids to funding streams.

11. The strategy has been developed with the support of a Steering Group comprising: Housing and Community Living; Leisure Commissioning, Community Development, Environmental and Regeneration services including Planning, Parks Service; Fixed Assets, and Public Health, a representative from Sports England; Active Luton; Beds FA; England Cricket Board, and Rugby Football Union.

REPORT SUMMARY:

12. Between April 2013 and January 2014, the following progress has been achieved.

13. A comprehensive needs analysis1 was conducted, demonstrating the supply and demand of area assessments split into Central, North, East, South and West of Luton site pitches, which revealed some key issues. These sites include a mixture of Council sites, Active Luton sites, education sites, and private sites. It should be noted that not all sport activities have been summarised below.

14. A summary for the headline issues from the analysis are: a. Football - The audit identifies a total of 125 football pitches in Luton. Of these, 101 (46 sites) are available, at some level, for community use (although not necessarily used). There is a need to meet the identified deficiencies at peak times, (mainly relating to junior football) and ensure there is a range of football facilities across the Borough to service all levels of the game. b. Cricket – There are 11 cricket pitches provided in Luton. There is a current over play and unmet demand, resulting in the need for five additional cricket grounds (based on a cricket square with ten wickets) in addition improvements to the quality of existing provision are recommended. c. Rugby - There are 12 senior and two mini rugby pitches located across nine sites in Luton. There is a need to increase the quality of rugby pitches where possible/appropriate to increase capacity. d. Hockey – There are 5 pitches across 3 sites. There is a need to improve the quality of the pitches and increase floodlighting. e. Bowls - There are 10 bowling greens in Luton provided across nine sites. There is currently an oversupply of three greens in Luton based on a membership capacity analysis. The majority of clubs suggest that an additional bowling green at their home green or in the area would not lead to an increase in club membership. f. The Playing Pitch Strategy also outlined several recommendations that will also affect supply of and demand for playing pitches. The following recommendations are summarised below: g. The Council should work with partners to distribute provision and meet geographical shortfall.

1 Appendix 2 – Audit Assessment - Located in all political party rooms Page 149/2 of 210

h. The Council should work with partners to meet demand from sports clubs and local communities by improving provision in identified areas. i. Some of the current shortfall can be addressed by carrying out improvements to existing facilities. j. School sites, where there is no community access, also represent a potential resource to meet shortfall

15. The strategy also sets out a prioritisation list outlining the recommendations for each playing pitch site within the Borough; please refer to part 5 page 38 of the PPS, (attached in background document).

16. The Steering group have agreed to take forward a number of sites from the prioritisation list and implemented a two year action plan with recommendations for priority areas, (attached as Appendix 3) this will be subject to available resources.

17. The priority sites have been identified on the basis of the impact that the site will have on addressing the issues identified in the audit assessment. For example where there may be a demand or supply of a particular activity or facility to improve the site.

18. The action plan identifies the ways in which current needs might be met, specifies what needs to be provided and where, and proposes how best this might be achieved, the action plan also identifies where resources have or have not yet been identified for each of the chosen sites.

19. The recommendations included in the action plan are resource dependant and will require partnership working to achieve the outcomes required, including the identification of the resources to deliver the plan. Once the strategy is agreed, careful monitoring will be required to ensure the focus remain on delivering the identified priorities.

20. On the 28th of April 2014, the Council Executive will be asked to permit authorising to consult with the public on the Playing Pitch Strategy. The consultation period is planned for 4 weeks.

21. Should Council Executive grant permission to consult on the 28th of April 2014 then:  Customers will be consulted through drop in sessions in various locations, in a small group or one-to-one setting, and/or to complete a short written survey. This survey will also be available to the public on the Council’s website.  Schools, colleges, national governing bodies for sports and local sports clubs will be consulted via various media methods including completing a survey.

Next Steps

22. The Council intend to develop an overarching 10 year action plan, outlining the key priorities going forward.

23. In order for the PPS to continue its lifecycle and meet the current and future demands of playing pitch provision, a wide range of organisations will have a role in implementing the action plan. The Council is likely to play the lead role in coordinating the development of the larger, more strategic pitch sites, in conjunction with other partners where appropriate, this includes:

Page 159/3 of 210

24. Working in partnership with schools and colleges for example consider the scope of potential land

25. Working in partnership to support specific groups including BME, female groups and disability groups to achieve wider outcomes as outlined in the Councils 2013 Sports Vision.

26. Support for pitch owners with external funding applications for pitch quality and changing facility improvements

27. Negotiating additional community access on school and college sites

28. Support for clubs to increase membership

29. Having a partnership agreement with schools, colleges, sports clubs, and developers will help to share the costs of provision, management and maintenance of additional provision

30. The action plan will be achieved in the following ways: 1. Establishing a delivery group, ensuring outcomes are monitored through appropriate governance and accountabilities 2. To ensure the work programmes reflect the Councils existing Sports Strategy Action Plan where joined up priorities could be deliverable. 3. The action plan will be reviewed on a quarterly basis 4. A Risk Register is maintained for the project and the key current risks identified are: a. Without the implementation of a Playing Pitch Strategy the Council will not be able to obtain funding from Sports England and other funding streams b. Without adequate resources it will not be possible to deliver the plan, as currently a number of sites have yet to be identified for resources

31. A full IIA has been conducted ensuring that the PPS meets its legal obligations; this is attached as Appendix 4.

APPENDICES:

Appendix 1 Appendix 2 2014 -2021 Playing Pitch Strategy Audit Assessment - located in all political party rooms. Appendix 3 – Action Plan Appendix 4 - IIA

Page 169/4 of 210

APPENDIX 1

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

2014 - 2021

Page 17 of 210 9/5

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

CONTENTS

PART 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 7

PART 2: SUMMARY FROM THE ASSESSMENT REPORT ...... 9

PART 3: A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ...... 15

PART 4: OBJECTIVES ...... 18

PART 5: PRIORITISATION LIST ...... 36

PART 6: CONCLUSIONS ...... 54

PART 7: MONITORING AND REVIEW ...... 55

APPENDIX ONE: STRATEGIC CONTEXT ...... 56 APPENDIX TWO: FUNDING PLAN ...... 63

Page 18 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 6

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

This is the Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) for Luton. Building upon the preceding Assessment Report, it provides a clear, strategic framework for the maintenance and improvement of existing outdoor sports facilities and ancillary facilities between 2014 and 2021:

 Inform planning policy within the emerging Luton Local Plan policies in terms of protection and enhancement of provision.  Provide adequate planning guidance to assess development proposals affecting playing fields;  Inform land use decisions in respect of future use of existing outdoor sports areas and playing fields (capable of accommodating pitches) within the Borough;  Provide a strategic framework for the provision and management of outdoor sports in the Borough;  Support external funding bids and maximise support for outdoor and informal sports facilities;  Provide the basis for on-going monitoring and review of the use, distribution, function, quality and accessibility of outdoor sport.

1.1 Scope

The strategy covers all of the outdoor pitch sports as well as non-pitch sports as follows:

 Football pitches  Cricket pitches  Rugby union pitches  Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) including sand based/filled, water based and 3G surfaces  Bowling greens  Gaelic football pitches  Golf courses  Netball courts  Tennis courts  Athletics tracks  Informal sports

1.2: Structure

The Strategy will be developed from research and analysis of outdoor sports facilities and usage, including informal activity within Luton and it will provide:

 A vision for the future improvement and prioritisation of outdoor sports (including ancillary facilities).  A series of generic strategic objectives which provide a strategic framework for the improvement, maintenance, development and, as appropriate, rationalisation of the stock.  A series of sport by sport objectives which provide a strategic framework for sport led improvements to provision.  A prioritised area-by-area action plan to address key issues.

Page 19 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 7

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

 A series of strategic objectives which provide a strategic framework for measuring the impact of participation in informal sporting activity in Luton to inform the health agenda.

The Strategy and Action Plan will recommend a number of priority projects for Luton, which should be implemented from 2014 to 2021. The Strategy and Action Plan is outlined to provide a framework and, although resources may not currently be in place to implement it, potential partners and possible sources of external funding will be identified.

There is a need to build key partnerships with NGBs, Sport England, schools, community clubs and private landowners to maintain and improve playing pitch provision. In these instances the potential for the Council to take a strategic lead is more limited (except in terms of developer contributions). This document will provide clarity about the way forward, and allow the Council to focus on key issues that it can directly influence and achieve.

1.3: Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity (April 2013)

The overarching strategy for sport in Luton is set out in The Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity (2013). It is a corporate document of which the playing pitch strategy fits into. The Playing Pitch Strategy informs the vision for sport and its action plan.

The vision ensures that the Council’s investment into sport effectively contributes to the authority’s overall outcomes. Beyond this, a vision for sport in Luton will provide:

 Clarity of priorities in times of austerity  A means of securing resources through a clear, needs-based approach  Ability to maximise use of resources through informed decision making  A meaningful post 2012 legacy  A framework to realise Luton’s sporting ambitions

The importance of health and wellbeing is also high on the agenda for Luton. This strategy also aims to improve levels of participation in physical activity in children and adults by improving access to playing pitches. This will have a positive impact on health inequalities by improving future provision, maximising current outdoor pitches and enabling key partners to work together. Long term it is envisaged that the prevalence rates of physically active adults will improve. In addition improving cohesion in communities and increasing the number of active older people, young people, woman and girls, residents from the BME communities, and people with a disability taking part in sport will provide an opportunity to enhance residents aspirations and personal life skills.

Page 20 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 8

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 2: SUMMARY FROM THE ASSESSMENT REPORT

This section summarises the key issues identified from the Assessment Report.

2.1: Football – grass pitches

 The audit identifies a total of 125 football pitches in Luton. Of these, 101 (46 sites) are available, at some level, for community use (although not necessarily used).  A total of 240 teams are identified as Luton based team, however, 208 play in Luton. Of these, five teams are playing on 3G pitch provision.  There are no suitable sites in Luton to service Step 5 and above clubs, for example, Crawley Green FC, resulting in displaced demand. Step 5 of the football pyramid contains leagues which have strict facility requirements such as perimeter pitch fencing and appropriate changing accommodation. The pitch also needs to be built to meet the requirements for league cup finals.  There is a need to consider asset transfer as a way to make facilities more sustainable  In addition, 32 teams are identified as being from Luton but actually play outside of the Borough. This is primarily thought to be due to a lack of access to good quality pitches.  At peak time, most sites expressing potential capacity are actually unavailable and should, therefore not be counted as spare capacity. Of the 40 pitches with spare capacity and available for community use, 26.5 pitches are available within the peak period (66%). This equates to 53 match equivalent sessions per week as actual spare capacity.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient adult pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. Overall there is an oversupply of 6.5 match equivalent sessions (4 pitches). No areas are deficient in adult pitches.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient youth pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. However there are slight shortfalls in Luton North and West.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient mini pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. Overall there is spare capacity of 5.5 match equivalent sessions (three pitches). However Luton East is deficient by 0.5 match equivalent sessions per week.

2.1.1: Football – Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP)

 The FA model suggests that there are enough 3G pitches (once the new pitch at Lea Manor Recreation Centre has been converted) to service current football training demand in Luton. However, local demand suggests that more access to 3G provision may be needed, although pricing is also a key factor for clubs.  Currently there is not a high demand for competitive fixtures to be played on 3G pitches in Luton. However, if the quality of grass pitches deteriorates there may be a future increase in demand to play matches on 3G pitches.

Page 21 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 9

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

2.2: Cricket

 In total, there are 11 cricket pitches provided in Luton, of which only one is unavailable for community use (at Icknield High School which is a junior pitch). Cricket pitches accommodate 42 senior teams and 8 junior teams.  Site assessments scored one pitch as good quality (Luton Town & Indians CC) and the other nine as standard quality.  There is a need to consider asset transfer as a way to make facilities more sustainable.  It is reported that a large number of players (approximately 100) travel outside of the Borough to access cricket pitches and a higher standard of play. This is attributed to both a lack of pitches in Luton as well as a lack of higher quality pitches.  It has been highlighted that significant informal play takes place at parks sites in Luton. Due to the difficulties in providing robust quantitative data for this type of demand it is likely that the deficiencies identified are greater than stated.  Overplay at cricket sites in Luton is a total of 45 matches across the Borough per season. If all overplay was to be relocated to other sites there would be a need for one additional cricket ground (based on a cricket square with 10 wickets).  Unmet demand cannot be accommodated on the current supply of pitches and equates to the need for four additional cricket grounds (based on a square with 10 wickets).  As over play and unmet demand cannot be met due to pitches being at capacity there is no spare capacity to accommodate any latent or future demand which requires an additional 11 pitches (based on a cricket square with 10 wickets).

2.3: Rugby union

In total, there are 12 senior and two mini rugby pitches located across nine sites in Luton. Of these, nine pitches are available for community use and used.

 Those pitches that are unavailable for community use are located on school sites. The poor quality (drainage) is a significant factor in these pitches not being available to use.  Club pitches are generally of an adequate or good quality. Only the senior pitch at Stockwood Park is assessed as poor quality.  All training takes place on grass pitches in Luton; there is no dedicated IRB1 pitch. Training on the pitches adds to the wear and tear and impacts on the quality and carrying capacity. A related issue is a lack of floodlighting for training provision.  Due to the large amount of demand for training there is a need for an IRB compliant AGP. This would be best placed in the South Analysis Area.  There is no reported, unmet, displaced or latent demand for rugby pitches in Luton.  There is no peak time spare capacity for usage of pitches. However, one new women’s team will be accommodated on spare Sunday capacity at Luton RFC next season.  Overplay (of 9.5 matches per week) is due to the amount of training usage being accommodated on match pitches.

1 International Rugby Board (IRB) compliant pitches are artificial grass pitches which meet specifications that make pitches safe for players and replicate good quality grass pitches. The specifications required are known as Regulation 22. http://www.irbplayerwelfare.com/pdfs/Turf_Performance_Tech_Spec_EN.pdf Page 22 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 10

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

 Increasing the quality of the senior pitch at Stockwood Park would help to increase capacity. However, it should be noted that Stockwood Park is in an area of County Wildlife Site designation and of considerable archaeological interest. This may reduce options for improvement, e.g. new pipe drainage systems may require an archaeological survey.  Future demand resulting from population growth equates to the need for access to one senior and one mini pitch.

2.4: Hockey

 In total, five clubs play competitive fixtures in Luton, fielding a total of 21 teams.  There are four full sized sand based AGPs suitable to accommodate competitive hockey. Of these, three are floodlit and all are available for community use.  One (floodlit) pitch at Lea Manor is imminently due to be converted into a 3G surface.  Two pitches are assessed as good quality and two as poor quality (including Lea Manor).  The lack of floodlights at Luton 6th Form AGP reduces capacity for winter training; therefore, clubs which play competitive fixtures there must train at Venue 360, which is assessed as poor quality.  Luton Town Hockey Club is the only hockey user of Challney Girls School AGP; however, there is spare capacity for training in the evenings.  Ancillary facilities are highlighted as a problem for clubs as all clubs must travel off site, away from the pitch, to access clubhouse facilities.  No unmet demand was identified in Luton, however, latent demand for three senior and three junior teams was reported. The current supply of pitches could not accommodate this demand for both training and matches due to poor quality (at Venue 360) and lack of floodlighting (Luton 6th Form College).

2.5: Bowls

 There are ten bowling greens in Luton provided across nine sites.  All greens in Luton are assessed as good quality. In terms of the views from clubs, only one club (Luton West End Bowls Club) reports that the green was slightly poorer than the previous year. Vandalism is or has been an issue at some sites.  Luton West End Bowls Club reports demand for improved ancillary facilities that could lead to having more members. In addition Luton West End Bowls Club, Wardown Park Bowls Club and Sunlea Bowls Club report demand for increased green access for wheelchair players.  There are eight clubs using bowling greens in Luton with an average playing membership of 40. The majority of clubs suggest that an additional bowling green at their home green or in the area would not lead to an increase in club membership.  Junior participation is low in Luton and none of the clubs report having junior members. There is a general issue with older members not being replaced by younger players; most are aging teams.  Notwithstanding that there may be additional demand for bowling greens in the future; there is an approximate current oversupply of three greens in Luton based on a membership capacity analysis. Just considering Council greens, there is a current oversupply of two greens.

Page 23 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 11

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

2.6: Gaelic football

 There are two Gaelic football clubs in Luton; Claddagh Gaels and St Vincent’s GAA Club.  There is one Gaelic pitch at Leagrave Park (good quality) and one at Stockwood Park (standard quality).  The ancillary facilities are perceived to be fit for purpose and adequate although there are reports that other sports such as cricket are given priority over changing room access.  Car parking is described as inadequate at Leagrave Park.  Although current demand is being met in Luton, it is thought likely that any increase in demand will lead to the need for more pitches.  A school’s programme is to be rolled out in 2014 and is likely to lead to an increase in demand for Gaelic football pitches.

2.7: Golf

 There is one golf course in Luton provided at Stockwood Park comprising of an 18 hole course, a driving range and a 9 hole course.  Membership at the Club has generally remained static in the previous three years and there is no waiting list to join. Although the Club reports that it is not operating at membership capacity, it has to balance this with pay and play usage of the course.  Almost all Luton residents are serviced by a golf course within a 20 minute drive time. Although there are some small pockets of deficiencies where residents are not serviced by a 20 minute drive time this is unlikely to equate to the need for an additional golf course as people have a higher propensity to drive to golf courses.  If the development at Tea Green Course was to go ahead analysis would need to be carried out to identify whether Stockwood Park would be able to accommodate the increase in demand.

2.8: Netball

 There are 41 netball courts identified within Luton with varying degrees of quality. All courts are located on education sites.  27 teams compete in the Luton, Dunstable and District outdoor league. Only four of the teams are from outside of Luton. The number of teams has remained largely static over the previous three years.  Despite a formal community use agreement (CUA) being in place at Challney High School the League reports that attempted access to the courts for senior matches has been unsuccessful.  All demand for matches is accommodated on the current supply of courts and this is supported by the League which suggests that there are generally enough courts in Luton to satisfy demand.  There are also enough courts that could be accessed if the League was to grow further.  Overall the Luton League manages on the courts that are at its disposal but moving forward would benefit from the development opportunities that a Central Venue facility (i.e. 4/5/ 6 outdoor courts) would bring.

Page 24 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 12

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

2.9: Tennis

 There are 65 tennis courts identified within Luton of which 13 are parks tennis courts.  The one club in Luton is Luton & Vauxhall Lawn tennis club with a membership of 160 juniors and 110 adults.  Although availability of courts at the Club is not a particular issue, the Club reports that it is operating at capacity at peak time for matches. It identifies potential for two more courts to be created on the overflow car park land if required.  Council parks courts are free to use and are open access. Wardown Park is the most used site.  Quality at parks sites could be improved as all are assessed as standard quality; however they are fit for purpose and provide a recreational standard of court.

2.10: Athletics

 There is one athletics track in Luton located at Stockwood Park. The track is certified Grade A and is of a good enough standard to hold county competitions. It was re-laid 18 months ago and is suitable to satisfy demands from the Club.  There is demand for a separate throwing area, with new circles planned for 2014. This is critical to retain the existing track certification.

2.11: Key priorities to address

Using the key issues identified in the Assessment Report, the following priorities are identified for each sport and provide the context for the development of the aims and objectives within the Strategy.

Football:

 A lack of football pitches/sites in Luton to service clubs at Step 5 and above, for example, Crawley Green FC, resulting in displaced demand. Alongside this there is the need for a cup final standard pitch.  Current overplay resulting in the need for two additional youth (11v11) pitches in the North analysis area.  Small (equivalent to less than one pitch) deficiencies in youth pitches (11v11) in the East.  Future demand to 2021 for two youth (11v11) and one (9v9) pitches.  A lack of available football pitches on education sites.  Surplus of youth 11v11 pitches in the South.  Continue to monitor the future demand for 3G AGPs.  Consider the need for asset transfer as a way to make facilities more sustainable.

Cricket:

 Current overplay and unmet demand resulting in the need for five additional cricket grounds (based on a cricket square with ten wickets).  Future and latent demand resulting in the need for an additional 11 cricket grounds (based on a cricket square with ten wickets) by 2021, totalling 16 cricket grounds altogether (including current overplay and unmet demand).  A lack of available cricket pitches on education sites.  The need for more dedicated informal provision.

Page 25 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 13

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Rugby union:

 Increasing the quality of rugby pitches where possible/appropriate to increase capacity.  Current overplay from training resulting in the need for five additional senior pitches or the need for an IRB compliant AGP to accommodate this training.  Future and latent demand resulting in the need for an additional senior match pitch by 2021, totalling six altogether (including current overplay and unmet demand).  Need for additional floodlighting for training pitches.

Hockey:

 Poor pitch quality at Venue 360 and lack of floodlighting at Luton 6th Form College.  Latent demand expressed for three senior and three junior hockey teams.  Lack of clubhouse facilities at pitch sites

Bowls:

 Low junior bowls participation. There is a general issue with older members not being replaced by younger players; most are aging teams.  Current oversupply of three greens in Luton based on a membership capacity analysis. Considering only Council greens, there is a current oversupply of two greens.  A need to review Council management of greens.

Gaelic football:

 Future demand for Gaelic football pitches following development work starting in schools in 2014.

Netball:

 The need for a netball venue with four or more good quality, floodlit courts to accommodate tournaments and junior central venue competitions.

Golf:

 The need to protect and maintain current standard of Stockwood Park Golf Course.

Tennis:

 Quality at parks sites could be improved as all are assessed as standard quality; however they are fit for purpose and provide a recreational standard of court.  Luton & Vauxhall Lawn Tennis Club is operating at capacity at peak time.

Athletics:

 The need to protect and maintain the current standard of track at Stockwood Park, and to accommodate demand for a separate throwing area which is critical to retain the Grade A quality certificate of the track.

Education:

 Availability of education sites, particularly secondary schools to accommodate a range of community use needs, including underuse of grass pitches.

Page 26 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 14

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 3: A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

3.1 Context

The PPS sits within the context of Luton Borough Council’s Prospectus 2013-2016, in which three key priorities are identified, which include: ‘to ensure the most vulnerable in Luton are safe and supported,’ and ‘to better equip residents of all ages to get jobs through investment in education and training.’ Against this backdrop, the rationale for producing the strategy is that it will help to deliver on the broader agenda to increase participation in sport, which is key to improving health and wellbeing outcomes and which can also play an important role in the development of confidence and skills among individuals.

The objectives of the strategy extend across multiple LBC departments and are summarised below:

 To help deliver the public health agenda  To inform the investment strategy for LBC initiatives  To inform local plan policy and potential developer contributions  To set the outdoor sports facilities plan within the context of the local plan and wider strategies for parks, green spaces and community development  To inform sports development initiatives  To reflect wider LBC asset reviews  To help facilitate community use of outdoor facilities on education sites

The overarching strategy for sport in Luton is set out in The Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity (2013). It is a corporate document of which the playing pitch strategy fits into. The vision ensures that the Council’s investment into sport effectively contributes to the authority’s overall outcomes. Beyond this, a vision for sport in Luton will provide:

 Clarity of priorities in times of austerity  A means of securing resources through a clear, needs-based approach  Ability to maximise use of resources through informed decision making  A meaningful post 2012 legacy  A framework to realise Luton’s sporting ambitions

Luton

Due to the restrictions of green space in Luton there is a need for Luton’s parks and open space to be multifunctional and provide for the formal and informal recreational needs of the whole community which also includes important areas of habitat and historical interest. This is a major consideration in the context of providing playing pitches to service both formal and informal sport.

Page 27 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 15

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Links to other strategies

There are a number of related strategies developed by Luton Borough Council which have been adopted or are in the process of being developed, which are used to inform the Playing Pitch Strategy. They include:

 Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2012 – 2017  Luton Local Plan, 2001 – 2011  Corporate Asset Management Plan and Capital Strategy 2010- 2015  Luton Local Plan Review, 2011 – 2031 (in development, not available online)  Luton and South Bedfordshire Draft Green Space Strategy 2008 (useful background, available via www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk)  Luton Green Space Strategy (in development as part of Local Plan review, not available online)  Community Priorities documents, developed as part of the Your Say, Your Way programme  Luton’s Sustainable Community Strategy, 2008 – 2026

As detailed in the Luton Borough Council Prospectus 2013-16, the backdrop to the development of the Playing Pitch Strategy is that for the next three years, the Council must manage on much less funding from Government than in the previous three years. Increased pressures are likely to flow from changes to welfare benefits, greater need for social care and a new duty to improve the public’s health.

Within this context, a Playing Pitch Strategy for Luton must help to address health inequalities by seeking to promote participation in sport. The action plan must also take into account the considerable constraints on local authority budgets in the medium term, the practical consequences of which may include less intensive maintenance within Council operated parks.

As stated in the Luton Local Plan, 2001 – 2011, Luton is now generally developed up to its administrative boundary and a central issue is the ‘extent to which the conflicting needs for various uses and facilities are to be balanced.’ In relation to a Playing Pitch Strategy, the use of land for formal sport must be set in the context of the other potential uses of green space and the need to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Please refer to Appendix One for the full national strategic context for the PPS, including Sport England and NGB strategies.

3.2: PPS vision

Building upon the Council and its partners priorities, the vision for the Playing Pitch Strategy is:

Luton will provide a network of high quality outdoor sports facilities that are conducive to sustaining and increasing participation in sport and consequently helping to improve the health and wellbeing, employment and business of residents both now and in the future.

Page 28 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 16

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

This strategy will help in identification, and prioritisation, of outdoor sports that are of local and Borough-wide significance and guide the Council and its partners to work collaboratively (i.e., reduce duplication and competition), identify and use limited resources to optimum effect.

3.3: PPS aims

The proposed vision is based upon clear and achievable aims (set out within the boxed text below). It is recommended that the following are adopted by LBC and its partners to enable it to achieve the overall vision of the Strategy:

AIM 1

To protect and enhance levels of outdoor sports facilities

AIM 2 To aaddress issues of quality and management with regard to facility provision

AIM 3 To maximise access to all outdoor facilities and in particular educational facilities

AIM 4 To maximise investment into outdoor sports facilities

Page 29 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 17

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 4: OBJECTIVES

The objectives need to be implemented to enable the aims to be delivered. It is recommended that LBC and partners adopt the following objectives across a range of departments to enable it to achieve the vision of the Strategy (note: not in any priority order):

AIM 1 To protect and enhance levels of outdoor sports facilities

Objectives:

a. Rectify quantitative shortfalls in the current pitch stock and outdoor sports facilities.

b. Identify opportunities to add to the overall stock to accommodate both current and future demand.

c. Protect sports facilities where there is a need to do so.

Given that the scope to replace facilities in the Luton context is limited, there is a justified need to protect existing outdoor sports facilities unless there is deemed to be a surplus of provision.

Objective (a) - Rectify quantitative shortfalls in the current pitch stock and outdoor sports facilities

The Council and its partners should work to rectify identified inadequacies and meet identified shortfalls as outlined in the Assessment Report. Current quantitative shortfalls of existing provision are identified as:

 Five grass cricket pitches (based on 10 wickets) to meet current overplay and unmet demand.  Current overplay resulting in the need for two additional youth football pitches in the North analysis area.  Five senior grass rugby pitches to accommodate overplay (or an IRB compliant AGP as over play is due to training on grass pitches).

It is important that the current levels of grass pitch provision are protected, maintained and enhanced to secure provision now and in the future. For most sports the future demand for provision identified in Luton can be overcome through maximising use of existing pitches through a combination of:

 Securing long term community use at school sites.  Working with commercial and private providers to increase usage.  The re-designation of pitches for which there is an oversupply.  Improving pitch quality in order to improve the capacity of pitches to accommodate more matches. Page 30 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 18

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

 Prioritising Luton clubs/residents (i.e. those with a strong tradition of playing in or being established in Luton) for access to pitches.

While maximising the use of existing pitches offers scope to address the quantitative deficiencies for most sports, new or additional cricket squares on public playing fields as well as improving existing wickets is required to meet the levels of demand identified for cricket both current and future.

There may be a requirement to protect some senior football pitches as this provides the flexibility to provide senior, junior or mini pitches (through different line markings/coning areas of the pitch). However, further work should be undertaken on this as an action for the Council/NGBs. Furthermore the re-designation of adult pitches that are not currently used may lead to a deficiency of adult pitches in the medium to longer term as younger players move up the ages. It is likely that for some sports, particularly football, that the provision of new pitches and facilities will be required in the future to support the predicted future demand.

Unmet demand, changes in sport participation and trends, and proposed housing growth should be recognised and factored into future facility planning. Assuming an increase in participation and housing growth occurs, it will impact on the future need for certain types of sports facilities. Sports development work also approximates unmet demand which cannot currently be quantified (i.e., it is not being suppressed by a lack of facilities) but is likely to occur. The following table highlights the main development trends in each sport and their likely impact on facilities. However, it is important to note that these may be subject to change.

In terms of unmet demand, it is only expressed for cricket pitches, with three of the five analysis areas (North, East and Central) requiring additional facilities.

Furthermore, retaining some spare capacity allows some pitches to be rested to protect overall pitch quality in the long term. Therefore, whilst in some instances it may be appropriate to re-designate a senior pitch where there is low demand identified a holistic approach should be taken to re-designation for the reasons cited. The site-by-site action planning will seek to provide further clarification on where re-designation is suitable.

Likely future sport-by-sport demand trends

Sport Future development trend Strategy impact Football The needs of the game will Consider re-allocating leases to Charter Standard change significantly from the clubs with a large number of teams. 2013/14 season with the Work with clubs to identify facility development implementation of the FA opportunities. Youth Development Review. Work with clubs in relation to their pitch demands as As a result, pitch demands will a result of the FA Youth Development Review. change. This could also see changes in the seasonal demand of pitches (youth football). Demand for senior football is Sustain current stock but consideration given to likely to be sustained or reconfigure pitches. decrease slightly based on current trends and the move to small sided football. Page 31 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 19

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Sport Future development trend Strategy impact An increase in women and A need to provide segregated ancillary facilities and girls football following £2.4m the potential need for more pitches. investment over the next two years (2014-2016) from Sport England to increase the number of women and girls taking part in football sessions. Cricket Demand for additional Access to additional midweek cricket pitches midweek cricket pitches to Consider alternatives to grass wickets accommodate the Luton & District midweek league.

Women’s and girls’ cricket is a Support clubs to ensure access to segregated national priority and there is a changing and toilet provision and access to good target to establish two girls’ quality cricket pitches to support growth. and one women’s team in every local authority over the next five years. Rugby The Rugby World Cup (2015) Clubs are likely to field more teams in the future, Union is predicted to see a further and therefore have a demand for more pitches. It is increase in the demand for important, therefore, to work with the clubs to rugby provision. maintain the current pitch stock and to support Strong junior sections facility development where appropriate. Gaelic Increase in junior players due Access to additional pitches. football to schools programme starting in 2014. AGPs Demand for 3G pitches for Ensure that access to new AGP provision across football continues to increase. the Borough is maximised and that community use It is likely that future demand agreements are in place. for the use of 3G pitches to Utilise Sport England/NGB guidance on choosing service competitive football, the correct surface: particularly mini and youth will http://www.sportengland.org/media/30651/Selecting- result in some reduced the-right-artificial-surface-Rev2-2010.pdf demand for grass pitches.

Provision of 3G pitches which are IRB compliant will help to reduce overplay as a result of training on rugby pitches. Bowls General trend of demand for Likely to result in the need for less outdoor bowling bowling greens remaining greens. However, this could link to demand static or slightly decreasing. increasing for short mat bowls and indoor green provision. Netball Demand for Netball has A need to continue to maintain the current stock of remained relatively static over courts to a good standard but also to provide a the previous three years and is central venue with at least four good quality floodlit likely to continue. However, if courts. a central venue was created with at least four floodlit courts demand is likely to increase, especially for juniors.

Page 32 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 20

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Sport Future development trend Strategy impact Tennis With Luton & Vauxhall Lawn The need for additional courts at Luton & Vauxhall Tennis Club operating close to Lawn Tennis Club and support for Luton Regional to capacity, any increase in become a Beacon Tennis Site. participation is likely to lead to the need for more courts. Creation of a Beacon Site at Luton Regional would also increase participation. Athletics Athletics membership is Athletics track is able to accommodate increase in estimated to increase by 10% demand but the impact will be seen on maintenance in Luton over the next five and ancillary facilities which will need to be years. increased.

Objective (b) - Identify opportunities to add to the overall stock to accommodate both current and future demand

The Council should use, and regularly update, the Action Plan within this Strategy for improvements to its own pitches and facilities whilst recognising the need to support partners. The Action Plan lists improvements to be made to each site focused upon both qualitative and quantitative improvements as appropriate for each area.

Public playing fields within and immediately outside Luton should, where possible, be made available for cricket pitch provision. This may require negotiation with neighbouring authorities to help meet the shortfalls expressed. In addition to this, there is a need to encourage development of artificial wickets on school sites, linked to specific use by clubs through a community use agreement.

Objective (c) - Protect sports facilities where there is a need to do so

Protect the existing supply of sports facilities where it is needed for meeting current or future needs. The majority of facilities from the assessment report justify protection. Local plan policies should protect facilities and the scope to legally safeguard long term use of strategically important sites to the community such as the strategic sites and key centres identified in objective (e) should be considered. For example, through the Fields in Trust programme (www.fieldsintrust.org).

Where there is no need to protect facilities and the assessment shows scope for rationalisation, e.g. bowling greens, the following should be considered when making any decisions about disposal:

 Is the facility surplus to requirements not only now but also in the future?  Could the facility be used for another type of sport for which there is a deficit?  Can current users be sufficiently accommodated at another appropriate site taking into consideration access, cost and locality?  Consideration as to the quality of the facilities (including ancillary facilities).  The long term sustainability of the facility.  The level of current use and the impact on the spatial distribution of facilities across Luton of closing a facility.

It may be appropriate to dispose of some existing playing field sites (that are of low value i.e. one- three pitch sites with no changing provision) to generate investment towards

Page 33 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 21

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

creating bigger better quality sites (Strategic Sites) in order to meet the objectives of the Strategy and to develop the hierarchy of sites (see objective e).

The following criteria should be established as the basis for negotiations to mitigate the loss of playing field provision:

 Ensure that where playing fields are lost through alternative development or closure, that the type of provision of the same or improved standard is provided to meet demand identified.  Where pitches are lost due to redevelopment of the site, compensatory re-provision or an equivalent contribution for re-investment into new pitches will be sought as appropriate in an alternative accessible location.  Where opportunities exist to additionally increase pitch quality (and therefore pitch capacity to accommodate more matches) this should be a priority (please refer to the action plan to identify quality deficiencies in the appropriate area).  All negotiations and mitigation packages should be raised and discussed in partnership with the relevant NGB and Sport England through the Playing Pitch Strategy Steering Group.

In terms of mitigation it is important, where possible and appropriate for a particular sport, that this takes place in an area that is accessible to the playing field that is lost to avoid a scenario where a redundant playing field is lost in an area of the Borough which has deficiencies and is replaced on the other side of the Borough.

Page 34 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 22

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

AIM 2 To address issues of quality and management with regard to facility provision

Objectives:

d. Seek to address overplay

e. Adopt a tiered approach (hierarchy of provision) to the management and improvement of sites – See page 33

Objective (d) – Seek to address overplay

Priority in the short term (given limited resources) should be directed to poor quality sites. This standard, based on an achievable target using existing quality scoring to provide a baseline, should be used to identify deficiencies and hence investment should be prioritised to those sites which fail to meet the proposed quality standard (using the site audit database, provided in electronic format). The policy approach to these outdoor recreation facilities achieving these standards should be to enhance quality and therefore the planning system should seek to protect them.

Good quality refers to facilities that have, for example, good grass cover, an even surface, are free from vandalism, litter etc, have access for disabled people and are supported by good quality ancillary facilities including changing accommodation, toilets and car parking. While “adequate” quality refers to facilities that have, for example adequate grass cover, minimal signs of wear and tear, reasonable changing accommodation and the goalposts may be secure but in need of minor repair. Please refer to the Sport England quality assessments.

Improving pitch/surface quality as a priority

In order to improve the overall quality of the playing pitches stock; it is necessary to ensure that pitches are not overplayed beyond recommended weekly carrying capacity. This is determined by assessing pitch quality (via a non technical site assessment) and allocating a weekly match limit to each. Each NGB recommends a number of matches that a good quality pitch should take:

Sport Pitch type Matches Football Adult pitches 3 Youth pitches 4 Mini pitches 6 Rugby Pipe and Slit Drained and a good level of 5 maintenance Cricket Grass wickets 5 per season Synthetic wicket 60 per season

Page 35 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 23

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Sites played beyond capacity may require remedial action to help reduce this, for example, overplay at four sites is attributed to ‘poor’ pitch quality:

 Alder Crescent Recreation Ground  Lothair Road Recreation Ground  Foxdell Recreation Ground  Wigmore Valley Park

Improving pitch quality should not be considered in isolation from maintenance regimes.

Whilst it works both ways in so much as poor pitch condition is a symptom of pitches being over played, potential improvements may make sites more attractive and therefore more popular.

There is also need to balance pitch improvements alongside the transfer of play to alternative pitch sites. Therefore, work with clubs to ensure that sites are not played beyond their capacity and encourage play, where possible, to be transferred to alternative venues which are not operating at capacity.

Page 36 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 24

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

AIM 3 To maximise access to all outdoor facilities and in particular educational facilities

Objectives:

f. Establish a more coherent, structured relationship with schools to maximise community use of educational facilities.

g. Secure tenure and access to sites for high quality, development minded clubs, through a range of solutions and partnership agreements.

h. Increase opportunities to support informal sporting activities.

i. Work with NGBs to ensure that there is a link/pathway for those that want to move into formal sport.

Aim 3 should include access to outdoor facilities in the context of widening access to facilities for demographic groups among whom participation rates are low.

Objective (f) – Establish a more coherent, structured relationship with schools and colleges to maximise community use of educational facilities

The ability to access good facilities within the local community is vital to any sports organisation, yet many clubs struggle to find places to play and train. In Luton pricing policies at facilities is a major barrier to access at some of the high quality sites such as Barnfield South, Barnfield West and Challney School for Girls.

A large number of sporting facilities are located on education sites and making these available to sports clubs can offer significant benefits to both the school/college and the local clubs. Luton Council and other key partners must work with schools and colleges to develop an understanding of the issues that restrict or affect community access. Support should be provided, where appropriate, to address underlying problems. Consideration should be given to a centralised booking system for community use of schools and colleges to minimise administration and make access easier for the users.

It is not uncommon for school pitch stock not to be fully maximised for community use. Even on established community use sites, access to outdoor sports facilities to the community is limited. The Assessment Report identified several issues relating to the use of school facilities:

 Community use is limited and often based on informal agreements between individual schools and clubs.  There is no strategic guidance as to which clubs are allocated the use of playing pitch facilities (i.e. in accordance with a strategic need).  There are a number of school sites where a community use agreement is in place but it is not clear whether the agreement is being upheld.  There are management issues inherent in developing, implementing and managing community use agreements. Advice and guidance can be obtained from Sport

Page 37 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 25

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

England’s Schools toolkit and Sports organisations toolkit. (www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning) Where appropriate, it will be important for schools to negotiate and sign formal and long- term agreements that secure community use. This need to be examined against these issues:

 The analysis provides a clear indication of the future pitch requirements and provides a basis for partners to negotiate.  Community use should not impact on the needs of schools to deliver curricular and extracurricular activities

Sport England has also produced guidance, online resources and toolkits to help open up and retain school sites for community use and can be found at: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/accessing-schools/

It is recommended that a working group, led by a partner from the education sector but supported by a range of other sectors including sport and leisure is established to implement the strategic direction in relation to the increased use of school facilities. Broadly speaking, its role should be to:

 To better understand current community use, practices and issues by ‘auditing’ schools.  Ensure community use agreements are upheld  Identify and pilot one school/club formal community use agreement with a view to rolling out the model across the area.  Ensure that funding to improve the quality of the facilities is identified and secured.  As part of any agreement secure a management arrangement for community access, which does not rely on existing school staff structures.  Ensure that pitch provision at schools is sufficient in quality and quantity to be able to deliver its curriculum. Once this has been achieved provision could contribute to overcoming deficiencies in the area (as identified in the assessment above).

Although there are a number of academies and college sites in Luton, which the Council has no control over the running of (with the exception of Barnfield College New Bedford road site), it is still important to understand the significance of such sites and attempt to work with the schools where there are opportunities for community use. In addition, the relevant NGB has a role to play in supporting the Council to deliver the strategy and communicating with schools where necessary.

Objective (g) - Secure tenure and access to sites for high quality development minded clubs through a range of solutions and partnership agreements

Local sports clubs should be supported to achieve sustainability across a range of areas including management, membership, funding, facilities, volunteers and partnership working. For example, the Council should continue to support club development and encourage clubs to develop evidence of business and sports development plans to generate an income through their facilities. All clubs could be encouraged to look at different management models such as registering as Community Amateur Sports Clubs

Page 38 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 26

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

(CASC)2. Clubs should also be encouraged to work with partners locally whether volunteer support agencies or linking with local businesses.

As well as improving the quality of well-used, local authority sites, there are a number of sites which have poor quality (or no) ancillary facilities. It is recommended that security of tenure should be granted to the clubs playing on these sites (minimum 25 years as recommended by Sport England and NGBs) so the clubs are in a position to apply for external funding to improve the ancillary facilities.

There is potential for a number of further sites in Luton to be leased to sports clubs and/or organisations. Each club will be required to meet service and/or strategic objectives set out by the Council. However, an additional set of criteria should be considered, which take into account the quality of the club, aligned to its long term development objectives and sustainability. The criteria will be crucial in determining which clubs are successful as historically there are more requests for such an arrangement than there are sites available.

In the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review, which announced public spending cuts, it is increasingly important for the Council to work with voluntary sector organisations in order that they may be able to take greater levels of ownership and support the wider development and maintenance of facilities. To facilitate this, the Council should support and enable clubs to generate sufficient funds to allow this.

Recommended criteria for lease of sport sites to clubs/organisations

Club Site Clubs should have Clubmark/FA Charter Sites should be those identified as Club Sites Standard accreditation award. for new clubs (i.e. not those with a City-wide Clubs commit to meeting demonstrable local significance) but which offer development demand and show pro-active commitment to potential. For established clubs which have developing school-club links. proven success in terms of self-management Clubs are sustainable, both in a financial City Sites and Key Centres are appropriate. sense and via their internal management As a priority, sites should require capital structures in relation to recruitment and investment to improve (which can be retention policy for both players and attributed to the presence of a volunteers. Clubmark/Charter Standard club). Ideally, clubs should have already identified Sites should be leased with the intention that (and received an agreement in principle) any investment can be sourced to contribute match funding required for initial capital towards improvement of the site. investment identified. An NGB/Council representative should sit on a Clubs have processes in place to ensure management committee for each site leased capacity to maintain sites to the existing to a club. standards.

The Council can further recognise the value of Clubmark/Charter Standard by adopting a policy of prioritising the clubs that are to have access to these better quality facilities. This may be achieved by inviting clubs to apply for season long leases on a particular site as an initial trial.

2 http://www.cascinfo.co.uk/cascbenefits Page 39 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 27

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Club outcomes for lease agreements

The Council should establish a series of core outcomes to derive from clubs taking on a lease arrangement to ensure that the most appropriate clubs are assigned to sites. As an example outcomes may include:

 Increasing participation and retaining players.  Supporting the development of coaches and volunteers.  Commitment to quality standards.  Improvements (where required) to facilities, or as a minimum retaining existing standards.

In addition, clubs should be made fully aware of the associated responsibilities/liabilities when considering leases of multi-use public playing fields.

Community Asset Transfer Policy

The Council should continue to work towards adopting a policy, currently in draft format, which supports community management and transfer of ownership of assets to local clubs, community groups and trusts. This presents sports clubs and national governing bodies with opportunities to take ownership of their own facilities; it may also provide non- asset owning sports clubs with their first chance to take on a building.

The Sport England Community Sport Asset Transfer Toolkit is a bespoke, interactive web based tool that provides a step by step guide through each stage of the asset transfer process: http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/asset_transfer.aspx

Objective (h) - To increase opportunities to support informal sporting activities

Informal sports have many valuable attributes; because the structure is informal players get to use their interpersonal skills by choosing sides and organising the games. They devise rules for the game and take responsibility to resolve disputes by compromising and collaborating with their peers so that the games may continue. Participants’ interactions are more relaxed because they are not as pressured to win. As a result, the focus is on social aspects, exercising, enjoying sports skills, learning in a relaxed environment and having fun.

In order to ensure opportunities are increased and sustained to accommodate informal sports, dedicated provision in public parks is required. This is most applicable to cricket and football in Luton.

To help support informal activity, the following may be a useful guide:

Improving accessibility: providing easy, safe and convenient access to a choice of opportunities for participating in sport and physical activity and active travel for the whole community.

Enhancing amenity: promoting environmental quality in the design and layout of new sports and recreational facilities, their links and relationship to other buildings and the wider public realm.

Page 40 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 28

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Increasing awareness: raising the prominence and legibility of sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for physical activity through the design and layout of development.

Specifically in Luton the following types of informal facility should be provided on public sites with free access to meet identified demand:

 More artificial cricket wickets  More informal small sided football pitches  New and improved MUGAs for court sports Sport England provides further design guidance aimed at increasing active participation which can be found at: https://www.sportengland.org/media/48865/Active-design.pdf

Objective (i) Work with NGBs to ensure that there is a link/pathway for those that want to move into formal sport

There are a range of benefits which can be gained from NGB affiliation, including, for example:

 Insurance/indemnity cover  Qualified coaching  Ground quality assurance (for some sports i.e. ECB)

There are also some ‘softer’ benefits for individuals associated with NGB membership which can include:

 Informative magazines  Attendance at events  Ticketing opportunities for Championships

Each NGB is responsible for signposting individuals to a formal club/opportunity. This could start in the form of semi structured sessions where people can just turn up and play. As an example, The FA operates popular Just Play sessions at Ashcroft School.

Page 41 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 29

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

AIM 4

To maximise investment into outdoor sports facilities

Objectives:

j. Establish an approach to securing developer contributions

k. Work in partnership with stakeholders to secure funding

Objective (j) – Establish an approach to securing developer contributions

It is important that this strategy informs policies and emerging supplementary planning documents by setting out the approach to securing sport and recreational facilities through new housing development. The guidance should form the basis for negotiation with developers to secure contributions to include provision and/or enhancement of appropriate playing fields and its subsequent maintenance. Section 106 contributions or CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) could also be used to improve the condition and maintenance regimes of the pitches in order to increase pitch capacity to accommodate more matches. A number of planning policy objectives should be implemented to enable the above to be delivered:

 Planning consent should include appropriate conditions and/or be subject to specific planning obligations. Where developer contributions are applicable, a Section 106 Agreement or equivalent must be completed specifying the amount which will be linked to Sport England’s Building Cost Information Service from the date of the Planning Committee, and timing of the Contribution(s) to be paid.  Some contributions may need to be ring fenced for use according to the particular terms of the Planning Obligation, where there is opportunity to improve the appropriate pitches within the local vicinity. However, for some sports such as for example cricket and rugby a “central pot” for developer contributions across the local authority area may be necessary for the particular sport.  Contributions should also be secured towards the first ten years of maintenance on new pitches. Consideration should also be given to what the maintenance regime will be following this, given future budget cuts. NGBs and Sport England can provide further and up to date information on the associated costs.  External funding should be sought/secured to achieve maximum benefit from the investment into appropriate playing pitch facility enhancement and its subsequent maintenance .  Where new multiple pitches are provided, appropriate changing rooms and associated car parking should be located on site.  All new or improved playing pitches on school sites should be subject to community use agreements. For further guidance please refer to Sport England: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-for-sport/planning-tools-and- guidance/community-use-agreements/  Establish a formula for collating developer contributions for playing pitches which is demand based.

Page 42 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 30

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Objective (k) - Work in partnership with stakeholders to secure funding

Partners, led by the Council, should ensure that appropriate funding secured for improved sports provision are directed to areas of need, underpinned by a robust strategy for improvement in playing pitch facilities.

In order to address the community’s needs, to target priority areas and to reduce duplication of provision, there should be a coordinated approach to strategic investment. In delivering this objective the Council should maintain a regular dialogue with local partners and through the Playing Pitch Steering Group.

Some investment in new provision will not be made by the Council directly, it is important, however, that the Council therefore seeks to direct and lead a strategic and co-ordinated approach to facility development by education sites, NGBs, sports clubs and the commercial sector to address community needs whilst avoiding duplication of provision.

Please refer to Appendix Two for further funding information which includes details of the current opportunities, likely funding requirements and indicative project costs.

Sport and physical activity can have a profound effect on peoples’ lives, and plays a crucial role in improving community cohesion, educational attainment and self- confidence. However, one of sport’s greatest contributions is its positive impact on public health. It is therefore important to lever in investment from other sectors such as health through, for example, the PCT.

Sport England research suggests the following:

Economic impact:  In 2010, sport and sport-related activity contributed £20.3 billion to the English economy – 1.9% of the England total.  The contribution to employment is even greater – sport and sport-related activity is estimated to support over 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs, 2.3% of all jobs in England.

Health impact:  Physical activity, including sport, is linked to reduced risk of over 20 illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and some cancers.  Taking part in regular sport can save between £1,750 and £6,900 in healthcare costs per person.

Social and cultural impact:  Published studies show the positive effects of sport on education include improved attainment, lower absenteeism and drop-out, and increased progression to higher education. For instance, young people’s participation in sport improves their numeracy scores by 8 per cent on average above non-participants.  Other studies have found that sport programmes aimed at youths at risk of criminal behaviour can enhance self-esteem and reduce reoffending.

Engaging with Active Luton and identifying a key contact at Luton PCT are good starting points to identify local opportunities for funding.

Page 43 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 31

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

4.1: Sport specific objectives

Site specific actions falling out of the sport by sport objectives outlined below are detailed within the action plan.

FOOTBALL OBJECTIVE Meet identified deficiencies at peak times and ensure there is a range of football facilities across the Borough to service all levels of the game.

 Protect the current level of playing pitches and seek to provide new pitches in areas of deficit.  Seek to provide a pitch to meet the requirements of Step 5 and above, and league cup finals.  Improve the quality and therefore carrying capacity of existing pitch stock.  Transfer overplay to alternative venues which are not operating at capacity or are not currently available for community use. Geographical location is a determining factor for where people want to play and must be considered.  Work with schools to secure tenure and access to primary and secondary schools to help address deficiencies. In particular target primary schools for access to mini/youth pitches and create better club school links.  Where schools are available but unused ensure access arrangements are suitable for facilitating access to the whole community, particularly in relation to cost.  In partnership with The FA, seek to establish a strategic phased programme of 3G pitches, which will increase training slots and support back to back modified games on Saturdays and Sundays.  Monitor trends in usage and to work out whether more 3G provision is required  Increase the quality and standard of changing rooms to accommodate dual gender changing facilities (in line with The FA standards).  Where necessary, reconfigure existing pitch provision with access to suitable pitches and facilities, to support and grow the game.  Where appropriate, develop partnership and/or lease arrangements with large, sustainable, development-minded (i.e. FA Charter Standard Community) clubs to manage their own ‘home’ sites thus facilitating club development (as detailed in the management objectives).  Continue to support clubs in the management and improvement of their own facilities.  As far as possible support clubs with facility development aspirations through the planning and application stages.  Address demand from informal football users with alternative provision away from formal pitches to reduce wear and tear.

Page 44 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 32

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

CRICKET OBJECTIVE

Meet unmet demand for access to additional pitches and work to increase the quality of

existing provision.

 Meet deficiencies in cricket pitches and increase the number of cricket grounds.  Protect current levels of provision and seek to provide new fine turf or artificial pitches to meet unmet demand.  Where appropriate, develop partnership and/or lease arrangements with large, sustainable, development-minded clubs to manage their own ‘home’ sites thus facilitating club development (as detailed in the management objectives).  Provide dedicated artificial wickets to service informal cricket in public sites.  Increase and sustain informal cricket participation and provide a pathway for those who wish to play at a formal level.  Ensure that any facilities developed support opportunities for women’s and girl’s competitive cricket.  Support clubs to develop and improve ‘off pitch’ practice facilities.  Where schools are available but unused ensure access arrangements are suitable for facilitating access to the whole community, particularly in relation to cost.

RUGBY UNION OBJECTIVE Work towards meeting identified current and future deficiencies and increase quality as required.

 Protect current levels of provision and work to alleviate overplay on competitive grass pitches caused by training. Ensure clubs have access to training areas which are either dedicated floodlit grassed areas or through the provision of an IRB AGP.  Where appropriate, increase the quality of rugby pitches in order to increase capacity.  Investigate options to work with schools to maximise access to education sites to help address deficiencies.

HOCKEY OBJECTIVE

Maximise access to existing provision and work towards improving quality.

 Work with schools to maximise access to education AGPs to accommodate both hockey training and competitive play. Establish community use agreements which also ensure access to ancillary facilities.  Ensure access arrangements are suitable for facilitating access to the whole community, particularly in relation to cost.  Investigate options to provide floodlighting at Luton 6th Form College.  Ensure that sinking funds are in place to maintain AGP quality in the long term.  Seek to work in partnership with Venue 360 to resurface the AGP.  Work with England Hockey to support its development programmes aimed at increasing participation.

Page 45 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 33

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

OTHER SPORTS OBJECTIVE Maximise access to existing provision and work towards improving quality.

Bowls:

 Consider rationalisation of greens with a view to focusing investment on retained facilities to ensure that these are high quality and sustainable.  Where possible ensure clubs provide pay and play opportunities at greens located in public parks.  Support and encourage junior bowls development in order to grow and sustain future participation levels in the sport.  Re-approach larger, sustainable, development-minded clubs to establish leases to fully manage their own ‘home’ sites thus facilitating club development.  Develop maintenance arrangements with clubs on council bowling greens.  Further investigate the sustainability of providing bowling hubs on artificial grass pitches.

Tennis:

 When demand exists, improve court quantity/quality and/or install floodlighting (in order to increase the capacity) of existing tennis court provision.  Support development of a Beacon site to service Luton.  Continue to support and encourage junior development in order to increase participation levels in the sport.  Where possible upgrade parks tennis courts to support informal playing opportunities.

Netball:

 Work with the Luton League to identify and secure access to a suitable site which could accommodate four or more good quality courts to operate as a Central Venue facility. Sites with four courts include Ashcroft High School, Challney High for Girls and Icknield School.  Work with schools to maximise access to education netball courts to accommodate competitive play.  Ensure community use agreements with Schools are upheld.

Golf:

 Work with Stockwood Golf Club to protect and maintain current quality of course.  Continue to work with Stockwood Golf Club to increase participation.

Gaelic football:

 Protect current provision of Gaelic football pitches and plan for anticipated increase in demand in the next five years.

Page 46 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 34

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Athletics:

 Protect and maintain the current standard of track at Stockwood Park.  Accommodate demand for a separate throwing area which is critical to retain the Grade A quality certificate of the track.  Work with football clubs to improve access/management of the grass pitch in the centre of the athletics track to avoid the need for additional maintenance on the track.

Page 47 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 35

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 5: PRIORITISATION LIST

5.1: Introduction

The site-by-site prioritisation list seeks to address surpluses and deficiencies, together with key issues identified in the accompanying Assessment Report. It provides recommendations for each site, based on current levels of usage, quality and future demand, as well as the potential of each site for enhancement.

It is a list developed by KKP and the Council and should be reviewed in the light of staff and financial resources in order to prioritise support for strategically significant provision and provision that other providers are less likely to make. Objective e below explains the hierarchy of priorities on the list. It is imperative that action plans for priority projects should be developed through the implementation of the strategy.

Actions plans will be prepared for delivering selected projects on the prioritisation list and decisions about which projects will be progressed to an action plan will be informed by the level of priority and timescales for delivery allocated.

The Council should make it a high priority to work with NGBs and other partners to comprise a priority list of actions based on local priorities, NGB priorities and available funding.

5.2: Justification of sites within the prioritisation list

The list details policy options relating to individual sites and the need to enhance and develop new sporting provision. The following criteria have been used to identify priorities and justify the inclusion of sites within the list. Just one of the following may apply:

 A project is currently underway to enhance the existing site and/or funding has been secured.  An evaluation of site use is required as it is of poor quality and is reportedly underused.  The desired action is small scale, short term and will enhance the quality of current provision, whilst aiding community use.  The importance of the site is identified in other strategies.

Sites included within the prioritisation list have been tiered based on criteria set out in objective e:

Objective (e) – Adopt a tiered approach (hierarchy of provision) to the management and improvement of sites

To allow for facility developments to be programmed within a phased approach the Council should adopt a tiered approach to the management and improvement of playing pitch sites and associated facilities.

Page 48 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 36

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Luton has a number of ‘key centres’, which are sites that are considered to be the most popular and therefore need to be of a high standard in order that they can accommodate a sufficient number of matches per week. This applies mostly to football pitch hire. However, the Council should extend this provision model to recognise the supply and demand issues identified throughout the Assessment Report (i.e. current levels of overplay) and the investment necessary to improve sites based on current levels of usage. The identification of sites is based on their strategic importance in a Borough-wide context (i.e. they accommodate the majority of play). In addition to this, there are a number of sites which have been identified as accommodating both senior and junior matches, sometimes concurrently.

Not only could such sites require a mixture of mini, youth and senior pitches, but they also require split-level ancillary facilities, in order to maximise their usage at all times.

In the context of developing a tiered model approach to the management of sports facilities Luton has a large number of multi-team junior clubs which place a great demand on the pitch stock. There are therefore a number of sites which are still owned and maintained by the local authority, but are actually booked by the clubs for the entire season. The sites are then recognised as the ‘home ground’ of the club. Such sites are fundamentally different from those which can be hired on a regular basis because they are in effect, ‘allocated’ to a certain club and management responsibility, in terms of allocating teams to pitches, is transferred to the individual club.

Proposed tiered site criteria

Strategic sites Key centres Club or education Strategic reserve sites sites Strategically placed Strategically placed in Strategically placed in Strategically placed in the Borough. the local authority the local context. in the local context. context. Accommodates five Accommodates three Accommodates more Likely to be single- or more grass or more grass pitches. than one pitch. pitch site with limited pitches. Including demand. provision of an AGP. Single or multi-sport Single or multi-sport Single or multi-sport Supports informal provision. provision. provision. demand and/ or Could also operate Could also operate as training etc. as a central venue. a central venue. Management control Management control Club either has long- Management control remains within the remains within the term lease/hires the remains with the local authority/other local authority or with pitch for the entire Council or existing provider or with an an appropriate club on season or owns the management body. appropriate lease a lease arrangement. site. arrangement through Management control a committee or remains within the local education owned. authority/other provider or with an appropriate lease arrangement through a committee or education owned.

Page 49 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 37

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Strategic sites Key centres Club or education Strategic reserve sites sites Maintenance regime Maintenance regime Standard maintenance Basic level of aligns with NGB aligns with NGB regime either by the maintenance i.e. guidelines. guidelines. club or in house grass cutting and line maintenance contract. marking as required. Good quality Good quality ancillary Appropriate access No requirement for ancillary facility on facility on site, with changing to access changing to site, with sufficient sufficient changing accommodate both accommodation. changing rooms and rooms and car parking senior and junior use car parking to serve to serve the number concurrently (if the number of of pitches. required). pitches.

Strategic Sites such as Crawley Green Recreation Ground already seek to accommodate the growing emphasis on football venues catering for both senior and junior (especially mini-soccer) matches. Strategic Sites can also have a borough wide impact of which is explained in section 5.3 below. The conditions recommended for mini and youth football are becoming more stringent. This should be reflected in the provision of a unique tier of pitches for mini and youth football solely that can ensure player safety, as well as being maintained more efficiently. It is anticipated that both youth and mini- football matches could be played on these sites. Initial investment could be required in the short term and identified in the Prioritisation List (page 41).

The financial, social and sporting benefits which can be achieved through development of strategic sites are significant. Sport England provides further guidance on the development of such sites at: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/planning_tools_and_guidance/sports_hu bs.aspx

Key Centres are important within the local context and service the local community (often analysis area) and are identified as local priorities, however in some instance they can be strategic priorities on broader levels.

It is considered that some financial investment will be necessary to improve the ancillary facilities at both Strategic sites and Key Centre sites to complement the pitches in terms of access, flexibility (i.e. single-sex changing if necessary), quality and that they meet the rules and regulations of local competitions.

Club/Education Sites are also important within the local context and service the local community (often analysis area) and are identified as local priorities, however in some instance they can be strategic priorities on broader levels. However, these sites are more often leased to clubs on a long-term basis. Primarily they are sites with more than one pitch. The level of priority attached to them for Council-generated investment may be relatively low and consideration should be given, on a site-by-site basis, to the feasibility of a club taking a long-term lease on the site (if not already present), in order that external funding can be sought. It is possible that sites could be included in this tier which are not currently hired or leased to a club, but have the potential to be leased to a suitable club. Such sites will require some level of investment, either to the pitches or ancillary facilities, and is it anticipated that one of the conditions of offering a hire/lease is that the club would be in a position to source external funding to improve the facilities.

Page 50 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 38

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Pitch quality improvements in most causes relate to installation and/or improving drainage works on sites. The continuing issue of teams training on pitches used by other teams for match play is also significant. This unofficial use of pitches is viewed as having a detrimental impact on quality of provision; ensuring a sufficient level of drainage on pitches as well as provision of artificial grass facilities in order to accommodate training needs is vital.

Strategic Reserve Sites could be used for summer matches/competitions, training or informal play. They could be single-pitch sites with limited usage, or have no recognised current usage.

5.3: Strategic priorities and local priorities

Within the prioritisation list the projects have been grouped into strategic priorities and local priorities and a small number of projects which are of borough wide importance have also been identified. The priorities have been identified on the basis of the impact that the site will have on addressing the issues identified in the assessment. For example Luton Sixth Form College (which is identified as a strategic priority and of borough wide importance, in the central area) would have a greater impact on addressing cricket facility deficiencies, therefore fulfilling a need at a strategic level in the central sub-area of Luton and at a borough wide level.

There are four overarching Borough wide priorities which should be considered as the top four priorities in Luton as they would have the most impact and benefits if the recommendations were carried out. These sites are:

 Wardown Park (Lower) – ID number 63 (Luton Central)  Stopsley Common (Luton Regional and Lothair Road Recreation Grounds) – ID numbers 43/44 (Luton East)  Crawley Green – ID number 22 (Luton East)  Luton Sixth Form College – ID number 46 (Luton Central)

In addition the requirement for a cup final standard pitch cannot be included on the prioritisation as a venue is yet to be identified (although the possibility of a private provider satisfying this need whilst considering a Step 5 pitch is to be explored i.e. Kent Athletics).

The borough wide sites are highlighted in blue on the prioritisation list (page 37).

5.4 Management and development

The following issues should be considered when undertaking sports related site development or enhancement:

 Financial viability.  Security of tenure.  Planning permission requirements and any foreseen difficulties in securing permission.  Adequacy of existing finances to maintain existing sites.  Business Plan/Masterplan – including financial package for creation of new provision where need has been identified.  Analysis of the possibility of shared site management opportunities.  The availability of opportunities to lease sites to external organisations.  Options to assist community groups to gain funding to enhance existing provision.  Negotiation with landowners to increase access to private strategic sites.  Football investment programme/3G pitches development with The FA.

Page 51 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 39

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

 Cricket investment programme/artificial wickets development with ECB/Bedfordshire Cricket.

5.5 Area by area specific prioritisation list

The prioritisation list has been created to be delivered over a ten year period. The information within the Assessment Report, Strategy and Prioritisation List will require updating as developments occur. It is not feasible to include all sites with identified development issues. Only sites, which meet the criteria listed above, have therefore been included. The timescales relate to delivery times and are not priority based.

Timescales: (S) -Short (1-2 years); (M) - Medium (3-5 years); (L) - Long (6+ years).

The strategic actions have also been ranked as low, medium or high based on cost. The brackets in which these sit are:

(L) -Low - less than £50k; (M) -Medium - £50k-£250k; (H) -High £250k and above. These are based on Sport England’s estimated facility costs which can be found at www.sportengland.org/media/198443/facility-costs-4q13.pdf

Page 52 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 40

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Central

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Luton Sixth Form 46 Strategic Education Early stages of planning to develop a Work in partnership with the ECB and ECB & LBC Education M M Borough wide impact. College priority cricket square as part of a potential the College to develop a cricket square Site Cricket squares are a high priority. new cricket academy. and ensure that it is available for This would help to reduce the community use, female cricket, full DDA heavy deficits in cricket provision. access. Lack of floodlighting at the site. Investigate the feasibility of providing England S M Floodlighting would allow the site to floodlighting at the School, taking into Hockey & be used by teams for training in account planning permission LBC winter. Improved security for requirements, costs, partnership vulnerable groups including juniors funding, etc. and females. Wardown Upper 60 Local priority LBC Luton Town & Indians CC has Support the Club to carry out changing LBC, ECB Strategic S-M M Accessibility for women’s teams , Park Wardown funding to refurbish the changing facility refurbishments. site people with disabilities and youth Park facilities at the site. would be greatly improved.

Wardown 63 Local priority LBC Two bowling greens with significant Reduce to one bowling green, return LBC, Strategic S-M L Maintenance costs will be reduced Park spare capacity. area to amenity parkland and secure Bowls site if the bowling green which is (Main savings in relation to maintenance costs. England underused is no longer maintained. park) Demand can be met on the adjacent green. Lower 63 Strategic LBC Average quality tennis courts. Work to secure funding to upgrade LBC, LTA Strategic S-M L Borough wide impact. Wardown priority tennis courts. site Improving the tennis court surfaces Park will help to increase participation including for people with mobility disabilities, juniors, the elderly and BME groups; and work with the LTA should help to maintain this. Strategic LBC Artificial cricket wicket in the middle Relocate the artificial wicket to the edge LBC, ECB Strategic S-M L Borough wide impact. priority of grass wickets. of the square subject to funding. site Relocation of the artificial cricket will reduce wear and tear of the fine turf wickets which should help to maintain quality. Helps sustain cricket including for existing BME groups and planned junior cricket development. Local priority LBC Cricket ground over played by 10 Add two cricket strips to the square to LBC, ECB Strategic S-M M Additional wickets will help matches per season. accommodate over play, subject to site accommodate over play at the site. funding. Helps sustain cricket including for existing BME groups and planned junior cricket development. Local priority LBC Cricket terracing in need of repair. Seek funding to repair and restore the LBC, ECB Strategic S-M M Improvements to the terracing will cricket terracing. site improve the playing experience give opportunities for spectators. Peoples Park-Bells 11 Strategic LBC One of the most popular sites for Investigate opportunities to provide 5 a LBC, FA Club Site S L Informal recreation is important in Close priority informal sports, especially football. side goal post to encourage casual play Luton. 5 a side goals will increase away from formal pitches. provision for local junior and adult residents wishing only to take part in casual play.

Page 53 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 41

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Blundell Road 12 Local priority LBC Pitches used solely by Luton United Consider options for partnership LBC & FA Key S M-L Facilitate expansion of youth Recreation Ground FC teams to their full capacity and club working/lease with Luton United to Centre and adult ethnic minority wish to expand. provide greater on site presence and football. Self-management will self-management opportunities and take some financial costs away

possible funding opportunities to from LBC, improved facility will improve the facility. help sustain use. Neighbourhood park site servicing the Seek funding to implement the site Improved facilities for wider local community therefore recreation improvement plan identified through the community use including facilities other than sport need to be Your Say, Your Way area based increased DDA accessibility, provided. consultations, in particular and improved safety for improvements to access and site vulnerable groups including definition/signage. women, the elderly and children.. Alder Crescent Local priority LBC One poor quality adult and one poor Seek opportunities to improve pitch LBC & FA Key S M Enables further expansion and Recreation Ground quality youth 11 aside pitch. quality (subject to facility provision) Centre encourages ethnic minority (Solway Road) Potential loss of changing facilities at Ensure that access to alternative youth and adult football, and Saints Community Centre. changing facilities is provided or retains community facilities consider transferring play to another site including DDA accessibility. or pursue asset transfer. L The closure of Saints Community Centre will leave pitches without changing facilities. Alternative facilities will allow play to continue at the site. Barnfield Health & 5 Local priority The Barnfield Community Use Agreements (CUA). Continue to ensure community use LBC, FA & Education S L-M Site has the potential to Fitness Suite And Federation Scope exists to improve quality of the agreements are upheld by maintaining Barnfield Site become a large sporting hub Barnfield College site by addressing gradient issues and good working relationships with the Federation with partnership working. more flexible pitch layout. Key multi College and Barnfield Federation. pitch site for FA. Approach College to look at ways to improve the Site and ensure it is sustainable for community use. Denbigh High School 24 Local priority Education The school has tennis courts which it Support the school to secure funding LBC, Education S M Could satisfy demand for would like to convert to netball courts where necessary to convert the tennis Denbigh Site additional netball courts. in order to accommodate community courts to netball, as there is demand School, demand. from the Luton & District League for Luton & additional courts at the site. District League, England Netball, LTA Denbigh High Detached 25 Local priority Education Site not used by the School and so Establish a relationship with the school FA, LBC & Club Site S L With a lease a club is able to Playing Fields would consider leasing to a club. Site and consider potential clubs that could Denbigh apply for funding which could comprises one youth (11v11) and one take on a lease in order to access High lead to pitch improvements. mini (7v7) football pitches. funding. The site could become the home base for a club. Luton Town Bowls Club 67 Local priority Private Significant spare capacity. Work in partnership with the Club to LBC, Bowls Club Site S L Maximising usage and increase membership. England increasing participation in the sport. Also provides social/health benefits and is a key sport for the elderly including people with disabilities.

Page 54 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 42

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Bushmead Primary 16 Local Priority Education Spare capacity of one mini 5v5 pitch at Consider site as reserve to service LBC Strategic M-L L Strategic reserve allows the School peak time. future demand. Reserve site to be used in the future if there is demand.

Page 55 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 43

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

North

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Lancaster Avenue 36 Strategic LBC Cricket ground over played by 28 Work with clubs and residents to try ECB & LBC Key M M Meet shortfalls and Recreation Ground priority matches per season. Some issues with to resolve H&S issues. Subject to Centre accommodate over play. resident property being damaged. funding to add five cricket strips to square to accommodate over play. The site is used by Luton Town Ladies Use site to accommodate potential Luton Town L Increased usage of the pitch to and has spare capacity for one match increases in girls’ football and Ladies accommodate girls’ football. per week. explore funding opportunities Average quality tennis courts. Work to secure potential funding and LBC, LTA L-M Improved court quality for use look at options to resurface tennis by the community and an courts. increase in subsequent capacity/usage. Lea Manor High School/ 37 Local priority LBC/ Conversion of sand based AGP to 3G. Support school to convert surface. FA, Active Education S L/M Meet shortfall in 3G pitch Lea Manor Recreation Education Establish and maintain good Luton Site provision and maximised Ground relationships with the School. community use, especially for football training. Three good quality netball courts on Work with the Luton netball league England M Maximised usage of the courts site currently not used for community and England Netball to explore Netball & and shortfall in league venues use. opportunities to use the site as a Luton addressed. venue. League Cardinal Newman 17 Local priority Education One standard quality adult pitch over Work with the School and club to FA & Education M-L L Improved pitch quality will Secondary School played by 3.5 matches and one consider options for improving pitch School Site increase site capacity and standard quality youth (11v11) pitch quality. reduce overplay. In addition it over played by 2 matches per week will provide a better playing used by Bushmead Rovers. experience for users. Old redgra pitch of poor quality with Consider the pitch for conversion to H Meet shortfall in AGP provision poor drainage. 3G or sand based surface AGP and make better use of this based on future needs. unused area. Icknield High School 31 Local priority Education The cricket pitch at Icknield High Work with the School to open up use ECB, LBC Education S M Establishing community use School has one grass wicket; however, of cricket pitch and also look at & School Site and increasing the size of the the outfield is not full size. The pitch is options to extend the outfield. pitch to accommodate junior not currently available for community Explore the opportunities of providing over play from other sites. use. a full sized cricket facility. There are two senior rugby union Work with School to open up access RFU, LBC L Establishing community use to pitches but currently there is no current to rugby union pitches. & School accommodate over play from community use of the facilities. The other sites. school would be willing to consider it if demand exists. Icknield Way Recreation 32 Local priority LBC One standard quality youth 11v11 Seek opportunities to improve pitch LBC Key S-M L Increased site capacity for Ground football pitch overplayed by one match quality and implement access FA Centre juniors including BME groups per week. improvements identified in the ECB and girls football, and reduced Limbury Riverside Parks action plan, overplay. In addition it will & Luton in particular the introduction of a provide a better playing Friends of circulation path and signage, subject experience for users. Path Parks and to funding. would provide increased Green accessibility for people with space mobility disabilities. Cricket ground over played by 1 match Add an additional cricket strip to L Meet shortfalls and per season. square subject to funding.. accommodate over play for existing customer base which is predominantly from BME groups. Page 56 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 44

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Leagrave Park (Sundon 39 Local priority LBC Seven standard quality adult football Reduce to six adult pitches and LBC Key M L Usage is maximised and Park) pitches with actual spare capacity of invest in other pitches to improve Centre improved quality of pitches. 5.5 pitches at peak time. quality, subject to funding, also Meets future demand for adult consider re-configuring the pitch to Consideration must be and junior, male and female given to protect the Gaelic football as future demand Gaelic football. Scheduled Monument, increases. areas of County Wildlife Pursue multiple club sites site designation and the Need for two 11v11 youth pitches to Convert two adult pitches to 11v11 if S-M L Meets overplay and future Leagrave Park Heritage accommodate overplay and future feasible. demand for junior footballers. Lottery Funded plan agreed demand as required. for the park. Cricket ground over played by five Add cricket strip to the square, L Accommodates over play matches per season. subject to funding. thereby improving quality of pitch for players who are predominantly from BME groups. One good quality Gaelic football pitch. Maintain good pitch quality. L Sustains future use of the pitch for Gaelic football for adults and juniors, males and females.. Lealands High School 41 Local priority Education Well used ¾ size AGP for football Maintain good relationship with the FA Education S-M L Sustains future use of the pitch training. School and continue community use. Site for football training. Ensure sinking fund is in place for resurfacing. Sundon Park Junior School 74 Local priority Education Sundon Park Rangers Colts are the Maintain a good relationship with the FA, Club, Education S L Future usage of the site main users of the site. Pitches are School and look to secure a Sport /Club Site secured. This will allow the standard and at capacity. permanent agreement. If successful England, Club to explore opportunities look to increase pitch quality. LBC to improve pitch quality and therefore increase site capacity.

Page 57 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 45

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

East

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Stopsley Common (Luton 43/44 Strategic LBC Site is a District Park with various Pursue funding for master plan and LBC, CT, FA, Strategic M-H M Borough wide impact. Regional and Lothair Road priority sporting and recreational uses and site related consultation. ECB, LTA, Site Work in collaboration with all Recreation Grounds) designations (which are sometimes Active Luton, partners to develop a conflicting) including District Wildlife & coherent plan for the whole Site and pending classification as a Conservation site thereby identifying site of importance by English Heritage. bodies priorities for implementation. A holistic plan will be required for the whole site. Luton Regional Recreation 44 Strategic LBC There is a planning condition in place Ensure that a new pavilion is LBC, ECB, Strategic S-M M-H Borough wide impact. Ground (Stopsley). priority which requires a new pavilion to be provided and funding secured for FA, England Site Provision of new pavilion will provided to support the 3 cricket and running costs. Pursue funding for Netball & support continued usage of Site is a District Park with junior pitches at Luton Regional junior pitch improvements and LTA the site for 3 cricket and various conflicting uses and Recreation Ground following the relocations across Stopsley junior football, and facilitates site designations including demolition of the Regional Sports Common.. female football and cricket at District Wildlife Site and Centre. this site. Moving and pending classification as a improving junior pitches to site of importance by one new area will assist English Heritage. A holistic junior football development, plan will be required for the tournaments and segregate whole site. adults and juniors across the Stopsley Common site. The six floodlit tennis courts are only Explore possibilities of combined L Borough wide impact. used by the school since the leisure netball and tennis courts available for Maximised usage of a centre on the site, which managed the community use at Stopsley High popular, strategic site. courts, has closed. Vandalism to the School – due for installation in 2015. Helps to address shortfall in fencing and floodlights. And or support Luton & Vauxhall league netball venues and Lawn Tennis Club in its aspirations to helps to increase junior develop the site as a Beacon Tennis participation. Site. Will encourage more people to play tennis. The site is subject to exploring the master plan

Lothair Road Recreation 43 Strategic LBC Five poor quality adult football pitches Transfer Wigmore football matches LBC & ECB Strategic S-L M Maintain continuity for local Ground (Stopsley) priority with spare capacity and a need in the when facility closes. Explore the Site football teams. Helps to area for two cricket grounds to options of installing artificial cricket address shortfall of cricket accommodate unmet, latent and future wickets and/or grass cricket pitch to pitches and provides security demand. accommodate demand from of tenure/sustainability to a midweek and Sunday Leagues, nomadic club. Possible subject to funding. Consider leasing reduction of LBC running to league/clubs. costs. Changing facilities need upgrading. Look at funding options and other H Improves quality of the possibilities for upgrading the facility thereby maximising facilities. usage to accommodate The site is subject to exploring the transfer matches from master plan. Wigmore. Includes improved access/toilet facilities for people with disabilities; and allows for separate female changing.

Page 58 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 46

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Crawley Green Recreation 22 Local priority LBC Overplay of 0.5 matches per week on Transfer play from youth 11v11 to LBC , FA, Strategic S L Over play reduced and pitch Ground youth 11v11 pitch. Spare capacity of 1 Rayhnam Way Recreation Ground. CGS&SC & Site quality sustained for adults match per week on adult pitch. Increase usage of adult pitch. Luton and juniors, male and Friends of female.

Parks and

Greenspace Strategic LBC Explore upgrading of the site Seek funding to create a master plan LBC & Luton M M Borough wide impact. Priority for the site to look at opportunities to Friends of Upgrading of the site will help meet community needs Parks and to maximise the usage of the Consider resurfacing of floodlit courts Greenspace site and improve access. to old netball pitch subject to funding.

Page 59 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 47

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier Ashcroft High School 3 Local priority Education Poor quality 3G AGP in need of Explore the options with the School, FA & Club Education M M Increases quality and ensures resurfacing. Used by Crawley Green Club and FA to resurface the pitch. Site continued use of the pitch by FC, etc. for training. Ensure a sinking fund plan is in place. Crawley Green FC. There are four netball courts, three are Work with the Luton Netball League and England S L Maximised usage of the courts and of adequate quality but are in need of England Netball to explore opportunities Netball, shortfall in league venues new posts. There are access issues at to use the site as a venue. Luton addressed. the site and the toilets are located League & some distance from the courts. LBC Ashcroft Road Recreation 4 Local priority LBC Spare capacity on bowling green. Work with the Club to increase Bowls Club Site S L Maximising usage and increasing Ground membership to address the spare England participation in the sport. Also capacity on bowling green. provides social/health benefits and is a key sport for the elderly including people with disabilities. Co-Op Luton Bowls Club 21 Local priority Private Spare capacity on bowling green Site proposed for housing allocation in Bowls Club Site S L Redevelopment opportunity, draft Local Plan subject to consultation. England releasing other social needs for Site size suggests potential to retain housing but also mixed some leisure use use potential to retain and improve leisure within the scheme. In addition this is a key sport for the elderly including people with disabilities. Putteridge High School 49 Local priority Education Two of the three courts are very good Establish a relationship with the School LBC, Education S-M L Helps to address shortfall in league quality, one has had problems with and Luton Netball League to look at England Site netball venues. leaves not cleaned away effectively. ways to increase access to the courts. Netball There are difficulties with hiring the Also, England Netball to investigate courts on Sundays; currently they are issue with third court.

only used on Saturdays.

Large hard area which currently has a Consider the pitch for conversion to 3G FA/England M Meets future demand for 3G pitch macadam/polymeric surface. or sand based surface AGP for future Hockey provision. demand. LBC previously had planning Re-investigate the opportunities for a H Helps to address cricket pitch permission to build a new school new playing field to accommodate both shortfall. playing field on agricultural land to the school and community use. Cricket East of the School. pitches should be provided as a priority. Raynham Way Recreation 51 Local priority LBC One junior 11v11 grass football pitch To address uneven distribuition of junior LBC & FA Strategic L L Accommodates demand expressed Ground with no play this season. pitch play consider relocating to a site Reserve from over played sites in the Area North of the town. Alternatively consider for junior football for both girls and Crawley Green FC junior teams boys. relocating here to free up part of Crawley Rec Ground for recreational use. Selsey Drive 52 Local priority Education One adult grass football pitch and one Stop maintaining the pitches for football LBC & FA Strategic L L Releases funding to help improve youth 11v11 pitch with no current play. and invest in other sites. Reserve quality/maintenance of other pitches. Wigmore Valley Park. Site 65 Local priority LBC District Park site with three poor quality To address low usage of 3 poor quality LBC & FA Strategic S-M M Releases human resources to help identified as within the senior football pitches and one pitch pitches, cease maintaining the pitches Reserve sustain quality/maintenance of Century Business Park with actual spare capacity each week. for football. Transfer play to Stopsley other pitches. development area of the Common local plan. Explore opportunities for increased Development of site for the wider access and other sport provision as part community including addressing of the Century Park development. access and security/lighting issues.

Page 60 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 48

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits Level hierarchy scale tier

Consider resident boxing club to vacate Development of site for the wider the building at the end of the lease, community and attain rental subject to the availability of an income. Nursery would provide alternative more appropriate site, and substantial benefits for children and explore lease with private parents. Site suitable for full DDA company/nursery operator to enable access as ground floor only. reinvestment in other facilities.

Stopsley High School 75 Local priority Education As part of the Government’s Priority Work closely with the School and Sport LBC, School Education S-L L Opportunity to address shortfalls in Schools Building Programme the England to input into what facilities will & Sport Site grass pitches. School is to be redeveloped and is be provided. England likely to provide opportunities for new outdoor sports facilities.

Page 61 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 49

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

South

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits List hierarchy scale tier Stockwood Park 55 Strategic LBC One standard quality Gaelic football To seek funds to Improve pitch LBC, GAA Key Centre S L Sustains future use of the priority pitch. quality. pitch and accommodates future demand For adults and juniors, male and

female ethnic minority sport. Stockwood Park 56 Active Luton The need to protect and maintain the Work with Active Luton and England S L Accommodates demand for Athletics Centre current standard of track at Stockwood England Athletics to provide Athletics & a separate throwing area Park. There is no separate throwing separate throwing area. Active Luton which is critical to retain the area. Grade A quality certificate of the track. Stockwood Park Golf 57 Active Luton The need to protect and maintain Work with Active Luton and England Golf M L Ensures the current Centre current standard of Stockwood Park England Golf to ensure that the & Active Luton standard is maintained in Golf Course. quality of the Golf course is the future. maintained. Stockwood Park RFC 58 Strategic Club Rugby pitches over played significantly Explore options to improve pitch RFU, Club Site M-L M-H Increased pitch carrying priority over played due to poor quality and quality and/or move training to University of capacity for all sections of training sessions taking place on another site. This could be through Bedfordshire, the community and match pitches. The University also use the creation of an IRB compliant Stockwood shortfalls in dedicated

the pitches midweek. AGP or a transfer to other grass Park RFC & training facilities met. pitch sites. Engage with the RFU LBC and University to work in partnership. Venue 360 61 Strategic Venue 360 Poor quality sand based AGP in need Work with Venue 360, England England Key Centre S-M H Improved pitch quality to priority of resurfacing. Hockey and clubs to resurface the Hockey, ECB, sustain continued use of pitch. Ensure sinking fund is in RFU, LTA, the site for hockey. place for future replacements. LBC & Luton

Cricket pitch with one artificial wicket Liaise with the Midweek Luton Midweek S L Accommodate unmet and significant spare capacity. Cricket League to increase use the Cricket cricket demand. venue for cricket. League Barnfield South 6 Local priority The Barnfield Grass pitches on site not available for Liaise with the Barnfield Federation Sport England, Education S L Increased use of the site to Academy Federation community use despite a community to ensure sustainable community FA, Barnfield Site meet shortfalls expressed. use agreement being in place. use of the pitches. Trust & LBC

Dallow Primary School 23 Local priority Education Three floodlit netball courts which have Address outstanding court issue England Education S L Maximises usage and helps had problems with the court surface. and look to rectify, with the school Netball, Sport Site to address shortfall in The courts have been repainted but and the academy on any England, league netball venues. there are still issues. Previously well outstanding problems in order to School & LBC utilised site. bring the courts back into use.

Community use currently not taking Liaise with Sport England to ensure L Maximised use of the site place but this site was the subject of a that community use of the site to accommodate a range of SE grant award towards its facilities takes place. sports on the MUGA. (MUGAs) and used to have community use. Sport England currently in process of discussing reinstating community use with the school. Farley Junior School 27 Local priority Education The School has aspirations to secure Support the School through the LBC & School Education S L Greater utilisation of the funding from Sport England to application process. Site site to accommodate a resurface the two existing MUGAs on range of sports. site, removing the middle fencing

Page 62 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 50

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits List hierarchy scale tier separating them to form one large surface. Foxdell Recreation 29 Local priority LBC Poor quality pitches. Conflict of adult Improve pitch quality subject to LBC & Luton Club Site S L Maximised use of the site Ground and junior play and training at the site. further investigation of the issues of Friends of with improved pitch quality. the site and funding. Parks and Develop junior including Green space predominantly ethnic minority football. Kingsway Recreation 35 Local priority 61 FC Pavilion leased to 61 FC. Site has poor Support the Club when they are in FA, Club & Club Site S-M M Upgraded changing will Ground changing and toilet facilities. a position to access funding for LBC & Luton support continued usage of upgrade to changing facilities. Friends of the site and improve DDA Parks and access. Green space Memorial Park 47 Local priority LBC Significant spare capacity on bowling Work with the Club to increase Bowls England Club Site S L Maximising usage and green membership in order to address & Luton increasing participation in under use. Friends of the sport. Also provides Parks and social/health benefits and is Green space a key sport for the elderly including people with disabilities. Stockwood Park RFC 58 Local Priority Club Need for floodlighting on main pitch Work with the Club and the RFU to RFU, Club Site M-L M Increases usage of the site and training pitch. access funding and to install University of to accommodate training Consideration must be floodlighting. Bedfordshire, for adult and junior rugby. given to protect areas Stockwood of County Wildlife site Park RFC & designation (bat LBC population) Venue 360 61 Local priority Venue 360 One senior rugby pitch over played by Explore options to improve pitch England Key Centre S M-H Increased pitch carrying 0.5 matches per week due to training quality and/or move training to Hockey, ECB, capacity and shortfalls in sessions taking place on the pitch and another site. This could be through RFU, LTA, dedicated training facilities midweek university matches. the creation of an IRB standard LBC & Luton met.

AGP or a transfer to other grass Midweek pitch sites (Also see KKP ref 58 Cricket above). League There is potential for two more courts LTA to work with the Club to M-L M Meets future demand for to be created on the overflow car park monitor increases in demand and access to tennis courts. land if required. the need for additional courts.

Page 63 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 51

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

West

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits List hierarchy scale tier Challney Girls High 18 Strategic Education Unused cricket pitch with one Work with the ECB and the School ECB, School & Education S M-H Increased use of the site to School priority artificial wicket. to identify clubs that could use a LCB Site meet shortfalls expressed School also has aspirations to install potential cricket square and support in cricket. a grass cricket square at the site. any funding applications. Former Electrolux 28 Local priority LBC Former company sports ground now Seek opportunities to convert LBC & ECB & Club Site S-M H Bringing back into use a Playing Field (Addington owned by LBC and has been used in pitches into a cricket square and FA disused site to help Way Open Space) the past as a training ground by work with ECB to consider clubs. address shortfalls in cricket Luton Town FC but use will conclude Partnership working required to and/or football.

in one year’s time. Consideration consider best use of the site. therefore also needed to provide ancillary facilities. Beechwood Primary 10 Local priority Education School was required to complete a Work with the School to allow Sport England Education S L Increased use of the site to School community use agreement for access for community use. & LBC, School Site meet shortfalls expressed. playing fields as a requirement of a planning permission; however, currently there is no community use at the Site. Challney Girls High 18 Local priority Education Despite a community use agreement Liaise with the School and Sport England Education S L Helps to address shortfall in School being in place the Luton Netball England to ensure access for the Netball Site league netball venues. League reports that attempted Luton Netball League. access to the courts for senior matches has been unsuccessful. Challney High School 19 Local priority Education The School has three tennis courts, Liaise with the School and Sport LBC & RFU Education M L Potential to help address for Boys and Community however, these are disused and England to have input into what Site shortfalls identified for College there are plans to convert them into a facilities will be provided. Work with rugby pitches due to over grass pitch. A new rugby pitch is also RFU to consider scope for rugby. play. proposed on the site of the former girls’ school building. Kent Athletic Sports & 34 Local priority Private The 1st team (football) cannot Work with the Club and FA to FA Club Site L H This would allow the Social Club progress in the league as they would create a long term strategy to meet football club to progress require a spectator stand. league requirements to a level of into a higher league, standard of a Step 5 facility ideally therefore creating further also suitable for league cup finals. sustainability for the Club. Source funding to help enable the club provide for step 5 pitch. Lewsey Park 42 Local priority LBC A disused hard porous pitch. Consider feasibility to convert LBC & Sports Key Centre L H Meets current needs and/or disused all-weather pitch to 3G Governing future demand for 3G pitch artificial pitch and work with Body & Luton for adults and juniors, could partners to seek funding Friends of also accommodate

opportunities. Parks and separate girls teams as Green space & pavilion has separate Lewsey TARA, changing facilities. Active Luton Disabled accessibility improved. Four adult football pitches with two Consult on feasibility of reducing to S-L L Retains spare capacity to matches of spare capacity at peak three adult pitches and keep fourth act as strategic reserve to time. pitch as strategic reserve. accommodate future demand.

Page 64 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 52

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY PRIORITISATION LIST

Site ID Prioritisation Management Issue to be resolved Recommended actions Partners Site Time- Cost Impact/benefits List hierarchy scale tier Well used artificial grass wicket well Ensure sufficient funds to continue S-L L Meets informal demand for used for informal play and last man to maintain artificial wicket for cricket – existing customer stands informal play, particularly in the base is predominantly from event of further vandalism/theft. BME groups.

Page 65 of 210 March 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 53

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 6: CONCLUSIONS

The Playing Pitch Strategy seeks to provide guidance for planning decisions made across Luton in the eight years up to 2021. By addressing the issues identified in the Assessment Report and using the strategic framework presented in this Strategy, the current and future sporting and recreational needs of Luton can be satisfied. The Strategy identifies where there is a deficiency in provision and identifies how best to resolve this in the future.

It is important that this document is used in a practical manner, is engaged with partners and encourages partnerships to be developed, to ensure that outdoor sports facilities are regarded as a vital aspect of community life and which contribute to the achievement of Council priorities.

The production of this Strategy should be regarded as the beginning of the planning process. The success of this Strategy and the benefits that are gained are dependent upon regular engagement between all partners involved and the adoption of a strategic approach. The Strategy is intended to be flexible and regularly updated using the accompanying database tools provided. An overarching action plan is intended to be developed in order to meet the current and future demands of playing pitch provision, a wide range of organisations will have a role in implementing the action plan with lead from Luton Borough Council.

Page 66 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 54

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

PART 7: MONITORING AND REVIEW

It is important that once the strategy is adopted that the plan becomes a live document so that progress against the actions can be reviewed and monitored. We recommend that there is regular monitoring (i.e. quarterly).

The Council should ensure that a process is put in place to track progress with implementing the recommendations and action plan. This process should involve regular liaison with the pitch sport NGBs.

A PPS should be subject to a full review every three years. However, regular monitoring and updating of key supply and demand data could extend its life to five years and limit the resource needed to carry out a full review. Keeping the supply and demand information up to date annually will reduce the amount of work required in the long term. Demand for pitches is often subject to annual change and even a three year period will see significant changes in both the supply of and demand for provision.

Alongside the regular steering group meetings a good way to keep the strategy up to date and maintain relationships may be to hold annual sport specific meetings with the pitch sport NGBs and other relevant parties. These meetings could look to update the key supply and demand information, if necessary amend the assessment work, track progress with implementing the recommendations and action plan and highlight any new issues and opportunities.

These meetings could be timed to fit with the annual affiliation processes undertaken by the NGBs which would help to capture any changes in the number and nature of sports clubs in the area. Other information that is already collected on a regular basis such as pitch booking records for local authority and other sites could be fed into these meetings. The NGBs will also be able to indicate any further performance quality assessments that have been undertaken within the study area. Continuing the bi-annual ddiscussions with the football league secretaries/FA will be useful to pick up any specific issues and/or enable a review of the relevant club details to be undertaken.

The steering group should regularly review and refresh area by area plans taking account of any improvements in pitch quality (and hence increases in pitch capacity) and also any new negotiations for community use of education sites in the future.

It is important that the Council maintains the data contained with the accompanying Playing Pitch Database. This will enable it to refresh and update area by area plans on a regular basis. The accompanying databases are intended to be refreshed on a season by season basis and it is important that there is cross-departmental working, including for example, grounds maintenance and sports development departments, to ensure that this is achieved and that results are used to inform subsequent annual sports facility development plans. Results should be shared with partners via a consultative mechanism.

Page 67 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 55

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

APPENDIX ONE: STRATEGIC CONTEXT

The objectives within this Strategy have been developed via the combination of information gathered during consultation, site visits and analysis. They reflect key areas to be addressed over its lifetime. However, implementation must be considered in the context of financial implications and the need for some proposals to also meet planning considerations.

National context

The provision of high quality and accessible community outdoor sports facilities at a local level is a key requirement for achieving the targets set out by the Government and Sport England. It is vital that this strategy is cognisant of and works towards these targets in addition to local priorities and plans.

The following section summarises the key strategic documents relevant to this Strategy and link, where appropriate, to the aims and objectives set out later.

Sport England: A Sporting Habit for Life (2012-2017)

In 2017, five years after the Olympic Games, Sport England aspires to transforming sport in England so that it is a habit for life for more people and a regular choice for the majority. The strategy will:

 See more people starting and keeping a sporting habit for life  Create more opportunities for young people  Nurture and develop talent  Provide the right facilities in the right places  Support local authorities and unlock local funding  Ensure real opportunities for communities

Sport England Strategy (2011/12 – 2014/15)

The vision is for England to be a world leading sporting nation where many more people choose to play sport. There are five strategic themes including:

 Maximise value from current NGB investment  Places, People, Play  Strategic direction and market intelligence  Set criteria and support system for NGB 2013-17 investment  Market development

Page 68 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 56

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Sport England Youth and Community Strategy 2012 – 2017

Launched in January 2012 the strategy sets out how Sport England will invest over one billion pounds of National Lottery and Exchequer funding during the five year plan period. The investment will be used to create a lasting community sport legacy by growing sports participation at the grassroots level following the 2012 London Olympics. The aim by 2017 is to ensure that playing sport is a lifelong habit for more people and a regular choice for the majority. A specific target is to increase the number of 14 to 25 year olds playing sport. To accomplish these aims the strategy sets out a number of outcomes:

 4,000 secondary schools in England will be offered a community sport club on its site with a direct link to one or more NGBs, depending on the local clubs in a school’s area.  County sports partnerships will be given new resources to create effective links locally between schools and sport in the community.  All secondary schools, who wish to do so, will be supported to open up, or keep open, their sports facilities for local community use and at least a third of these will receive additional funding to make this happen.  At least 150 further educational colleagues will benefit from a full time sports professional who will act as a College Sport Maker.  Three quarters of university students aged 18-24 will get the chance to take up a new sport or continue playing a sport they played at school or college.  A thousand of our most disadvantaged local communities will get a Door Step Club.  Two thousand young people on the margins of society will be supported by the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust into sport and to gain new life skills.  Building on the success of the Places People Play, a further £100 million will be invested in facilities for the most popular sports.  A minimum of 30 sports will have enhanced England Talent Pathways to ensure young people and others fulfil their potential.

National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out planning policies for England. It details how these changes are expected to be applied to the planning system. It also provides a framework for local people and their councils to produce distinct local and neighbourhood plans, reflecting the needs and priorities of local communities.

The NPPF states the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. It identifies that the planning system needs to focus on three themes of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. A presumption in favour of sustainable development is a key aspect for any plan-making and decision-taking processes. In relation to plan-making the NPPF sets out that Local Plans should meet objectively assessed needs.

The ‘promoting healthy communities’ theme identifies that 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. Specific needs and quantitative and qualitative deficiencies and surpluses in local areas should also be identified. This information should be used to inform what provision is required in an area.

Page 69 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 57

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

As a prerequisite the NPPF states existing open space, sports and recreation sites, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

 An assessment has been undertaken, which has clearly shown that the site is surplus to requirements.  The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location.  The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

In order for planning policies to be ‘sound’ local authorities are required to carry out a robust assessment of need for open space, sport and recreation facilities. The methodology to undertake such assessments should still be informed by best practice including Sport England’s ‘Towards a Level Playing Field’ (TALPF) and ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A Companion Guide to PPG17’. Despite PPG17 being replaced by the NPPF, the Companion Guide still offers relevant guidance about undertaking a needs assessment.

A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England

Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications that affect playing fields. It is Sport England’s policy to object to any planning application, which will result in the loss of a playing field, unless it meets one of five exceptions as defined in ‘A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England’. Protection of playing fields was enhanced in 1998 with Circular 9/98 (replaced in 2009 by Circular 02/09), which stipulates that where a local authority is minded to grant planning permission against Sport England’s advice on land owned by a local authority or used for educational purposes, then the application should be referred to the Secretary of State.

The FA National Game Strategy (2011 – 2015)

The Football Association’s (FA) National Game Strategy provides a strategic framework that sets out key priorities, expenditure proposals and targets for the national game (i.e., football) over a four year period. The main issues facing grassroots football are identified as:

 Growth and retention (young and adult players)  Raising standards and behaviour  Better players  Running the game  Workforce  Facilities

‘The National Game Strategy’ reinforces the urgent need to provide affordable, new and improved facilities in schools, clubs and on local authority sites. Over 75% of football is played on public sector facilities. The leisure budgets of most local authorities have been reduced over recent years, resulting in decaying facilities that do not serve the community and act as a disincentive to play football. The loss of playing fields has also been well documented and adds to the pressure on the remaining facilities to cope with the demand, especially in inner city and urban areas.

Page 70 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 58

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

The growth of the commercial sector in developing custom built five-a-side facilities has changed the overall environment. High quality, modern facilities provided by Powerleague, Goals and playfootball.net for example, have added new opportunities to participate and prompted a significant growth in the number of five-a-side teams in recent years.

The FA National Facilities Strategy (2013 – 2015)

The recently launched National Facilities Strategy sets out the FA’s long term vision for development of facilities to support the National Game. It aims to address and reflect the facility needs of football within the National Game. The National Game is defined as all non-professional football from Steps 1-7 of the National League System down to recreational football played on open public space. The role of facilities will be crucial in developing the game in England. One of the biggest issues raised from ‘the Big Grassroots Football Survey’ by that of 84% respondents, was ‘poor facilities’.

The FA’s vision for the future of facilities in England is to build, protect and enhance sustainable football facilities to improve the experience of the nation’s favourite game. It aims to do this by:

 Building - Provide new facilities and pitches in key locations to FA standards in order to sustain existing participation and support new participation.  Protecting - Ensure that playing pitches and facilities are protected for the benefit of current and future participants.  Enhancing - Invest in existing facilities and pitches, ensuring that participation in the game is sustained as well as expanded.

The Strategy commits to delivering in excess of £150m (through Football Foundation) into facility improvements across the National Game in line with identified priorities:

 Natural grass pitches improved – target: 100  A network of new AGPs built – target 100  A network of refurbished AGPs – target 150  On selected sites, new and improved changing facilities and toilets  Continue a small grants programme designed to address modest facility needs of clubs  Ongoing support with the purchase and replacement of goalposts

It also commits to:

 Direct other sources of investment into FA facility priorities  Communicate priorities for investment across the grassroots game on a regular basis  Work closely with Sport England, the Premier League and other partners to ensure that investment is co-ordinated and targeted

Page 71 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 59

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Champion Counties Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017

The England and Wales Cricket Board unveiled a new strategic plan in May 2013 which seeks to deliver successful England teams at all levels, to produce a vibrant domestic game as well as increasing participation during the period 2014-17. It builds on the 2005 plan, Building Partnerships and the subsequent 2009 initiative, Grounds to Play.

The plan will take advantage of local partnerships developed in earlier plans and support local delivery of priorities through the County network. It targets operational excellence to make maximum use of scarce resources and facilities during a time of economic austerity.

Among the targets set under the four pillars of Effective Governance, Vibrant Domestic Game, Enthusing Participation and Successful England teams, which are relevant to the playing pitch strategy, are:

 An increase in participation as measured by Sport England’s Active People Survey from 183,400 to 197,500  Expand the number of clubs participating in NatWest CricketForce from 2,000 to 2,200  Increase the number of cricket’s volunteers to 80,000 by 2017  Expand the number of participants in women’s and disabilities cricket by 10% by 2017  To increase the number of TwelfthMan members from 220,000 to 250,000 by 2017  Complete an approved Community Engagement programme with all 18 First Class Counties and MCC  For each £1 provided in facility grants through the ‘Sport England Whole Sport Plan Grant Programme’ ensure a multiplier of three with other funding partners  Provide a fund of £8.1m of capital investment to enhance floodlights, sightscreens, replay screens, power sub-stations and broadcasting facilities at First Class County venues  Provide an interest-free loan fund to community clubs of £10 million  Qualify and engage 50 Level 4 coaches to support the development of professional cricketers  Expand the number of coaches who have received teacher level 1, 2 or 3 qualifications to 50,000  Provide a fund of £2 million for community clubs to combat the impact of climate change  Introduce a youth T20 competition engaging 500 teams by 2017

Page 72 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 60

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

The Rugby Football Union National Facilities Strategy (2013-2017)

The recently launched RFU National Facility Strategy 2013-2017 provides a framework for development of high-quality, well-managed facilities that will help to strengthen member clubs and grow the game in communities around them. In conjunction with partners, this strategy will assist and support clubs and other organisations, so that they can continue to provide quality opportunities for all sections of the community to enjoy the game. It sets out the broad facility needs of the sport and identifies investment priorities to the game and its key partners. It identifies that with 470 grass root clubs and 1500 players there is a continuing need to invest in community club facilities in order to:

 Create a platform for growth in club rugby participation and membership, especially with a view to exploiting the opportunities afforded by RWC 2015.  Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of rugby clubs, through supporting not only their playing activity but also their capacity to generate revenue through a diverse range of activities and partnerships.

In summary the priorities for investment which have met the needs of the game for the Previous period remain valid:

 Increase the provision of changing rooms and clubhouses that can sustain concurrent adult and junior male and female activity at clubs  Improve the quality and quantity of natural turf pitches and floodlighting  Increase the provision of artificial grass pitches that deliver wider game development

It is also a high priority for the RFU to target investment in the following:

 Upgrade and transform social, community and catering facilities, which can support the generation of additional revenues  Facility upgrades, which result in an increase in energy-efficiency, in order to reduce the running costs of clubs  Pitch furniture, including rugby posts and pads, pitch side spectator rails and grounds maintenance equipment

Page 73 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 61

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

England Hockey Board (EHB) 2013-2017 Strategy – ‘A Nation where Hockey Matters’

EHB’s 2013-2017 strategy is called “A Nation where Hockey Matters”. The strategy builds on the successful system improvement (talent and participation), product development, and profile and brand building that has taken place in the sport over the last four years.

EHB’s mission is to provide inspirational leadership to ensure:

 Growth in participation - Increase the number of people participating in hockey to ensure a vibrant and secure future for the sport.  International success - Continue to raise the performance bar of athlete and coach development to maintain world level standards and create positive role models for the sport.  Increased visibility - Deliver high profile quality domestic and international events that attract increased spectator numbers, TV coverage, and sponsorship.  Enhanced infrastructure - Enhance the playing experience by improving facilities, coaching, officiating and the support to volunteers, clubs and all our stakeholders.  A strong and respected NGB - Continue to maintain high governance standards and diversify sources of income to reduce reliance on grants.

Page 74 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 62

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

APPENDIX TWO: FUNDING PLAN

Funding opportunities

In order to deliver much of the Action Plan it is recognised that external partner funding will need to be sought. Although seeking developer contributions in applicable situations and other local funding/community schemes could go some way towards meeting deficiencies and/or improving provision, other potential/match sources of funding should be investigated. Below is a list of current funding sources that are relevant for community improvement projects involving sports facilities.

Awarding body Description Big Lottery Fund Big invests in community groups and to projects http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ that improve health, education and the environment Sport England : Sport England is keen to marry funding with other  Sustainable Facilities Fund organisations that provide financial support to create and strengthen the best sports projects.  Sportsmatch Applicants are encouraged to maximise the levels  Small Grants of other sources of funding, and projects that  Protecting Playing Fields secure higher levels of partnership funding are  Inspired Facilities more likely to be successful.  Strategic Facilities Fund http://www.sportengland.org/funding.aspx http://www.sportengland.org/funding/our- different-funds/strategic-facilities/ Football Foundation This trust provides financial help for football at all http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/ levels, from national stadia and FA Premier League clubs down to grass-roots local development. Rugby Football Foundation - The Loans The Loans Scheme helps finance projects that Scheme contribute to the retention and recruitment of rugby http://www.rfu.com/microsites/rff/index.cf players. m?fuseaction=loans.home Projects eligible for loans include: 1. Club House Facilities: General structural improvements, general refurbishment, storerooms and offices, kitchen facilities, training areas. 2. Grounds (other than pitches): Car parking facilities, ground access improvements, fencing, security measures. Rugby Football Foundation - The Grant The Grant Match Scheme provides easy-to-access Match Scheme grant funding for playing projects that contribute to http://www.rfu.com/microsites/rff/index.cf the recruitment and retention of community rugby m?fuseaction=groundmatch.home players. Grants are available on a ‘match funding’ 50:50 basis to support a proposed project. Projects eligible for funding include: 1. Pitch Facilities – Playing surface improvement, pitch improvement, rugby posts, floodlights. 2. Club House Facilities – Changing rooms, shower facilities, washroom/lavatory, and measures to facilitate segregation (e.g. women, juniors). 3. Equipment – Large capital equipment, pitch Page 75 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 63

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

Awarding body Description maintenance capital equipment (e.g. mowers). EU Life Fund LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting http://ec.europa.eu/environment/funding/in environmental and nature conservation projects tro_en.htm throughout the EU. EH Capital Investment Programme (CIP) The CIP fund is for the provision of new pitches and re-surfacing of old AGPs. It forms part of EH’s 4 year Whole Sport’s Plan. National Hockey Foundation The Foundation primarily makes grants to a wide http://www.thenationalhockeyfoundation.c range of organisations that meet one of our chosen om/ areas of focus: Young people and hockey. Young people and sport in Milton Keynes. Enabling the development of hockey at youth or community level. Smaller Charities.

Protecting Playing Fields

SE launched a funding programme; Protecting Playing Fields (PPF ) as part of its Places People Play Olympic legacy mass participation programme and is investing £10 million of National Lottery funding in community sports projects over the next three years (2011- 2014).

The programme is being delivered via five funding rounds (with up to £2 million being awarded to projects in each round). Its focus is on protecting and improving playing fields and developing community sport. It will fund capital projects that create, develop and improve playing fields for sporting and community use and offer long term protection of the site for sport. Projects are likely to involve the construction of new pitches or improvement of existing ones that need levelling or drainage works.

Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ funding programme will be delivered via five funding rounds and is due to launch in Summer 2011 where clubs, community and voluntary sector groups and local authorities can apply for grants of between £25k and £150k where there is a proven local need for a facility to be modernised, extended or modified to open up new sporting opportunities.

The programmes three priorities are:

 Organisations that haven’t previously received a Sport England Lottery grant of over £10k.  Projects that are the only public sports facility in the local community.  Projects that offer local opportunities to people who do not currently play sport.

Besides this scheme providing an important source of funding for potential voluntary and community sector sites, it may also providing opportunities for Council to access this funding particularly in relation to resurfacing the artificial sports surfaces

Strategic Facilities Fund

Facilities are fundamental in providing more people with the opportunity to play sport. The supply of the right facilities in the right areas is key to getting more people to play sport. Sport England recognises the considerable financial pressures that local authorities Page 76 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 64

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

are currently under and the need to strategically review and rationalise leisure stock so that cost effective and financially sustainable provision is available in the long-term. Sport England has a key role to play in the sector, from influencing the local strategic planning and review of sports facility provision to investing in major capital projects of strategic importance.

The Strategic Facilities Fund will direct capital investment into a number of key local authority projects that are identified through a strategic needs assessment and that have maximum impact on growing and sustaining community sport participation. These projects will be promoted as best practice in the delivery of quality and affordable facilities, whilst demonstrating long-term operational efficiencies. The fund will support projects that bring together multiple partners, including input from the public and private sectors and national governing bodies of sport (NGBs). The fund is also designed to encourage applicants and their partners to invest further capital and revenue funding to ensure sustainability. Sport England has allocated a budget of circa £30m of Lottery funding to award through this fund (2013-17).

Key features which applications must demonstrate are:

 A robust needs and evidence base which illustrates the need for the project and the proposed facility mix  Strong partnerships which will last beyond the initial development of the project and underpin the long-term sustainability of the facility  Multi-sport provision and activity that demonstrates delivery against NGB local priorities  A robust project plan from inception to completion with achievable milestones and timescales.

Lottery applications will be invited on a solicited-only basis and grants of between £500,000 and £2,000,000 will be considered.

The Strategic Facilities Fund will prioritise projects that:

 Are large-scale capital developments identified as part of a local authority sports facility strategic needs assessment/rationalisation programme and that will drive a significant increase in community sports participation  Demonstrate consultation/support from two or more NGBs and delivery against their local priorities  Are multi-sport facilities providing opportunities to drive high participant numbers  Are a mix of facility provision (indoor and/or outdoor) to encourage regular & sustained use by a large number of people  Offer an enhancement, through modernisation, to existing provision and/or new build facilities  Have a long-term sustainable business plan attracting public and private investment  Show quality in design, but are fit for purpose to serve the community need  Have effective and efficient operating models, combined with a commitment to development programmes which will increase participation and provide talent pathways.

Projects will need to demonstrate how the grant will deliver against Sport England’s strategic priorities. The funding available is for the development of the capital infrastructure, which can contribute to the costs of new build, modernisation or

Page 77 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 65

LUTON PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY STRATEGY AND PRIORITISATION LIST

refurbishment and purchasing of major fixed equipment as part of the facility development.

Funder’s requirements

Below is a list of funding requirements that can typically be expected to be provided as part of a funding bid, some of which will fall directly out of the Playing Pitch Strategy:

 Identify need (i.e., why the Project is needed) and how the Project will address it.  Articulate what difference the Project will make.  Identify benefits, value for money and/or added value.  Provide baseline information (i.e., the current situation).  Articulate how the Project is consistent with local, regional and national policy.  Financial need and project cost.  Funding profile (i.e., Who’s providing what? Unit and overall costs).  Technical information and requirements (e.g., planning permission).  Targets, outputs and/or outcomes (i.e., the situation after the Project/what the Project will achieve)  Evidence of support from partners and stakeholders.  Background/essential documentation (e.g., community use agreement).  Assessment of risk.

Indicative costs

The indicative costs of implementing key elements of the Action Plan can be found on the Sport England website: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance.aspx

The costs are for the development of community sports facilities and are based on providing good quality sports facility for the 2nd Quarter 2011. These rounded costs are based on schemes most recently funded through the Lottery (and therefore based on economies of scale), updated to reflect current forecast price indices for 1st Quarter 2010 provided by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), prepared by Technical Team Lead of Sport England.

New work output is forecast to fall a little in 2011 as the cuts in public sector spending start to make their mark, partly mitigated by private sector output starting to recover more strongly. It is anticipated that there will be a return to sluggish growth in 2012, as public sector cuts deepen. The BCIS forecast is for tender prices to rise by 2.8% in the year to 4th quarter 2011, rising by 3.1% over the following year.

Page 78 of 210 January 2014 Strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 66

APPENDIX 2

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

FINAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

DECEMBER 2013

Page 79 of 210 9/67

Quality assurance Name Date Report origination Claire Waldron October 2013 Quality control Claire Fallon October 2013

Client/NGB comments Page 80 of 210 Final approval

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS

PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGIES ...... 70 1.1: Section A: Preparation ...... 71 1.2: Section B: Information gathering ...... 81 1.3: Section C: Assessment ...... 84 1.4: Section D: Key findings and issues ...... 85 PART 2: FOOTBALL ...... 86 2.1: Introduction ...... 86 2.2: Supply ...... 88 2.3: Demand ...... 96 2.4: Capacity analysis ...... 100 2.5: Supply and demand analysis ...... 106 2.6: Conclusions...... 112 PART 3: CRICKET ...... 118 3.1: Introduction ...... 118 3.2: Supply ...... 119 3.3: Demand ...... 125 3.4: Capacity analysis ...... 129 3.5: Supply and demand analysis ...... 131 3.6: Conclusions...... 134 PART 4: RUGBY UNION ...... 135 4.1: Introduction ...... 135 4.2: Supply ...... 135 4.3: Demand ...... 140 4.4: Capacity analysis ...... 141 4.5: Supply and demand analysis ...... 144 4.6: Conclusions...... 145 PART 5: HOCKEY ...... 147 5.1: Introduction ...... 147 5.2: Supply ...... 147 5.3: Demand ...... 149 5.4: Usage ...... 150 5.5: Quality ...... 151 PART 6: BOWLS ...... 155 6.1: Introduction ...... 155 6.2: Supply ...... 155 6.3: Demand ...... 158 6.4: Capacity analysis ...... 159 PART 7: OTHER SPORTS ...... 162 PART 8: EDUCATION ...... 173 APPENDIX 1: CONSULTEE LIST ...... 182 APPENDIX 2: SPORTING CONTEXT ...... 186 APPENDIX 3 – FOOTBALL NON-TECHNICAL SITE ASSESSMENT FORM ...... 192 APPENDIX 4 – CRICKET NON-TECHNICAL SITE ASSESSMENT FORM ...... 193

Page 81 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 69 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGIES

This is the Playing Pitch Assessment Report (incorporating all outdoor sports facilities) prepared by Knight Kavanagh & Page (KKP) for Luton Borough Council (LBC). The document covers the period of population growth to 2021.

The strategy covers all of the outdoor pitch sports as well as non-pitch sports. The full list of sports facilities covered is set out below:

 Football pitches  Cricket pitches  Rugby union pitches  Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) including sand based/filled, water based and 3G  Bowling greens  Gaelic football pitches  Golf courses  Netball courts  Tennis courts  Athletics tracks  Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs)

In addition to the playing pitch strategy a second document has been created to sit alongside it named ‘Informal Sports Assessment Report’. This document looks at the informal sports in Luton and the requirement for pitches to accommodate this type of demand, as well as considering possible routes into more formal sports through the informal. It considers the impact that informal sports may have on the overall supply and demand of sports facilities in Luton.

In agreement with Sport England and the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), the report presents a supply and demand assessment of playing pitch facilities in accordance with Sport England’s Draft Guidance ‘Developing a Playing Pitch Strategy’. The methodology has been followed to develop a clear picture of the balance between the local supply of, and demand for, playing pitches and other outdoor sports.

The methodology details a 13 step approach to developing a playing pitch strategy (PPS). These steps are separated into five distinct sections:

 Section A: Preparation  Section B: Information gathering  Section C: Assessment  Section D: Key findings and issues  Section E: Strategy development and implementation

Sections A to D are covered in this report.

The methodology that has been used for non-pitch sports broadly follows the same format as the ‘Developing a Playing Pitch Strategy’ guidance however there is currently no prescribed methodology for non-pitch sports. The report draws conclusions for non-pitch sports based on supply and demand analysis. Where appropriate, e.g. bowling greens, a capacity analysis has also been carried out.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:82 of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 70 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Developing a Playing Pitch Strategy Methodology:

1.1: Section A: Preparation

To ensure that the PPS will be robust and successful and make the best use of available resources, the following steps were followed:

Step 1: Why the PPS is being developed

The PPS sits within the context of Luton Borough Council’s Prospectus 2013-2016, in which is identified three key priorities, which include: ‘to ensure the most vulnerable in Luton are safe and supported,’ and ‘to better equip residents of all ages to get jobs through investment in education and training.’ Against this backdrop, the rationale for producing the strategy is that it will help to deliver on the broader agenda to increase participation in sport, which is key to improving health and wellbeing outcomes and which can also play an important role in the development of confidence and skills among individuals as well as reducing anti-social behaviour.

The objectives of the strategy extend across multiple LBC departments and are summarised below:

 To help deliver the public health agenda  To inform the investment strategy for LBC initiatives  To inform local plan policy and potential developer contributions  To set the outdoor sports facilities plan within the context of the local plan and wider strategies for parks, green spaces and community development  To inform sports development initiatives  To reflect wider LBC asset reviews  To help facilitate community use of outdoor facilities on education sites

Links to other strategies

There are a number of related strategies developed by Luton Borough Council which have been adopted or are in the process of being developed, which are used to inform the Playing Pitch Strategy. They include:

 Luton Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity (April 2013)  Luton Borough Council Prospectus 2013-2016  Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2012 – 2017  Luton Local Plan, 2001 – 2011  Corporate Asset Management Plan and Capital Strategy 2010- 2015  Luton Local Plan Review, 2011 – 2031 (in development, not available online)  Luton and South Bedfordshire Draft Green Space Strategy 2008 (useful background, available via www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk)  Luton Green Space Strategy (in development as part of Local Plan review, not available online)  Community Priorities documents, developed as part of the Your Say, Your Way programme  Luton’s Sustainable Community Strategy, 2008 – 2026

As detailed in the Luton Borough Council Prospectus 2013-16, the backdrop to the development of the Playing Pitch Strategy is that for the next three years, the Council must manage on much less funding from Government than in the previous three years. December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:83 of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 71 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Increased pressures are likely to flow from changes to welfare benefits, greater need for social care and a new duty to improve the public’s health.

Within this context, a Playing Pitch Strategy for Luton must help to address health inequalities by seeking to promote participation in sport. The action plan must also take into account the considerable constraints on local authority budgets, the practical consequences of which will inevitably include less intensive maintenance in the short, medium and long term within Council operated parks.

The Strategic Vision for Sport and Physical Activity (2013) is a corporate document of which the playing pitch strategy fits into. The vision ensures that the Council’s investment into sport effectively contributes to the authority’s overall outcomes. Beyond this, a vision for sport in Luton will provide:

 Clarity of priorities in times of austerity  A means of securing resources through a clear, needs-based approach  Ability to maximise use of resources through informed decision making  A meaningful post 2012 legacy  A framework to realise Luton’s sporting ambitions

As stated in the Luton Local Plan, 2001 – 2011, Luton is now generally developed up to its administrative boundary and a central issue is the ‘extent to which the conflicting needs for various uses and facilities are to be balanced.’ In relation to a Playing Pitch Strategy, the use of land for formal sport must be set in the context of the other potential uses of green space and the need to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Step 2: Management arrangements

The project team (KKP) is responsible for the day to day development of the PPS and ensuring tasks are completed in line with the project plan. In order to ensure effective and continued PPS management, it has been supported by the abovementioned Steering Group comprising representatives from the Council, NGBs and Sport England. This is responsible for the vision and direction of the PPS from a strategic perspective and supporting, checking and challenging the work of the project team. It will be important for the Steering Group to continue once the PPS has been developed for several reasons, including:

 To be a champion for playing pitch provision in the area and promote the value and importance of the PPS.  To ensure implementation of the PPS’s recommendations and action plan.  To monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the PPS.  To ensure that the PPS is kept up to date and refreshed.  To review, at least annually, changes in supply and demand in line with available budgetary resources.

Assessment data was identified and collated between July and September 2013. Although this was not considered ideal for all sports, particularly football (because part of the period was out of season), for financial and political reasons, the Council decided to run the project at this time.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:84 of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 72 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

As agreed with the steering group, the study area is sub divided into five analysis areas:

Analysis area Wards Central Saints, Biscot, High Town, Barnfield East Stopsley, Round Green, Crawley, Wigmore North Sundon Park, Limbury, Icknield, Northwell, Bramingham South Farley, South, Dallow West Lewsey, Challney, Leagrave

The analysis areas allow more localised assessment of provision and examination of facility spare capacity and overplay at a local level. Use of analysis areas also allows local circumstances and issues to be taken into account.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:85 of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 73 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 1.1 Map of analysis areas

Page 86 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 74 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Step 3: Tailoring the approach

In tailoring the approach to the study area, KKP has sought to consider how the characteristics of the area impacts upon playing pitch provision, including:

Participation in sport and physical activity

In order to help establish how active the local population is, which sports are played and how likely they are to participate in pitch sports, Sport England’s participation analysis tool (i.e., the Local Sport Profile tool) is used. It provides a detailed understanding of key participation trends between different groups in the Borough’s population.

The Active People Survey (APS) is the largest ever survey of sport and active recreation to be undertaken in Europe. The first year of the survey, APS1 was conducted between October 2005 and October 2006. A total of 363,724 adults living in England took part. APS2, the second year of the survey, was conducted between October 2007 and October 2008 this time a total of 191,325 adults took part. It has now become a continuous process, with APS3 completed in Oct 2009, APS4 in October 2010, APS5 in October 2011. AP6 is was completed in October 2012 and results are currently being analysed.

Each survey gathers data on the type, duration and intensity of people's participation in different types of sport and active recreation and cultural participation, as well as information about volunteering, club membership, tuition as an instructor or coach, participation in competitive sport and overall satisfaction with local sports provision.

Activity levels in the local population?

Table 1.1 below shows APS 3, 4, 5 and 6 results for Luton in comparison to the national and Sport England regional figures. Data for the nearest neighbours are also presented.

Table 1.1 Active People survey results for all adults – Luton and nearest unitary authority neighbours1

KPI National East of Luton Nearest neighbours % England % Oldham Bradford Coventry % % % % KPI 2 - At least 2008/09 % 4.7 4.7 2.1 3.9 6.1 7.9 1 hour per 2009/10 4.5 4.8 2.7 4.5 6.0 2.9 week 2010/11 7.3 8.0 6.9 6.6 9.2 6.3 volunteering to support sport 2011/12 7.6 7.4 3.8 6.5 5.5 6.1 KPI 3 - Club 2008/09 % 24.1 25.5 19.7 19.6 20.8 24.6 membership in 2009/10 23.9 24.3 17.6 19.9 20.0 18.3 the last 4 2010/11 23.3 23.6 17.1 19.2 19.2 23.6 weeks 2011/12 22.8 23.7 12.4 20.1 12.7 19.8 KPI 4 - 2008/09 % 17.5 18.3 14.5 14.0 13.8 19.0 Received 2009/10 17.5 18.3 11.0 12.2 15.4 12.9 tuition/coachin 2010/11 16.2 16.8 11.1 13.1 15.7 15.5 g in last 12 months 2011/12 16.8 17.4 10.4 11.6 13.4 12.7

1 According to www.cipfastats.net Luton’s top three nearest Unitary Authority neighbours are Oldham, Bradford and Coventry. Page 87 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 75 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

KPI National East of Luton Nearest neighbours % England % Oldham Bradford Coventry % % % % KPI 5 - Taken 2008/09 % 14.4 14.7 12.2 13.3 11.7 17.8 part in 2009/10 14.4 15.3 11.4 10.3 14.3 12.1 organised 2010/11 14.3 14.5 9.1 10.5 11.5 13.8 competitive sport in last 12 2011/12 14.4 15.1 9.8 11.7 12.8 13.5 months KPI 6 - At least 2008/09 % 16.6 16.2 10.1 16.5 14.5 17.3 3 x 30 minutes 2009/10 16.5 16.4 13.5 18.2 16.7 16.1 moderate 2010/11 16.3 16.3 11.6 14.2 18.7 20.1 participation per week 2011/12 * * * * * *

Nearest neighbours are not geographic but those which are the closest to Luton in terms of socio-demographics. This type of comparison has been developed to aid local authorities to compare and benchmark. The models apply a range of socio-economic indicators upon which the specific family group (nearest neighbours) is calculated.

The table indicates that, in 2010/2011, the percentage of adults participating in at least 3 x 30 minutes moderate exercise per week was lower in Luton (11.6%) than both the national average (16.3%) and the regional average (16.3%). In addition, this figure was also lower than the averages in all of Luton’s nearest neighbours (Oldham 14.2%; Bradford 18.7% and Coventry 20.1%). Indeed, Luton has remained consistently lower than both the national and regional averages, as well as the averages of nearest neighbours, from 2008/2009 through to 2011/2012.

With regard to Sport England’s KPIs, Luton has also remained consistently lower than both the national and regional averages since 2008/2009. Furthermore, since 2008/2009, Luton has experienced a decrease in the majority of KPI’s. However, KPIs 2 and 6 have not consistently decreased; indeed, Luton has shown an increase in KPI 2 from 2.1% (2008/2009) to 3.8% (2011/2012) and an increase in KPI 6 from 10.1% (2008/2009) to 11.6% (2010/2011).

Market Analysis

It is not possible to break down the Active People Survey information into individual ward or analysis areas. However, in order to establish a more detailed market picture it is possible to cross-tabulate the demographic profile of Luton’s analysis areas with the nation demographic trends in sports participation that are identified in the Active People Survey.

Based on national trends, levels of sports participation (overall and by sport) and latent demand within any geographical area are likely to be affected by the ethnicity and age composition of that area.

Page 88 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 76 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Luton’s Demographic Composition – Ethnicity

The chart below shows the ethnic profile of Luton’s population by ward and analysis area (ONS Census 2011 data). Overall, the ‘White British’ segment is the single largest group, accounting for 45% of Luton’s total population, with ‘White Other’ accounting for an additional 10%. There is significant variance by ward and analysis area however, with ‘Asian British: Indian / Pakistani / Bangladeshi’ making up the majority segment in three wards (Biscot, Saints, Dallow) and the largest single segment in the ‘Central’ analysis area. This segment also makes up a quarter of the population in the ‘West’ analysis area and a third in the ‘South’ area. The ‘North’ and ‘East’ analysis areas are strongly skewed towards the ‘White British or Other’ segments.

Active People Survey – Ethnicity Data

The Active People Survey 2011/12 (APS 7 Q2) identifies that the level of participation in sport at least once a week by Luton residents is 29.3% (29.0% in APS 6), compared to 35.2% nationally within the adult population (36% in APS 6).

The data is not sufficiently granular as to enable a breakdown of Luton’s information by sport and ethnicity. However, there is national data which shows variances in participation based on ethnic group and sport.

Page 89 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 77 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Sports Participation – At Least Once a Week

The chart below depicts the proportion of adults (aged 16 and over) participating in at least four sessions, of at least 30 minutes, of (the) sport in the last 28 days. This is a national sample, as granular local data is not available.

Please note that ‘White British’ and ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’ are both subsets of the total Adult Population. ‘Asian’ is a subset of ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’

This data suggests the following:

 Levels of participation in any sport at least once a week are broadly comparable across all ethnic groups  Propensity to participate in cricket is somewhat higher (almost twice as high) among Black and Minority Ethnic groups than among the general population  Propensity to participate in cricket is significantly higher (four times as high) among the Asian segment specifically  Propensity to participate in football is moderately higher (50% higher) among all Black and Minority Ethnic groups than among the general population  Propensity to participate in football is somewhat higher (almost twice as high) among the Asian segment specifically

Latent Demand – Would Like To Do More Sport

The chart below depicts the proportion of adults (aged 16 and over) who would like to do more of the sport over the next 12 months than they currently do. This is a national sample, as granular local data is not available.

Please note that ‘White British’ and ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’ are both subsets of the total Adult Population. ‘Asian’ is a subset of ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’

This data suggests the following:

 Latent demand for sports participation is significantly higher among the Black and Minority Ethnic segment in general and the Asian segment specifically than in the wider adult population. Latent demand is approximately 70% in both these segments compared to 56% overall.

Page 90 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 78 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

 Latent demand for participation in cricket is somewhat higher for the Black and Minority Ethnic Population and significantly higher for the Asian segment (over 6x as high) than for the general adult population  In general, latent demand for participation in football is higher than for cricket. However, the gap between the Asian Population segment and the adult population as a whole in terms of latent football demand is lower than that for cricket (demand is only twice as high)

Participation in Organised Sport

Overall, the proportion of adults participating in organised sport is substantially lower in Luton than on average nationally – at 24.3% in Luton compared to 34.3% nationally.

The chart below shows the proportion of those adults (aged 16 and over) who have been a member of a club where they take part in sport in the last 28 days and/or received tuition to improve their performance in the last 12 months and/or taken part in organised competitive sport in the last 12 months. For 'all sports', this measure is a proportion of the population. If sports or sport groups are selected, this measure is a proportion of those who have participated in the sport in the last 28 days. This is a national sample, as granular local data is not available.

Please note that ‘White British’ and ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’ are both subsets of the total Adult Population. ‘Asian’ is a subset of ‘Black and Minority Ethnic’

This data suggests the following:

 The Asian segment exhibit a substantially lower propensity to participate in organised sport than the adult population in general (9% pts lower)

Luton’s Demographic Composition – Age

The chart below shows the age profile of Luton’s 16+ population by analysis area (ONS Census 2011 data) and highlights instances where an analysis area has a higher proportion of a particular age group than on average. Under 16s have been excluded from this analysis, since they are not included within the Active People survey. The Central and South areas are both skewed towards younger demographics, with 66% and 69% of the population between 16 and 44, compared to 59% overall. Both of these analysis areas also have a significantly higher proportion of 25-34 year olds than on average. By contrast, the East and North areas of the Borough have a higher proportion of older residents, with 55% of the population in the North area over 45 and almost a quarter over 65.

Page 91 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 79 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Active People Survey – Age Data

The chart below depicts the proportion of adults (aged 16 and over) participating in at least four sessions, of at least 30 minutes, of (the) sport in the last 28 days, segmented by age.

This data illustrates that younger segments are participating in sport to a higher degree than older segments, and that this is also true for participation in organised sport.

The chart below depicts the proportion of adults (aged 16+) who would like to do more sport over the next 12 months than they currently do.

Within the national statistics, the 26-34 aged group express the highest level of latent demand. For Luton, latent demand appears to be particularly high among 20-25 year olds, although this statistic is based on only the latest data sample. There is only one historical data point for this group (APS 6 ,2011/12), which also puts Luton higher than the average for latent demand among 20-25 year olds, at 77% vs. 69% nationally.

Page 92 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 80 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

1.2: Section B: Information gathering

It is essential that a PPS is based on the best and most accurate and up-to-date information available about the supply of and demand for playing pitches. This section provides detail about how this information has been gathered in Luton.

Step 4: An audit of playing pitches

PPS guidance uses the following definitions of a playing pitch and playing field. These definitions are set out by the Government in the 2010 ‘Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order’.2

 Playing pitch – a delineated area which is used for association football, rugby, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, rounders, baseball, softball, American football, Australian football, Gaelic football, shinty, hurling, polo or cycle polo.  Playing field – the whole of a site which encompasses at least one playing pitch.

This PPS counts individual grass pitches (as a delineated area) as the basic unit of supply. The definition of a playing pitch also includes AGPs.

Quantity

All playing pitches are included irrespective of ownership, management and use. Playing pitch sites were initially identified using Sport England’s Active Places web based database. The Council and NGBs supported the process by checking and updating this initial data. This was also verified against club information supplied by local leagues. For each site the following detail is recorded in the project database. (It is supplied as an electronic file):

 Site name, address (including postcode) and location  Ownership and management type  Security of tenure  Total number, type and quality of pitches  A description and the quality of the ancillary facilities

Accessibility

Not all pitches offer the same level of access to the community. The ownership and accessibility of sports pitches also influences their actual availability for community use. Each site is assigned a level of community use as follows:

 Community use - pitches in public, voluntary, private or commercial ownership or management (including education sites) recorded as being available for hire and currently in use by teams playing in community leagues.  Available but unused - pitches that are available for hire but are not currently used by teams which play in community leagues; this most often applies to school sites but can also apply to sites which are expensive to hire.  No community use - pitches which as a matter of policy or practice are not available for hire or use by teams playing in community leagues. This should include professional club pitches along with some semi-professional club pitches where play is restricted to the first or second team.

2. www.sportengland.org>Facilities and Planning> Planning Applications Page 93 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 81 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Quality

The capacity for pitches to regularly provide for competitive play, training and other activity over a season is most often determined by their quality and location. Teams, especially youth teams, are only prepared to travel within the local vicinity.

There are a maximum number of games acceptable before a playing surface deteriorates and this is exacerbated by training on pitches. As a minimum, the quality and therefore the capacity of a pitch affects the playing experience and people’s enjoyment of a sport. In extreme circumstances it can result in a pitch being unable to cater for all or certain types of play during peak and off peak times.

It is not just the quality of the pitch itself which has an effect on its capacity but also the quality, standard and range of ancillary facilities. The quality of both the pitch and ancillary facilities will determine whether a pitch is able to contribute to meeting demand from various groups and for different levels and types of play.

The quality of all pitches identified in the audit and the ancillary facilities supporting them is assessed regardless of ownership, management or availability. Along with capturing any details specific to the individual pitches and sites, a quality rating is recorded within the audit for each pitch.

The ratings are used to help estimate the capacity of each pitch to accommodate competitive and other play within the supply and demand assessment.

In addition to undertaking non-technical assessments (using the templates provided within the guidance and as determined by NGBs), users and providers were also consulted with regard to quality and in some instances the quality rating adjusted to reflect this.

Step 5: Developing a picture of demand

Presenting an accurate picture of current demand for playing pitches (i.e. recording how and when pitches are used) is important in order to carry out the full supply and demand assessment. Demand for playing pitches in Luton tends to fall within the categories:

 Organised competitive play  Organised training  Informal play – also covered in the ‘Informal Sports Assessment Report’ which sits alongside this report.

In addition, unmet and displaced demand for provision is also identified on a sport by sport basis. Unmet demand is defined as the number of additional teams that could be fielded if access to a sufficient number of pitches (and ancillary facilities) was available. Displaced demand refers to teams that are generated from residents of the area but due to any number of factors do not currently play within the area.

Due to the deficiency in open space of recreational value in Luton capacity is already reduced as most green space needs to be multifunctional.

Page 94 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 82 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Future demand

Alongside current demand it is important for a PPS to assess whether the future demand for playing pitches can be met. Using population projections, an estimate can be made of the likely future demand for playing pitches in Luton.

The latest population projections for Luton are consistent with the government’s methodology and projected a population growth of approximately 20% between 2011 and 2031, which translates to growth of 41,500 people and a need for approximately 18,000 households, based on a 5 year migration trend, these are the councils own projections. The trends are consistent with the local authority projections produced by the Office for National Statistics.

The Council has been reviewing Luton’s evidence base and running forecasting scenarios. Provisional results from them verify a need of 18,000 households in the next 20 years from the likely population growth in Luton.

In addition, there is likely to be future needs arising from demand from urban extensions with Luton's dwelling capacity being 6,000 dwellings over 20 years (2011-31).

Other information sources used to help identified future demand include:

 Recent trends in the participation in playing pitch sports.  The nature of the current and likely future population and their propensity to participate in pitch sports.  Feedback from pitch sports clubs on their plans to develop additional teams.  Any local and NGB specific sports development targets (e.g. increase in participation).

Current and future demand for playing pitches is presented on a sport by sport basis within the relevant sections of this report.

Consultation

A variety of consultation methods are used to collate demand information. Face to face consultation was carried out with key clubs from each sport. This allowed for collection of detailed demand information and exploration of key issues to be interrogated and more accurately assessed.

For data analysis purposes an online survey (converted to postal if required) was utilised. This was sent to all clubs not covered by face to face consultation.

Page 95 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 83 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Consultation response rates

Type of club Total no. of Response Methods of consultation clubs rate [1] Football clubs 77 57% Survey, face to face and Football teams 208 79% telephone Cricket clubs 26 38% Survey, face to face and telephone Rugby union clubs 3 67% Face to face and telephone Hockey clubs 4 75% Survey, face to face and telephone Bowls clubs 8 88% Survey and telephone Gaelic football clubs 2 100% Survey Tennis clubs 1 100% Face to face

Please see the appendices for a list of consultees. The number of football clubs is lower in the response rates than in the football section of the report due to clubs being consulted as one, but for team purposes the clubs have been split into sections, for example; Crawley Green, Crawley Green (Saturday) and Crawley Green (Youth).

1.3: Section C: Assessment

Supply and demand information gathered within Section B was used to assess the adequacy of playing pitch provision in Luton. It focused on looking at how much use each site could potentially accommodate (on an area by area basis) compared to how much use is currently taking place.

Step 6: Understand how a site is being used

Qualitative pitch ratings are linked to a pitch capacity rating derived from NGB guidance and tailored to suit a local area. The quality and use of each pitch is assessed against the recommended pitch capacity to indicate how many match equivalent sessions per week (per season for cricket) a pitch could accommodate.

This is compared to the number of matches actually taking place and categorised as follows to identify:

Potential spare capacity: Play is below the level the site could sustain. At capacity: Play is at a level the site can sustain. Overused: Play exceeds the level the site can sustain

Step 7: Develop the current picture of provision

Once capacity is determined on a site by site basis, actual spare capacity is calculated on an area by area basis via further interrogation of temporal demand. Although this may have been identified it does not necessarily mean that there is surplus provision. For example, spare capacity may not be available at when it is needed or the site may be retained in a ‘strategic reserve’ to enable pitch rotation to reduce wear and tear.

[1] KKP contacted outstanding clubs on a minimum of three occasions to attempt to improve the response rates. Page 96 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 84 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Capacity ratings assist in the identification of sites for improvement/development, rationalisation, decommissioning and disposal.

Step 8: Scenario testing

Modelling scenarios to assess whether existing provision can cater for unmet, displaced and future demand is made after the capacity analysis. This will also include, for example, removing sites with unsecured community use to demonstrate the impact this would have were these sites to be decommissioned in the future.

1.4: Section D: Key findings and issues

By completing Sections A, B and C it is possible to identify several findings and issues relating to the supply, demand and adequacy of playing pitch provision in Luton. This report seeks to identify and present the key findings and issues, which should now be checked, challenged and agreed by the Steering Group prior to development of the Strategy (Section E).

Section D is structured to provide a sport by sport analysis as follows:

 Part 2: Football  Part 3: Cricket  Part 4: Rugby union  Part 5: Hockey  Part 6: Bowls  Part 7: Other sports  Part 7.1: Gaelic football  Part 7.2: Golf  Part 7.3: Netball  Part 7.4: Tennis  Part 7.5: Athletics  Part 7.6: MUGAs  Part 8: Education

Page 97 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 85 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 2: FOOTBALL

2.1: Introduction

Bedfordshire FA is the primary organisation responsible for development (and some elements of administration) of football in Luton. It is also responsible for the administration, in terms of discipline, rules and regulations, cup competitions and representative matches, development of clubs and facilities, volunteers, referees, coaching courses and delivering national football schemes.

This section of the report focuses on the supply and demand for grass football pitches. Section 2.6 captures supply and demand for artificial grass pitches (AGPs). Although in the future it is anticipated that there will be a growing demand for the use of AGPs for competitive football fixtures to accommodate youth football, AGPs in Luton are currently used most for football training. In addition, there is not currently thought to be a direct relationship between demand for AGPs and demand for grass pitches.

FA Youth Development Review

The FA has consulted widely and has been encouraged to produce national pitch sizes for mini soccer (5V5 and 7v7), Youth football (9v9 and 11v11) and over 18 senior football (11v11). This will see an increased use of small-sided games for all age groups up to U12s. This will allow children to progress gradually through age-appropriate formats. The entry point for U7s and U8s will be the 5v5 game. U9s and U10s will then step up to 7v7, followed by a new 9v9 level for U11s and U12s.

Table 2.1: Summary of each step and the appropriate pitch and goal sizes

Age Format Recommended Pitch size Recommended pitch size including runoff 3 size of goal posts without runoff (Length x width (Height x width ft) (Length x width yards) yards) Mini soccer U7/U8 5 v 5 40 x 30 46 x 36 6 x 12 Mini soccer U9/U10 7 v 7 60 x 40 66 x 46 6 x 12 Youth 11/12 9 v 9 80 x 50 86 x 56 7 x 16 Youth 13/14 11 v 11 90 x 55 96 x 61 7 x 21 or 8 x 24 Youth 15/16 11 v 11 100 x 60 106 x 66 8 x 24 Youth 17/18 11 v 11 110 x 70 116 x 76 8 x 24 Over 18 (senior ages) 11 v 11 110 x 70 116 x 76 8 x 24

Playing smaller-sided games has been proved to give children an increased number of touches of the ball, while providing more goals and scoring attempts, more one-v-one encounters and more chance to attempt dribbling skills. It is this increased contact time with the ball that the FA believe will help children enjoy the game more while providing them with better preparation for the 11-a-side a game.

The introduction of 9v9 football, by the FA, is designed to help bridge the gap between mini soccer at U7-U10s and 11-a-side at U11s and has seen the introduction of a new intermediate sized pitch. The FA suggests that where there is limited space, there is the

3 Including runoff (safety area around the pitch) Page 98 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 86 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

ability to mark out 9v9 pitches across a full size pitch. However, marking 9v9 pitches across adult pitches is not ideal in practice as over play is likely to be increased.

Marking out two 9v9 pitches on one senior pitch could help to meet the shortfall of youth pitches identified at peak times. However, specific 9v9 goals (recommended size 7 x 16ft) would be required.

The new format of the 9v9 game is now mandatory from the 2013/14 season for U11s and from the 2014/15 season for both U11s and U12. So far in Luton the demand for 9v9 has not been as high as initially anticipated.

The FA National Facilities Strategy (2013 – 2015)

A full summary of the facilities strategy can be found in Appendix 2, however, the main implications are set out below.

The Strategy commits to delivering in excess of £150m (through Football Foundation) into facility improvements across the National Game in line with identified priorities:

 Natural grass pitches improved – target: 100  A network of new AGPs built – target 100  A network of refurbished AGPs – target 150  On selected sites, new and improved changing facilities and toilets  Continue a small grants programme designed to address modest facility needs of clubs  Ongoing support with the purchase and replacement of goalposts

Page 99 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 87 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Consultation

In addition to face to face consultation with key clubs and leagues, an electronic survey was sent to all football clubs playing in Luton, contact details were provided by Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire County FA, and the invitation to complete the survey was distributed via email. The survey was returned by 77 clubs (equating to a 57% club response rate, including key face to face interviews, and a 79% team return rate). The results are used to inform key issues within this section of the report.

2.2: Supply

The audit identifies a total of 125 football pitches in Luton. Of these, 101 (46 sites) are available, at some level, for community use (although not necessarily used). 74 of the pitches identified are parks pitches.

Table 2.2: Summary of pitches

Analysis area Available for community use Adult Youth Mini Central 7 12 8 East 13 10 10 North 14 8 4 South 11 7 - West 9 3 9 LUTON 54 40 31

Detailed pitch guidance can be accessed at: http://www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Facilities/Goalpost_and_Pitch_Sizes.aspx

Trends in supply

Over the last four seasons Luton Borough Council has maintained pitches dependant on demand. The table below shows the changes in supply over the previous four seasons:

Season Adult Youth Mini 2010/2011 53 19 19 2011/2012 48 18 18 2012/2013 47 18 16 2013/2014 39 23 12

The table above shows that demand for adult pitches has significantly reduced over the last four seasons. This is due to a decline in demand from adult teams who have either stopped playing or have chosen to move across to playing small sided games at 3G venues. The increase in youth pitches is in response to the FA Youth Review and the need for 9v9 pitches. There has also been a decline in demand for mini provision.

Page 100 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 88 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 2.1: Location and capacity of football pitches

Page 101 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 89 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 2.3: Key to map of football pitches

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch Pitch Agreed No. of Site Use area type Size quality pitches ID rating 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Yes Central Adult - Poor 1 Ground 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Yes Central Youth (11v11) Poor 1 Ground 3 Ashcroft High School No East Adult - Standard 1 3 Ashcroft High School No East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Yes Central Adult - Standard 4 Suite And Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Yes Central Mini (7v7) Standard 2 Suite And Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Yes Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 Suite And Barnfield College 8 Barnfield West Academy Yes-unused West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 10 Beechwood Primary Yes-unused West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 School 11 Bells Close Recreation Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 Ground (People's Park) 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Adult - Standard 1 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Mini (7v7) Standard 1 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 Ground 13 Bramingham Primary No North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 School 16 Bushmead Primary School Yes Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 17 Cardinal Newman Yes North Adult - Standard 1 Secondary School 17 Cardinal Newman Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Secondary School 18 Challney Girls High School No West Adult - Standard 1 20 Chaul End Lane Open Yes West Adult - Poor 1 Space 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Adult - Standard 2 Ground 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Mini (7v7) Standard 3 Ground 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Ground 23 Dallow Primary School No South Youth (9v9) Standard 1 24 Denbigh High School No Central Adult - Standard 1 25 Denbigh High Detached Central Mini (7v7) Standard 1 Playing Fields 25 Denbigh High Detached Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Playing Fields 26 Downside Primary School Yes West Mini (5v5) Standard 1

Page 102 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 90 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch Pitch Agreed No. of Site Use area type Size quality pitches ID rating 27 Farley Junior School Yes-unused South Youth (9v9) Good 1 28 Former Electrolux Playing No West Adult - Standard 2 Field (Aka Addington Way Open Space) 29 Foxdell Recreation Ground Yes South Adult - Poor 1 30 Hillborough Junior School No South Youth (9v9) Good 1 31 Icknield High School No North Adult - Standard 2 32 Icknield Way Recreation Yes North Adult - Standard 3 Ground 32 Icknield Way Recreation Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Ground 33 Kenilworth Stadium Yes South Adult - Standard 1 34 Kent Athletic Sports & Yes West Adult - Good 1 Social Club 35 Kingsway Recreation Yes South Adult - Standard 1 Ground 36 Lancaster Avenue Yes North Youth (9v9) Good 1 Recreation Ground 38 Lea Manor Recreation Yes North Adult - Standard 1 Ground And Centre 38 Lea Manor Recreation Yes North Youth (9v9) Standard 2 Ground And Centre 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Yes North Adult - Standard 7 Park) 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Yes North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 Park) 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Park) 40 Leagrave Primary School Yes-unused West Mini (7v7) Standard 1 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Adult - Standard 4 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Mini (7v7) Standard 1 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Adult - Poor 5 Ground 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 Ground 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 2 Ground 44 Luton Regional Yes East Adult Standard 5 44 Luton Regional Yes East Mini (7v7) Standard 3 44 Luton Regional Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 44 Luton Regional Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 46 Luton Sixth Form College Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 46 Luton Sixth Form College Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 2 50 Putteridge Junior School No East Mini (7v7) Standard 2 51 Raynham Way Recreation No East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 Ground 52 Selsey Drive Yes-unused East Adult - Poor 1 52 Selsey Drive Yes-unused East Youth (11v11) Poor 1 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 School

Page 103 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 91 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch Pitch Agreed No. of Site Use area type Size quality pitches ID rating 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 School 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 School 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Adult - Standard 5 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (11v11) 2 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (9v9) 2 56 Stockwood Park Athletics Yes South Adult - Standard 1 Centre 59 The Meads Primary School No North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 61 Venue 360 Yes South Adult - Standard 2 62 Warden Hill Junior School No North Youth (9v9) Standard 1 63 Wardown Park Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 2 64 Wigmore Primary School No East Mini (7v7) Standard 1 65 Wigmore Valley Park Yes East Adult - Poor 3 68 Chantry Primary Academy Yes-unused West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 69 Pirton Hill Primary No West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 70 Sacred Heart primary Yes East Mini (7v7) Good 1 School 71 Someries Junior School Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 72 Southfield Primary School No West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 73 St Matthews Primary No Central Mini (5v5) Poor 1 School 74 Sundon Park Junior School Yes North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 74 Sundon Park Junior School Yes North Youth (9v9) Standard 1

Page 104 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 92 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Ownership/management

There are a number of pitch providers in Luton. Although the Council own the majority of sites, other providers include academies, schools/colleges and private sports clubs. The Club survey indicates that the majority of clubs (78%) playing in Luton hire pitches on an annual basis, i.e. via leagues, with the remaining either owning (17%) or leasing (5%) their home ground.

The majority of sites have attendants on site who manage the running of the facilities when the pitches are in use. Leased/licensed sites do not have attendants and these are Crawley Green, Foxdell Recreation Ground, Kingsway, Lancaster Avenue and Alder Crescent.

The leagues, clubs and the FA are all very positive towards the Council and appear to have good, well established relationships in place. Generally the clubs and leagues are very happy with the management of pitches and facilities.

Information gathered within the Council’s Annual Price Survey seeks to compare football pitch hire charges with other similar authorities and is displayed in the table below:

Table 2.4: Summary of football charges

Pitch LBC

type Current

elds

Price B Regis

2012 £ Mitlon

Keynes

Bedford

Leighton Bradford

St Albans St

Houghton

Dunstable

Barnfi Stevenage

Adult 44.20 50.00 44.00 53.13 31.60 46.39 60.90 56.81 46.45 36.76 p/h Youth 11.60 40.00 18.00 15.92 16.20 14.71 25.00 44.03 22.65 18.38 U14-U18 p/h on adult pitches (always need changing Youth 11.60 - 18.00 10.50 14.46 14.71 25.00 - 22.65 18.38 U11-U13 on junior pitches Mini 7.50 - 15.00 7.79 9.46 17.50 11.02 - - soccer (no fixed goals or changing)

The Luton charges are comparable with other local authorities and in some cases slightly cheaper.

Page 105 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 93 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Pitch quality

The quality of football pitches in Luton has been assessed via a combination of site visits (using non-technical assessments as determined by The FA – see Appendix 4) and user consultation to reach and apply an agreed rating as follows:

 Good  Standard  Poor

The non-technical site assessments show that over three quarters (85%) of the pitches across the Borough are of ‘standard’ quality. Club views on the quality of pitches varied: 32% rated their pitch as good, 44% rated their pitch as standard and 24% rated their pitch as poor. It should be noted that clay soil can be a problem in Luton and can lead to waterlogging.

27% of clubs report that the quality of the pitch is ‘slightly poorer’ or ‘much poorer’ than the previous season. This is attributed by the clubs to lower frequency maintenance regimes, uneven surfaces, areas such as centre circle and penalty area with no grass and pitches not being maintained in the summer.

Consultation highlights that private sites (i.e. sports clubs and works grounds) offer better quality facilities than Council parks/playing fields and school pitches. In general, such sports clubs tend to have dedicated ground staff or volunteers working on pitches and the fact that they are often secured by fencing prevents unofficial use. The maintenance and use of Council sites tends to be less frequent and unofficial use of these sites can further exacerbate quality issues.

The table below summarises the quality of all pitches. Nine senior, two youth and zero mini pitches are assessed as ‘poor’ quality. Increasing pitch quality could help to accommodate further play. The pitches of standard quality could also be improved to increase carrying capacity, i.e. increase the number of matches that a pitch can accommodate.

Table 2.5: Pitch quality assessments (all use)

Senior pitches Youth pitches Mini pitches Good Standard Poor Good Standard Poor Good Standard Poor 1 25 9 2 15 2 - 19 -

Of responding clubs, 56% report ‘no difference’ in the quality of the pitch since last season and 17% report that it is slightly better or much better.

Unpaid use

Club consultation suggests that several sites suffer from the effects of overuse. This can take the form of other users playing on the pitches but is also caused by, for example, bikes being ridden across pitches and dog walkers. There is a conflict as some teams pay to play and others do not which puts excessive pressure on playing surfaces. 68% of clubs report ‘some’, or ‘lots of’ evidence of dog foul/glass/litter/vehicle tracks.

Page 106 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 94 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Pitches located in Luton’s parks are also required to perform as public open space when not being used for organised match play. This use all adds to wear and tear of pitches.

Ancillary facilities

Changing facilities is an issue at many football sites in Luton. 15% of responding clubs report that the changing rooms are of poor quality and 39% report that they are standard quality.

There are 12 clubs which report that better ancillary facilities would enable them to run more teams. Facility requirements such as better changing facilities, female only showers, floodlit pitches for training, and storage facilities were cited as requirements. The 12 clubs are:

Club Club comments Crawley Green Youth Better quality St Joseph Sunday Better facilities AFC Chequers Caddington Better changing facilities, female only showers installed. ASR Elites FC More floodlit pitches, so training can be done during winter without having to go to astroturf Luton Borough FC You would be able to attract more players and coaches Broadwalk United - Luton United Storage facilities Stopsley Stingers FC U15 Better changing facilities A.C Sportsman - Sundon Park Rangers (Saturday) Better changing facilities and club house Sporting Sundon FC If we benefitted from a suitable base with good changing facilities and other amenities that we could consider a 'base' we would potentially be keen to have more adult teams. Brache Nations -

Page 107 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 95 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

2.3: Demand

A total of 240 teams are identified as Luton based team, however, 208 play in Luton. Of these, five teams are playing on 3G pitch provision. These are all adult teams.

Table 2.6: Summary of competitive teams currently playing on grass pitches

Analysis area Adult teams Youth teams Mini teams Adult Adult Youth Youth Mini men women boys girls soccer4 Central 10 - 19 - 20 East 13 1 23 2 14 North 16 - 22 2 6 South 26 4 5 - - West 13 - 4 - 4 LUTON 82 5 73 4 44

Most teams (53 in total) play in East Area which also has high levels of youth and mini football teams. However, Central and North areas also have a high number of teams.

In the club surveys, 56% report that the number of senior teams has remained static in the last three years (19% has increased and 15% decreased, 10% did not answer). For youth football (U11-U16), 17% report that the number of teams has decreased with just over half (52%) reporting that the number of teams has remained static. No clubs report an increase. For mini teams 15% report an increase in the number of teams, 42% report that teams had stayed the same, and only 5% report a decrease (38% did not respond). Luton Borough Council also reports that overall there has been a decrease in the number of adult teams.

Of the clubs that report a decrease in the number of youth teams, the age groups lost were U16 and U18. This highlights the issue of the drop off in youth teams from U14s upwards and supports suggestions that although the number of mini teams is increasing this will not necessarily translate into an increase in senior teams in the future.

Furthermore, and highlighted in the leagues section below, many players from 16 years upwards are opting to play the small-sided versions of the game on 3G. Almost all of the clubs that report a decrease in the number of teams attribute it to a lack of coaches and volunteers. Some also mention cost and one club reports that not enough facilities are available.

4 Girls and boys play alongside each other in mini soccer at U7s – U10s i.e. ages 6-9 years old. Page 108 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 96 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Leagues

Table 2.7: Summary of league consultation:

League Comments Chiltern Junior 7’s The League is a large provider of mini and youth football in the Luton area. It operates two divisions of U7/U8, three divisions of U9, four divisions of U10, three divisions of U11 and two divisions of U12. There are 40 clubs in the League, of which, 16 are from Luton. The League reports that there has been a decrease in the lower age group bracket over the previous three years. Due to this there has been a decrease in the number of pitches. The League’s opinions on the three worst sites are: Luton Regional, Lothair Road and People’s Park due to the areas having no protection from bad weather, poor drainage and no parking. The League considers the best site to be Lower Wardown. Beds & Herts Women’s League The League services women’s football around Luton and has and Herts Partnership League four teams competing from Luton. Numbers have remained constant over the previous three years. Entry into the League requires clubs to have separate female changing rooms, toilets, refreshments and a good quality pitch. Failure to comply will mean that teams are removed from the League which means that adhering to the requirements is essential. Luton District & South Beds There are ten clubs from Luton competing in the League. It is Football League made up of a premier division and a first division with a total of 14 clubs. Numbers have remained static over the previous three years. It believes that changing facilities are improving but that pitches are getting worse. It also reports that there appears to be enough pitches which could be down to leagues reducing in size. It cannot join Step 7 of the pyramid due to the quality of facilities in Luton and the need for dug outs, roped pitches, etc. It does not consider any of the Luton Council pitches to be of good quality. Bedfordshire County Football The League is county standard and Step 7 of the pyramid. League Three of the 53 clubs are from Luton. There has been an overall increase in the number of teams in the previous three years with a small increase in teams from Luton. It has specific requirements which are national requirements of Step 7 clubs including changing facilities, showers, toilets, referees room, good quality pitch and barriers. Sites used by clubs in Luton are Stockwood Park and Chaul End. Bedfordshire Youth Saturday The Youth League is made up of ten divisions from U13 to League U16 and currently has 85 teams competing. There are approximately 11 clubs from Luton in the League. There is less demand from the league for pitches than the Sunday leagues. North Home Counties Sunday Did not respond to survey Football League South Beds Sunday Football Did not respond to survey League Leighton & District Sunday Did not respond to survey League

Chiltern Youth League Did not respond to survey

Page 109 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 97 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

League Comments Beds District U21 League Did not respond to survey

Unmet demand

Unmet demand is existing demand that is not getting access to pitches. It is usually expressed, for example, when a team is already training but is unable to access a match pitch, or when a league has a waiting list due to a lack of pitch provision, which in turn is hindering the growth of the league. None of the clubs explicitly expressed unmet demand and none of the leagues highlighted that they had a waiting list. The majority of clubs reported that regardless of whether more pitches were available they would not currently be able to field any more teams. Furthermore, Luton Council reports that the number of pitches has been reduced in Luton due to a year on year decrease in demand

Latent demand

12 clubs report that better ancillary facilities would enable them to run more teams. Facility requirements such as better changing facilities, female only showers, floodlit pitches for training, and storage facilities were cited as requirements. The 12 clubs are:

Club Club comments Crawley Green Youth Better quality St Joseph Sunday Better facilities AFC Chequers Caddington Better changing facilities, female only showers installed. ASR Elites FC More floodlit pitches, so training can be done during winter without having to go to astroturf Luton Borough FC You would be able to attract more players and coaches Broadwalk United - Luton United Storage facilities Stopsley Stingers FC U15 Better changing facilities A.C Sportsman - Sundon Park Rangers (Saturday) Better changing facilities and club house Sporting Sundon FC If we benefitted from a suitable base with good changing facilities and other amenities that we could consider a 'base' we would potentially be keen to have more adult teams. Brache Nations -

Displaced demand

Displaced demand refers to Luton registered teams that are currently accessing pitches outside of the Area for their home fixtures, normally because their pitch requirements cannot be met, which is usually because of pitch supply or quality issues. Crawley Green FC would like to build an arena pitch in Luton as they currently have to travel outside of Luton to access a pitch which meets the requirements of the League that the club plays in (Step 5). There is also displaced demand from Sacred Heart Youth FC (two mini and two youth teams) playing at Offley Recreation Ground, Hertfordshire and Luton Leagrave U14 playing at Moore Crescent, Houghton Regis.

88% of clubs report that they are playing at their preferred home ground, 32 teams are identified as being from Luton but actually play outside of the Borough. Reasons identified for this through club surveys include cost of hiring pitches and facilities and better Page 110 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 98 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

changing facilities and pitch quality. The FA believes that this number is on the increase and that more teams are accessing facilities outside of Luton.

Imported demand

There was minimal imported demand identified through consultation. Luton Council also reports that very few teams from outside of Luton hire pitches within Luton. The Central Bedfordshire playing pitch strategy does identify some exported demand from Central Beds to Luton and is highlighted below:

 AFC Clophill – Leagrave  Caddington Chequers - Luton  Dunstable Town Ladies – Vauxhall Recreation Ground

Women’s and girls’ football

Nine girls’ and five senior women’s teams presently operate in the Borough. Luton Town Ladies has the highest number of teams with five (it should be noted that junior girls’ play competitively in mini soccer teams up to the age of 10). The teams play at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre and Lancaster Avenue. Crawley Green FC also has a girls’ team.

The clubs and leagues servicing women’s and girls’ football in Luton are Beds & Herts County Girls and Women’s League, the Herts Girls Football Partnership League and the South East Women’s Combination League.

Casual demand

Casual and informal demand is difficult to quantify. In Luton it is known that some pitches are used for recreational purposes by casual users but this has not been quantified in the capacity tables because the pitches are used on a casual basis and it is unlikely that this use would significantly reduce the capacity of the pitches in question (generally parks pitches).

Page 111 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 99 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

2.4: Capacity analysis

The capacity for pitches to regularly provide for competitive play, training and other activity over a season is most often determined by quality. As a minimum, the quality and therefore the capacity of a pitch affects the playing experience and people’s enjoyment of playing football. In extreme circumstances it can result in the inability of the pitch to cater for all or certain types of play during peak and off peak times.

As a guide, The FA has set a standard number of matches that each grass pitch type should be able to accommodate without adversely affecting its current quality (pitch capacity).

Taking into consideration the guidelines on capacity the following was concluded in Luton:

Senior pitches Youth pitches Mini pitches Pitch Matches per Pitch Matches per Pitch Matches per quality week quality week quality week Good 3 Good 4 Good 6 Standard 2 Standard 2 Standard 4 Poor 1 Poor 1 Poor 2

Table 2.9 overleaf applies the above pitch ratings against the actual level of weekly play recorded to determine a capacity rating as follows:

Potential capacity Play is below the level the site could sustain At capacity Play matches the level the site can sustain Overused Play exceeds the level the site can sustain

Education capacity

Education demand (i.e. curricular and extracurricular activity) has been accounted for by reducing, where necessary, the capacity of education pitches for community use. To account for this education demand the capacity of school sites has been reduced by one match equivalent session per week.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 112Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 100 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 2.8: Football pitch capacity analysis

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch type Pitch Agreed No. of Match Recommended Capacity Site Use area Size quality pitches equivalent Site capacity rating ID rating sessions (sessions per (per week) week) 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Yes Central Adult Poor 1 1.5 1 0.5 Ground 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Yes Central Youth (11v11) Poor 1 0 1 -1 Ground 3 Ashcroft High School No East Adult Standard 1 0 1 -1 3 Ashcroft High School No East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0 1 -1 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite Yes Central Adult Standard 4 3 3 0 And Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite Yes Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 1 3 -2 And Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite Yes Central Mini (7v7) Standard 1 2.5 3 -0.5 And Barnfield College 8 Barnfield West Academy Yes-unused West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0 1 -1 10 Beechwood Primary School Yes-unused West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0 1 -1 11 Bells Close Recreation Ground Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 0.5 2 -1.5 (People's Park) 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Adult Standard 1 0 2 -2 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Mini (7v7) Standard 1 1.5 4 -2.5 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 1 2 -1 Ground 12 Blundell Road Recreation Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 1.5 2 -0.5 Ground 13 Bramingham Primary School No North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 0 3 -3 16 Bushmead Primary School Yes Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 0.5 3 -2.5 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary Yes North Adult Standard 1 4.5 1 3.5 School 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 3 1 2 School Page 113 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 101 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch type Pitch Agreed No. of Match Recommended Capacity Site Use area Size quality pitches equivalent Site capacity rating ID rating sessions (sessions per (per week) week) 18 Challney Girls High School No West Adult Standard 1 0 1 -1 20 Chaul End Lane Open Space Yes West Adult Poor 1 0.5 1 -0.5 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Adult Standard 2 2 4 -2 Ground 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Mini (7v7) Standard 3 6 12 -6 Ground 22 Crawley Green Recreation Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 2.5 2 0.5 Ground 23 Dallow Primary School No South Youth (9v9) Standard 1 0 1 -1 24 Denbigh High School No Central Adult Standard 1 0 1 -1 25 Denbigh High Detached Playing Central Mini (7v7) Standard 1 2.5 3 -0.5 Fields 25 Denbigh High Detached Playing Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0.5 1 -0.5 Fields 26 Downside Primary School Yes West Mini (5v5) Standard 1 1 3 -2 27 Farley Junior School Yes-unused South Youth (9v9) Good 1 0 3 -3 28 Former Electrolux Playing Field No West Adult Standard 2 0 4 -4 (Aka Addington Way Open Space) 29 Foxdell Recreation Ground Yes South Adult Poor 1 1 2 -1 30 Hillborough Junior School No South Youth (9v9) Good 1 0 3 -3 31 Icknield High School No North Adult Standard 2 0 2 -2 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground Yes North Adult Standard 3 2 6 -4 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 3 2 1 33 Kenilworth Stadium Yes South Adult Standard 1 1 2 -1 34 Kent Athletic Sports & Social Yes West Adult Good 1 2.5 3 -0.5 Club 35 Kingsway Recreation Ground Yes South Adult Standard 1 2.5 2 0.5 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Yes North Youth (11v11) Good 1 1 4 -3 Ground

Page 114 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 102 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch type Pitch Agreed No. of Match Recommended Capacity Site Use area Size quality pitches equivalent Site capacity rating ID rating sessions (sessions per (per week) week) 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground Yes-unused North Mini (5v5) Standard 1 0 4 -4 And Centre 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground Yes North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 0 4 -4 And Centre 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 1.5 2 -0.5 And Centre 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground Yes North Youth (9v9) Standard 2 1 4 -3 And Centre 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) Yes North Adult Standard 7 6.5 14 -7.5 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) Yes North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 1.5 4 -2.5 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) Yes North Youth (11v11) Standard 1 3.5 2 1.5 40 Leagrave Primary School Yes-unused West Mini (7v7) Standard 1 0 3 -3 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Adult Standard 4 4.5 8 -3.5 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Mini (5v5) Standard 1 1 4 -3 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Youth (11v11) Standard 1 1 2 -1 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Adult Poor 5 4 9 -5 Ground 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 3 2 1 Ground 43 Lothair Road Recreation Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 0.5 2 -1.5 Ground 44 Luton Regional Recreation Yes East Adult Standard 3 2 6 -4 Ground 44 Luton Regional Recreation Yes East Mini (7v7) Standard 2 1 8 -7 Ground 44 Luton Regional Recreation Yes East Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0 2 -2 Ground 44 Luton Regional Recreation Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 1.5 2 -0.5 Ground 46 Luton Sixth Form College Yes Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 0.5 1 -0.5 46 Luton Sixth Form College Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 2 2.5 2 0.5 Page 115 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 103 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site name Community Analysis Pitch type Pitch Agreed No. of Match Recommended Capacity Site Use area Size quality pitches equivalent Site capacity rating ID rating sessions (sessions per (per week) week) 50 Putteridge Junior School No East Mini (7v7) Standard 2 0 6 -6 51 Raynham Way Recreation No East Adult Standard 1 0 2 -2 Ground 52 Selsey Drive Yes-unused East Adult Poor 1 0 1 -1 52 Selsey Drive Yes-unused East Youth (11v11) Poor 1 0 1 -1 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Mini (5v5) Standard 1 0.5 3 -2.5 School 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Youth (11v11) Standard 1 1 1 0 School 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior No Central Youth (9v9) Standard 1 0 1 -1 School 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Adult Standard 5 3.5 10 -6.5 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (11v11) Standard 2 1 4 -3 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (9v9) Standard 2 0.5 4 -3.5 56 Stockwood Park Athletics Yes South Adult Standard 1 1 2 -1 Centre 59 The Meads Primary School No North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 1 3 -2 61 Venue 360 Yes South Adult Standard 2 6 4 2 62 Warden Hill Junior School No North Youth (9v9) Standard 1 0 1 -1 63 Wardown Park Yes Central Youth (9v9) Standard 2 2.5 4 -1.5 64 Wigmore Primary School No East Mini (7v7) Standard 1 0 3 -3 65 Wigmore Valley Park Yes East Adult Poor 3 2 3 -1 68 Chantry Primary Academy Yes-unused West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 0 6 -6 69 Pirton Hill Primary No West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 0 6 -6 70 Sacred Heart primary School Yes East Mini (7v7) Good 1 0.5 4 -3.5 71 Someries Junior School Yes East Youth (9v9) Standard 1 1.5 1 0.5 72 Southfield Primary School No West Mini (7v7) Standard 2 0 6 -6 73 St Matthews Primary School No Central Mini (5v5) Poor 1 0 1 -1 74 Sundon Park Junior School Yes North Mini (7v7) Standard 1 1.5 3 -1.5 74 Sundon Park Junior School Yes North Youth (9v9) Standard 1 1.5 1 0.5 Page 116 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 104 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Page 117 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 105 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

2.5: Supply and demand analysis

Spare capacity

The next step is to ascertain whether or not any identified ‘potential capacity’ can be deemed ‘spare capacity’. There may be situations where, although a site is highlighted as potentially able to accommodate some additional play, this should not be recorded as spare capacity against the site. For example, a site may be managed to regularly operate slightly below full capacity to ensure that it can cater for a number of regular friendly matches and activities that take place but are difficult to quantify on a weekly basis.

There are 48 pitches across 38 sites that express potential spare capacity. The extent of whether this is within the stated peak time is quantified below.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 118Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 106 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 2.9: Actual spare capacity

Site Site name Community Analysis Pitch size Pitch type No. of Capacity Pitches Comments ID use area pitches rating available in peak period 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Ground Yes Central Youth (11v11) 1 -1 1 No spare capacity due to poor quality 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite And Yes Central Adult 4 -1 2 Spare capacity Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite And Yes Central Mini (5v5) 1 -2 1 Spare capacity Barnfield College 5 Barnfield Health & Fitness Suite And Yes Central Mini (7v7) 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity Barnfield College 11 Bells Close Recreation Ground (People's Yes Central Youth (9v9) 1 -1.5 0.5 Minimal spare capacity at Park) peak time 12 Blundell Road Recreation Ground Yes Central Adult 1 -2 1 Spare capacity 12 Blundell Road Recreation Ground Yes Central Mini (7v7) 1 -2.5 1 Spare capacity 12 Blundell Road Recreation Ground Yes Central Youth (11v11) 1 -1 1 Spare capacity 12 Blundell Road Recreation Ground Yes Central Youth (9v9) 1 -0.5 0.5 Minimal spare capacity at peak time 16 Bushmead Primary School Yes Central Mini (5v5) 1 -2.5 1 Spare capacity 20 Chaul End Lane Open Space Yes West Adult 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity 22 Crawley Green Recreation Ground Yes East Adult 2 -2 1.5 Spare capacity 25 Denbigh High Detached Playing Fields Yes Central Mini (7v7) 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity 25 Denbigh High Detached Playing Fields Yes Central Youth (11v11) 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity 26 Downside Primary School Yes West Mini (5v5) 1 -2 1 Spare capacity 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground Yes North Adult 3 -4 1 Spare capacity 33 Kenilworth Stadium Yes South Adult 1 -1 1 Spare capacity 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground And Centre Yes North Mini (7v7) 1 -4 1 Spare capacity 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground And Centre Yes North Youth (11v11) 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity 38 Lea Manor Recreation Ground And Centre Yes North Youth (9v9) 2 -3 1.5 Spare capacity 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) Yes North Adult 7 -7.5 5.5 Spare capacity

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report: 119 Knight of 210 Kavanagh & Page 107 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Site Site name Community Analysis Pitch size Pitch type No. of Capacity Pitches Comments ID use area pitches rating available in peak period 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) Yes North Mini (7v7) 1 -2.5 1 Spare capacity 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Adult 4 -3.5 2 Spare capacity 42 Lewsey Park Yes West Mini (5v5) 1 -3 1 Spare capacity 43 Lothair Road Recreation Ground Yes East Adult 5 -5 1.5 No spare capacity due to poor quality 43 Lothair Road Recreation Ground Yes East Youth (9v9) 1 -1.5 1 No spare capacity due to poor quality 44 Luton Regional Recreation Ground Yes East Adult 3 -4 2.5 Spare capacity 44 Luton Regional Recreation Ground Yes East Mini (7v7) 2 -7 2 Spare capacity 44 Luton Regional Recreation Ground Yes East Youth (11v11) 1 -2 1 Spare capacity 44 Luton Regional Recreation Ground Yes East Youth (9v9) 1 -0.5 0.5 Minimal spare capacity at peak time 46 Luton Sixth Form College Yes Central Youth (11v11) 1 -0.5 1 Spare capacity 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Adult 5 -6.5 4 Spare capacity 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (11v11) 2 -3 2 Spare capacity 55 Stockwood Park Yes South Youth (9v9) 2 -3.5 1.5 Spare capacity 56 Stockwood Park Athletics Centre Yes South Adult 1 -1 1 Spare capacity 63 Wardown Park Yes Central Youth (9v9) 2 -1.5 0.5 Minimal spare capacity at peak time 65 Wigmore Valley Park Yes East Adult 3 -1 1.5 Spare capacity 70 Sacred Heart primary School Yes East Mini (7v7) 1 -3.5 1 Spare capacity 74 Sundon Park Junior School Yes North Mini (7v7) 1 -1.5 1 Spare capacity

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report: 120 Knight of 210 Kavanagh & Page 108 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

At peak time, most sites expressing potential capacity are actually unavailable and should, therefore not be counted as spare capacity. Of the 59 pitches with spare capacity and available for community use, 47 pitches are available within the peak period (80%). This equates to 94 match equivalent sessions as actual spare capacity per week.

Actual spare capacity has been aggregated up (highlighted as green in the comments column in the table above) by area and by pitch type.

Table 2.10: Actual spare capacity summary

Analysis area Pitches available in the peak period Adult Youth Mini Central 3 3 5 East 5.5 1 3 North 6.5 2.5 3 South 6 3.5 - West 3 - 2 LUTON 24 10 13

Although spare capacity is often as a result of a lack of demand for grass pitches, there are some sites that are likely to retain spare capacity as a matter of practise to allow pitches to rest and rotate.

Actual spare capacity expressed at the following sites is of most concern as there is no play recorded against these sites.

Table 2.11: Sites with one or more pitches that have no recorded play

Site name Analysis area Pitch type No of unused pitches Lea Manor Recreation Ground And Centre North Mini 1 Selsey Drive East Adult 1 Selsey Drive East Youth 1 Raynham Way East Youth 1 Stockwood Park South Youth 1 Lothair Road East Youth 2

Most unused pitches can be found in the East Analysis Area. There are only three pitches within Luton that are available for community use but are unused. The pitches at Selsey Drive are the offsite pitches of Putteridge High School. Although the pitches have no play recorded it is likely that due to the poor quality of the pitches that they are unable to accommodate additional play outside of curricular/extra curricula usage.

In addition, there are five school sites that are identified as being available for community use but are current unused and therefore have no play recorded.

Table 2.12: Primary schools available for community use with no play recorded

Site name Analysis area Pitch type No of unused pitches Barnfield West Academy West Youth 1 Page 121 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 109 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Beechwood Primary School West Youth 1 Farley Junior School South Youth 1 Leagrave Primary School West Mini 1 Chantry Primary Academy West Mini 2

Scenarios

Poor quality

If pitches which are assessed as poor quality (seven adult, two youth and one mini pitches) were unable to be used all the teams currently playing on these pitches could be accommodated (although not necessarily ideal for clubs) on the remaining stock. However, if pitches assessed as standard quality were to become disused there would not be enough actual spare capacity to accommodate this amount of play.

Latent demand

A total of two adult pitches (to accommodate four teams) are identified as latent demand in Luton. Given the small amount of latent demand identified, it could be accommodated on actual spare capacity expressed. Albeit further investigation is required to assess the quality and accessibility of these sites to accommodate the demand expressed.

Future demand

Future demand can be defined in two ways, through participation increases/decreases and using population forecasts. Team generation rates are used below as the basis for calculating the number of teams likely to be generated in the future based on population growth.

Table 2.13: Team generation rates

Age group Current Current Team Future Predicted Additional population no. of Generation population future teams that within age teams Rate within age number may be group group of teams generated from the increased population Senior Mens (16-45) 47,426 81 1:586 54,913 93.8 12.8 Senior Women (16-45) 45,504 5 1:9101 49,115 5.4 0.4 Junior Boys (10-15) 7,953 88 1:90 9,057 100.2 12.2 Junior Girls (10-15) 7,899 8 1:987 8,739 8.9 0.9 Mini-Soccer Mixed (6-9) 11,458 59 1:194 15,104 77.8 18.8

The additional future teams would equate to the need for seven senior, six youth and nine mini pitches. In the current situation, these teams could be accommodated on the current stock. Albeit further investigation is required to assess the quality and accessibility of these sites to accommodate the demand anticipated.

Page 122 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 110 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Overplay

Overplay occurs when there is more play accommodated than the site is able to sustain (which is often dependent upon pitch quality). In summary, 11 sites (containing 14 pitches) are overplayed by a total of 14 matches per week. In all instances the quality of the pitches could be improved to cater for overplay, particularly Alder Crescent Recreation Ground, Foxdell, Wigmore and Lothair Road Recreation Ground which has poor quality pitches.

Table 2.14: Overplay summary

KKP Site name Analysis area Pitch No Capacity ref type pitches rating 2 Alder Crescent Recreation Ground Central Adult 1 0.5 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary School North Adult 1 3.5 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary School North Youth 1 2 22 Crawley Green Recreation Ground East Youth 1 0.5 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground North Youth 1 1 35 Kingsway Recreation Ground South Adult 1 0.5 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) North Youth 1 1.5 43 Lothair Road Recreation Ground East Youth 1 1 46 Luton Sixth Form College Central Youth 2 0.5 61 Venue 360 South Adult 2 2 71 Someries Junior School East Youth 1 0.5 74 Sundon Park Junior School North Youth 1 0.5

Although some sites with spare capacity could accommodate some play from overused sites, there is a particular need for access to more, better quality pitches to address overplay.

Table 2.15: Overplay summary

Analysis area Overplay (match sessions per week) Adult Youth Mini Central 0.5 0.5 - East - 2 - North 3.5 5 - South 2.5 - - West - - - LUTON 6.5 7.5 0

Page 123 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 111 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

2.6: Conclusions

Having considered supply and demand scenarios above, the tables below identify the overall spare capacity in each of the analysis areas for the different pitch types, based on match equivalent sessions.

Table 2.16: Spare capacity of Adult match equivalent sessions per week

Capacity5 Demand (match equivalent sessions) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand Central 3 0.5 - - 1 1.5 East 5.5 - - - 1 4.5 North 6.5 3.5 - - 1.5 1.5 South 6 2.5 - - 2.5 1 West 3 - - - 1 2 Luton 24 6.5 - 4 7 6.5

The table above shows that overall in Luton the current spare capacity identified on adult pitches can easily accommodate the over play, latent and future demand identified. All analysis areas have spare match equivalent sessions on adult pitches. Overall there is an oversupply of 6.5 match equivalent sessions or four pitches (based on two matches in the peak period). The spare capacity expressed would not be considered as surplus to requirements as on council sites pitches are rested and rotated where possible in order to maintain pitch quality.

Table 2.17: Spare capacity of Youth match equivalent sessions per week

Capacity Demand (match equivalent sessions) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand Central 3 0.5 - - 1.5 -1 East 1 2 - - 2 +1 North 2.5 5 - - 2 +4.5 South 3.5 - - - 0.5 -3 West - - - - 0.5 +0.5 Luton 10 7.5 - - 6.5 -4

The table highlights that overall in Luton there are sufficient youth pitches available. There is spare capacity in Central and South, but a need for additional match equivalent sessions in Luton East, North and West. Overall there is an oversupply of four match equivalent sessions or two pitches (based on two matches in the peak period).

5 In match equivalent sessions Page 124 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 112 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 2.18: Spare capacity of Mini match equivalent sessions per week

Capacity Demand (match equivalent sessions) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand Central 5 - - - 3 -2 East 3 - - - 2.5 +0.5 North 3 - - - 1 -2 South ------West 2 - - - 1 -1 Luton 13 - - - 7.5 -5.5

The table above shows that mini provision across Luton is well catered for, both now and for the future. Only Luton East shows a deficit of 0.5 match equivalent sessions. There is an oversupply of 5.5 mini match equivalent sessions across Luton as a whole equating to 3 pitches.

Football – grass pitch summary  The audit identifies a total of 125 football pitches in Luton. Of these, 101 (46 sites) are available, at some level, for community use (although not necessarily used). 74 of the pitches identified are parks pitches.  A total of 240 teams are identified as Luton based team, however, 208 play in Luton. Of these, five teams are playing on 3G pitch provision.  There are no suitable sites in Luton to service Step 5 and above clubs, for example, Crawley Green FC, resulting in displaced demand.  In addition, 32 teams are identified as being from Luton but actually play outside of the Borough. This is primarily thought to be due to a lack of access to good quality pitches.  At peak time, most sites expressing potential capacity are actually unavailable and should, therefore not be counted as spare capacity. Of the 40 pitches with spare capacity and available for community use, 27.5 pitches are available within the peak period (66%). This equates to 53 match equivalent sessions as actual spare capacity.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient adult pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. Overall there is an oversupply of 6.5 match equivalent sessions (4 pitches). No areas are deficient in adult pitches.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient youth pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. However there are slight shortfalls in Luton East, North and West.  Overall in Luton there are sufficient mini pitches to accommodate over-play, unmet demand, latent demand and future demand. Overall there is spare capacity of 5.5 match equivalent sessions (three pitches).

Page 125 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 113 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

2.7 Artificial grass pitches (AGPs) for football

Introduction

There are several surface types that fall into the category of artificial grass pitch or AGP. The three main groups are rubber crumb (3G), sand (filled or dressed) and water based.

Competitive football can take place on all 3G surfaces. Only competition up to (but not including) regional standard can take place on a 40mm pile. Football training can take place on sand and water based surfaces but is not the preferred option.

Table 2.17: AGP type and sport suitability

Surface Category Comments Rubber crumb Long pile 3G (65mm with Rugby surface – must comply with IRB type 22 shock pad) Football surface Rubber crumb Medium pile 3G (55-60mm) Preferred football surface Rubber crumb Short pile 3G (40mm) Acceptable surface for some competitive football Sand Sand filled Competitive hockey and football training Sand Sand dressed Preferred hockey surface and suitable for football training Water Water based Preferred hockey surface and suitable for football training if irrigated.

Current provision

The table below provides a list of AGPs which are used for football in Luton, either to accommodate training or competitive play.

Table 2.18: AGPs used for football in Luton

KKP Site name Analysis Size Pitch type ref area 3 Ashcroft High School East Full Size Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm) 6 Barnfield South Academy South Full Size Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm) 8 Barnfield West Academy West Full Size Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm) 24 Denbigh High School Central 7v7 Short Pile 3G (40mm) 386 Lea Manor Recreation North Full Size Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm) Ground And Centre 41 Lealands High School North Half Size Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm) 48 Playfootball (Luton) East 6 x 5v5 Short Pile 3G (40mm) 48 Playfootball (Luton) East 2 x 7v7 Short Pile 3G (40mm) 61 Venue 360 South 4 x 5v5 Medium Pile 3G (55-60mm)

Usage

There are five football teams playing competitively on AGPs in Luton. All of these are adult.

6 The AGP at Lea Manor is not yet complete but is due to be finished early 2014 Page 126 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 114 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

In addition, AGPs are in high demand for football training. Peak hours are 6pm – 9pm Tuesday to Thursday and some clubs report that provision is not accessible at this time. In addition to this, however, many clubs report that price is a restricting factor.

Whilst sand based AGPs are not the preferred surfaces for football training some are used to accommodate demand for training. In Luton these pitches are located at Venue 360, Luton 6th Form College and Challney High School for Girls.

Supply and demand analysis

The FA model

The FA considers high quality third generation artificial grass pitches as an essential tool in promoting coach and player development. The FA can support intensive use and as such are great assets for both playing and training. Primarily such facilities have been installed for community use and training, however, are increasingly used for competition which The FA wholly supports.

The FA’s long term ambition is to provide every affiliated team in England the opportunity to train once per week on floodlit 3G surface, together with priority access for every Charter Standard Community Club through a partnership agreement. The FA standard is calculated by using the latest Sport England research ‘AGPs State of the Nation March 2012’ assuming that 51% of AGP usage is by sports clubs when factoring in the number of training slots available per pitch type per hour from 5pm-10pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday and Sundays. It is estimated that one full size AGP can service 60 teams.

On the basis that there are 240 teams playing competitive football in Luton, there is a recommended need for four full size 3G pitches. There are currently four within the Borough.

Local demand

42% of the clubs report demand for access to additional training facilities. The majority of these clubs report demand for access to floodlit 3G pitches. Clubs report that affordability of the facilities is also a key concern inhibiting access for many clubs.

Nationally, it is becoming more common for youth leagues to be played at central venues on 3G AGP provision. However, due mostly to cost clubs are still opting to compete on grass pitches, there is therefore less demand for competitive fixtures to be accommodated on 3G provision in Luton.

Facilities Planning Model (FPM)

The FPM report provides a strategic assessment of the current level of provision for AGPs in Luton. The data used is from the national run as of January 2013. The report should not be considered in isolation and it is recommended that the analysis should form part of a wider assessment of provision at the local level. The FPM indicates eight full size pitches in Luton, however local information shows that there are only seven pitches. This means that any deficiencies are likely to be further increased. Furthermore, three of the seven pitches are sand based and also have significant hockey usage.

Page 127 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 115 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The supply of provision for football is well above the regional and national averages. The population of Luton is estimated to generate demand for about 5834 vpwpp (visits per week in the peak period). The majority of this demand (4587 vpwpp) is thought to be for football. The facility equivalent for this demand is a total of about 7.9 pitches, majority of which would be directed to use for football.

Over 26% of the population are estimated to not have access to a car to access GAPs which is above the national average of 24.9%. The population may therefore be reliant on public transport or walking in order to access AGP provision.

About 86% of demand for all AGP provision in Luton is thought to be met by the supply network included in this modelling. The model estimates that 75% of the resident demand is retained within Luton with 25% of all visits being ‘exported’ to other Local Authority areas. Retained demand within Luton for football is 84%.

The model estimates that 487 vpwpp for football are currently not being met. The vast majority (98%) is attributed to there not being sufficient capacity to accommodate the identified demand. The collective amount of unmet demand for football is equivalent to 0.66 pitches but it should be noted that this is a total for the whole of Luton and it is spread across the whole area.

For football, there are a significant number of visits to be imported from outside of the authority. Indeed 977 vpwpp expressed in Luton or about 20% of used capacity is estimated to be from participants who do not live within the administrative boundary.

Across the whole area of Luton, residents have a relatively poor share for all AGPs with the share for hockey being substantially lower (61) than that for football (91). The areas within Luton which have the lowest relative share are focused around the central area of the town.

The modelling points to there being insufficient available pitch space in Luton to meet demand from both football and hockey. While in proportional terms the potential deficiencies are more significant for hockey, in terms of numbers of users and pitches, the potential deficiencies are greater for football. However, although insufficient capacity is the main reason for unmet demand, the levels of unmet demand for both football and hockey are insufficient for generating a need for a whole AGP so any deficiencies would not appear to be significant. However, the model is worked on eight AGPs but there are currently only seven in Luton.

Potential sites

There are several old-style hard surface pitches in Luton that have the potential to accommodate a new AGP surface due to having the base structure in place. One pitch is located at Lewsey Park and is currently a hard porous surface. There is also a large hard area at Putteridge School which currently has a macadam/polymeric surface that could be upgraded into a 3G or sand based surface. Cardinal Newman School also has a large redgra area that could be converted.

Page 128 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 116 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Commercial football

In recent years there has been a rise in the number of private operators offering football venues for recreational and competitive play. These centres are usually in the form of several adjacent 5/7-a-side AGP cages. This type of football offers an affordable rate that allows people to pay and play. It is a game that fits around people’s lives and does not require the level of commitment that other formats and types of leagues do. For example, people do not have to play at the weekend and do not need to find 11 players. In Luton there are currently two commercial football operations. Playfootball is located to the East of the Borough and Venue 360 is in the South. Playfootball currently has 85 small sided teams registered at the site.

Football – AGP summary  The FA model suggests that there are enough 3G pitches to service current football training demand in Luton. However, local demand suggests that more access is needed to 3G provision, although pricing is also a key factor for clubs.  Currently there is not a high demand for competitive fixtures to be played on 3G pitches in Luton. However, if the quality of grass pitches deteriorates there may be a future increase in demand to play matches on 3G pitches.

Page 129 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 117 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 3: CRICKET

3.1: Introduction

The Bedfordshire County Cricket Board is the main governing and representative body for cricket within the County, including Luton. Its aim is to promote the game at all levels through partnerships with professional and recreational cricketing clubs, and other appropriate agencies. Along with Football in Luton, Cricket is regarded as the most popular sport. The season runs from May to September.

The ECB national facility strategy the Champion Counties Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017 will take advantage of local partnerships developed in earlier plans and support local delivery of priorities through the County network. It targets operational excellence to make maximum use of scarce resources and facilities during a time of economic austerity. The targets and implications of this strategy are shown in appendix two.

Within the local context the Bedfordshire County Cricket Board facilities strategy has six objectives:

 Have in place an effective, efficient and economic Grounds Association.  Identify and develop new grounds across Bedfordshire.  Ensure clubs have the information, advice and support to improve and develop grounds and facilities.  Ensure clubs understand what is available and how to access funding for facility and ground improvements.  Ensure that a well maintained grounds trailer and hire process is available to all clubs through the Grounds Association.  Support and assist clubs in securing external funding to improve and enhance facilities or grounds.

Consultation

Face to face consultation was with key cricket clubs; Luton Town & Indians CC, Lutonian CC, Luton Caribbean CC and an electronic survey was also distributed to the remainder by email. Responses were gained from 10 of the 29 clubs playing in Luton equating to 38% response rate. The vast majority of non-responding clubs are one team clubs playing in the Midweek League and/or Beds & Herts Sunday League. However, consultation has been carried out with the leagues. Results are used to inform issues within this section of the report. It is acknowledge that the cricket demand information is not as comprehensive as hoped, however every step was taken to collect the data but due to being out of season it has proved difficult. The implication is that the demand for cricket is potentially understated but nonetheless there is still a deficit of cricket pitches in Luton.

The ECB will be commissioning face to face surveys to capture demand more comprehensively when the season starts in 2014. This may change the quantum of unmet demand but will not affect the strategy direction in relation to cricket.

Any additional information gathered should be integrated into the assessment report and the strategy at the earliest opportunity.

Page 130 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 118 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

3.2: Supply

In total, there are 11 cricket pitches located in Luton, including one under sized pitch at Icknield High School.

Table 3.1: Summary of pitches

Analysis area No. of available pitches No. of unavailable pitches North 4 - South 1 - East 4 - West - 1 Central 2 - LUTON 10 1

There are nine Council owned and maintained cricket pitches in Luton that are hired out on a season by season basis. The Council leases one pitch (at Upper Wardown Park) to Luton Town & Indians CC on a long term lease. The lease is for the square, with the outfield still maintained by the Council. The Council hires the remaining pitches out with an equitable split of requests from clubs/leagues. Currently clubs/leagues get approximately 30-40% of the pitch requirements that they ask for.

Lutonian CC (at Lower Wardown Park) has eight fine turf wickets and one artificial wicket. The Club has an arrangement whereby the Council maintains four of the wickets and the Club maintains four.

The cricket pitch at Icknield High School has one grass wicket, however, the outfield is not full size and the pitch is not currently available for community use.

Page 131 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 119 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 3.1: Location of cricket pitches in Luton

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report: 132 of Knight 210 Kavanagh & Page 120 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 3.2: Key to map of cricket pitches

Site name KKP Analysis Community No. of No. of ref area use pitches grass wickets Crawley Green Recreation Ground 22 East Yes 1 8 Icknield High School 31 North No 1 - Icknield Way Recreation Ground 32 North Yes 1 11 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground 36 North Yes 1 12 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) 39 North Yes 2 10+12 Luton Regional Recreation Ground 44 East Yes 3 9+10+10 Upper Wardown Park 60 Central Yes 1 20 Wardown Park (Lower) 63 Central Yes 1 8

The largest number of wickets is provided in the North Analysis Area which has 45 wickets.

Pitch quality

The table below summarises the pitch quality following site visits of cricket pitches. The ECB guidance on assessing pitch quality can be found in appendix five.

Table 3.3: Pitch quality of all pitches

Good Standard Poor 1 11 -

Only one of the cricket pitches in Luton received a ‘good’ quality rating. The remaining pitches were assessed as standard quality.

Pitches generally meet the demands of the clubs and the respective leagues that they play in. However, it is reported that a number of players travel outside of the Borough to access better quality pitches and a higher standard of cricket. Due to the level of pitches (and facilities) in Luton, a significant number of cricketers, predominantly from South Asian Communities, have left Luton to access better facilities in the villages surrounding the Borough. For example, the majority, if not all, of the Saturday and Sunday teams at Eggington Foresters CC are made up of Luton cricketers. This is also the case at other clubs outside of Luton including Houghton Chargers CC and Clifton CC.

Players/teams in Luton are only able to play in leagues up to a certain standard before they need to access better grounds, with better facilities (including good ancillary facilities – pavilion, umpires room, score box, sight screens, etc.), which means that better players then travel outside of Luton to join clubs playing at a higher level, or with better facilities, e.g. Dunstable Town CC. It is estimated by Bedfordshire Cricket Limited that at least 100 Luton cricketers are playing outside of the Borough.

Of responding clubs, 65% rated the overall quality of their pitches as poor. In addition, 77% report that the cricket square is ‘slightly’ or ‘much’ poorer quality than the previous playing season. Main reasons cited by clubs include ‘pitches not being rolled enough’, ‘lack of grass cutting’, ‘vandalism on square’ and ‘pitches not being prepared well enough’. One club playing at Icknield Way report that the ‘pitches are never great but this

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:133 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 121 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

season they have been slightly better’. Other users of Lancaster Avenue and also Icknield Way describe the pitches as ‘brilliant’. Leagrave is considered by one club to be very dangerous to play on.

Many of the cricket outfields are overmarked with football pitches. This not only increases usage but also results in poor quality outfields for cricket which affects player experience. In Luton however parks sites must be multi use and multi-functional due to deficiencies of open space of recreational value to meet both formal and informal needs of the community.

Table 3.4: Pitch quality by site

Good Standard Poor  Upper Wardown Park (Luton  Crawley Green Recreation - Town & Indians Cricket Ground Club)  Icknield High School  Icknield Way Recreation Ground  Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground  Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) (x2)  Luton Regional Recreation Ground (x3)  Venue 360  Lower Wardown Park

Maintaining high pitch quality is the most important aspect of cricket. If the wicket is poor, it can affect the quality of the game and can, in some instances, become dangerous. To obtain a full technical assessment of wicket and pitches, the ECB recommends a Performance Quality Standard Assessment (PQS). The PSQ looks at a cricket square to ascertain whether the pitch meets the Performance Quality Standards which are benchmarked by the Institute of Groundsmanship. The report identifies surface issues and suggests options for remediation together with likely costs. For further guidance on this, please contact the ECB.

Although the Council’s Annual Price Survey concluded that it is difficult to compare cricket pitch charges (as all councils don’t offer the same range of prices e.g. the midweek league has a different price for evening games which was agreed 20 years ago which is 10% lower than the midweek price stated below for non-league cricketers), the summary below seeks to identify any levels of disparity.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:134 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 122 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 3.5: Summary of cricket charges

Pitch LBC

type Current

bans

Price B Regis

2013 £ Mitlon

Keynes

Bedford

Leighton Bradford

St Al St

Houghton

Dunstable

Barnfields Stevenage

Adult 39.85 - - 57.21 48.90 73.20 - 72.41 38.85 47.40 Day game with 1st class changing Adult 20.25 - - 46.42 - 73.20 - 60.99 38.85 - Evening game with 1st class changing Junior 10.15 - - 29.92 - - - - 15.75 23.70 Day game with 1st class changing

Luton cricket pitch charges are lower than the average cost to hire pitches in the comparable authorities.

On the basis that cricket adult day games are six hours long compared to approximately two hours for a football match, and that a cricket pitch requires more intensive grounds maintenance, the Council could recommend increasing the hire charges to cover these costs.

Ancillary facilities

The changing rooms at Wardown Park (Lower) have recently been refurbished and are good quality and the changing facilities at Lancaster Avenue are also good quality. The kitchen facility at Leagrave Park has also recently been improved.

Luton Town & Indians Cricket Club has recently received funding for the changing facilities at the pavilion.

There is a planning condition in place which requires a new facility to be provided to support the pitches at Luton Regional Recreation Ground following the demolition of the Regional Sports Centre. As well as changing accommodation the facility will provide a kitchen/social area which has previously been unavailable at the site.

Five clubs report incidences of vandalism in the last 12 months. Problems included graffiti and damage to property including broken windows and doors. Three quarters of clubs report some instances of unofficial use of the pitches. Litter, rubbish and dog foul was also highlighted as an issue at some sites.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:135 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 123 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Security of tenure

None of the cricket pitches in Luton are privately owned. Only Luton Town & Indians Cricket Club has a long term lease on its pitch at Wardown Park. It also has a ‘part license’ on the pitch at Lancaster Avenue which gives the Club use of the pitch for 30 weekend matches per season. The remainder of available fixtures at that site are split between other clubs.

All other clubs are therefore purely reliant on the use of Luton Council pitches for matches. Lutonian Cricket Club is the main user at Wardown Park (Lower) and would like to take on a long term lease at this site. The Club recently returned to Luton having played outside of Luton for 15 years due to being unable to access a good quality pitch as a home ground.

Luton Caribbean Cricket Club currently plays matches at Leagrave Park. The Club would like to take on a long term lease of this pitch or another pitch close by, however, it currently only has one team and a long term lease at a site may restrict other users. LBC must consider the effects of any lease on the wider issue in relation to deficiencies in open space of recreational value to serve the local community. There is an option also for the Club to move to Crawley Green after one of the teams at the Site folded in 2013.

Clubs often want a home ground that can be used as a base for the Club. This is difficult to accommodate and especially in Luton with the deficiencies in open space of recreational value.

Training

Access to cricket nets is important, particularly for pre-season/winter training. Luton Town & Indians Cricket Club has a three lane training facility on site at Wardown Park. The remaining clubs access training facilities off site. There is an indoor cricket practice facility at Challney High School for Girls.

Just over half of clubs (55%) report additional demand for training facilities. Almost all report the need for artificial practice nets or mobile practice cages.

Artificial wickets

Competitive league play does not take place on artificial wickets but informal games and other social leagues take place, as well as Last Man Stands (LMS) competitions.

There are a total of five artificial wickets in Luton. The pitches at Challney Girls High School, Lewsey Park and Venue 360 are standalone artificial wickets and do not form part of a square with grass wickets. Table 3.6: Location of artificial wickets

KKP ref Site name Analysis area No. of wickets 18 Challney Girls High School West 1 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground North 1 42 Lewsey Park West 1 61 Venue 360 South 1

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:136 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 124 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

KKP ref Site name Analysis area No. of wickets 63 Wardown Park (Lower) Central 1

The table above shows that none of the sites in the East Analysis Area have artificial wickets. The most artificial wickets are found in the West. The wickets at Lewsey Park and Lower Wardown Park are very well used.

The Lower Wardown Park artificial wicket is located in the middle of the grass wicket which results in damage to the wickets either side of the artificial wicket. The Council is currently considering moving the artificial wicket.

3.3: Demand

The majority of clubs in Luton are single team clubs. Only Luton Town & Indians CC and Lutonian CC have junior teams. Luton Town & Indians CC has seven junior teams and Lutonian CC has one (U12). There are 42 senior teams and eight junior teams in total. There are no women’s teams in Luton.

Table 3.7: Summary of teams by analysis area

Analysis area No. of competitive teams Senior men Senior women Junior North 20 - - South - - - East 15 - - West - - - Central 7 - 8 LUTON 42 - 8

An analysis of match play identifies that peak time demand for cricket pitches is midweek in Luton. This is attributed to the high demand from the Luton & District Midweek League. There is also very high demand from seniors for pitches on Sunday afternoons/evenings.

Junior matches mostly take place on Sunday mornings but also on Saturdays and midweek.

Women’s and girls’ cricket

Women’s and girls’ cricket is a national priority and there is a target to establish two girls’ and one women’s team in every local authority over the next five years. 8-10% of the whole sport plan funding is focused around women and girls and talent I.D.

Currently girls’ participation is limited other than in schools. Bedfordshire County Cricket Board has recently launched a women and girls county cricket initiative. There has been significant interest and it is envisaged that women’s participation in the game will increase, particularly in schools.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:137 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 125 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Last Man Stands (LMS)

LMS is the widest reaching amateur cricket league in the world. The game is eight aside T20, played on artificial pitches and lasts about two hours. All eight wickets must be taken to bowl a team out. This format of the game has encouraged more people to play the sport as the game is less formal and is shorter than a full game of cricket and is very popular.

The LMS initiative in Luton has been unsuccessful to date. This is in part due to the artificial wicket in Lewsey Park as a potential venue; however, there were significant problems with vandalism of the wicket there.

Casual usage

All of the Council pitches are open access and located in the Borough’s multifunctional open space provision. There is significant casual usage on the pitches from both a recreational point of view (e.g. dog walkers) but also from informal recreation use such as football and cricket play. There are unaffiliated cricket leagues using the pitches on week days to play matches. These users are not paying to use the pitches but are adding to the wear and tear. This then makes it difficult for the Council to charge other teams.

Leagues

Five main leagues service the Luton Area on Saturdays, Sundays and mid-week. The highest level of competition is the Bedfordshire County League on Sundays and the Saracens League on Saturdays. The majority of the clubs in the Leagues are from the South Asian Communities.

Table 3.8: Summary of the key leagues

League Comments Luton & District The League is structured into three divisions of seven teams. All 21 teams Midweek League are from the Luton area. The League uses a number of pitches across the Borough and is wholly reliant on the Council for cricket provision. All six of the Council owned sites are used by the League on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Demand for the League is high for the League and it is reported that additional teams would like to join the league but cannot due to a lack of pitches. Bedfordshire Two clubs from Luton have teams in the County League; Luton Town & County League Indians CC and Lutonian CC. Fixtures are played on Sunday afternoons. The first XI of both clubs play in the Premier Division of the League which means that the cricket pitch and ancillary facilities must meet higher league requirements. The ancillary facilities at Lutonian CC are of a good quality however the cricket square requires some attention to bring it up to standard. Luton Town & Indians CC has a good quality square and has funding in place to upgrade and move the changing facilities. Beds & Herts The Beds & Herts Sunday Cricket League currently has seven teams Sunday Cricket competing in it. All except one is are from Luton. The League has only been League operating for two years and there is already interest from an additional 12 teams. The League is looking to take on five additional teams for the 2014 season to increase the League to 12 (two divisions of six). The League is reliant on council provision and anticipates difficulty in expanding as most pitches are at capacity on Sundays in Luton.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:138 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 126 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

League Comments South East Four clubs in Luton currently compete in the South East Sunday League. Sunday League The Clubs use various council pitches for fixtures. The League covers a large geographical area and teams travel some distances to participate in fixtures. Luton Hawks CC currently plays in this league as it is unable to be accommodated in the Beds & Herts Sunday Cricket League. Saracens The Saracens League is the only Saturday league which services teams in Hertfordshire Luton. Four teams from Luton Town & Indians CC compete in the League. Cricket League Requirements for the League are strict and clubs must complete facilities reports after every match.

Unmet demand

Unmet demand for team based cricket in Luton comes mostly from the Beds & Herts Sunday Cricket League and from the Luton & District Midweek League. There is demand from five clubs to join the League but currently no additional pitches are available. Clubs were also asked if they had more pitches could they field more teams. The results can be seen in the table below:

Table 3.9: Summary of unmet demand

Club Unmet demand Analysis area Ground requirement Beds & Herts Sunday League 5 teams North 1 Beds & Herts Sunday League 5 teams East 2 Lutonian CC Sunday 3rd XI Central 0.5* Luton Town & Indians CC Sunday 5th XI Central 0.5* Totals 4

*0.5 based on the premise that teams will play fixtures on a home and away basis.

As highlighted in the League Table 3.8 above there is also unmet demand from the Luton & District Midweek League as a waiting list is in operation although not quantified.

Latent demand

Latent demand was also identified by clubs that believe they could potentially expand and have more teams if more pitches were available. The table below summarises this:

Table 3.10: Summary of latent demand

Club Latent demand Analysis area Ground requirement Lutonian CC 2 Junior teams Central 1 Luton Town & Indians CC Junior girls Central 1 Luton Hawks CC 2 Senior, 2 Junior North 1 Luton Haiderys CC 2 Senior East 1 Luton Eagles CC 1 Junior East 1 Totals 5

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:139 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 127 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Interestingly, the majority of the latent demand identified is for junior teams. Clubs clearly feel that due to capacity issues they are unable to currently produce more teams without access to more pitches.

Both the ECB and clubs report that it is difficult to develop and further expand teams, especially junior sections, without access to more pitches and facilities.

Displaced and imported demand

It is reported that a large number of players travel outside of the Borough to access cricket pitches and a higher standard of play. This is attributed to both a lack of pitches in Luton as well as the quality of some pitches. A significant number of cricketers, predominantly from South Asian Communities, have left Luton to access better facilities in the villages surrounding the Borough. For example, the majority, if not all, of the Saturday and Sunday teams at Eggington Foresters CC are made up of Luton cricketers. This is also the case at other clubs outside of Luton including Houghton Chargers CC and Clifton CC.

Bedfordshire Cricket Board estimates that 100 Luton cricketers are displaced from the Borough. It is difficult to quantify how many of these people are displaced through a lack of facilities in Luton or the ages of these players, however Luton is currently unable to accommodate any of this displaced demand.

It must also be noted that there is some imported demand from clubs outside of Luton accessing Luton leagues, in particular the Luton & District Midweek league. The League is very popular and has a waiting list and because of this it attracts demand from outside of Luton.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:140 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 128 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

3.4: Capacity analysis

Capacity analysis for cricket is measured on a seasonal rather than weekly basis. This is due to playability (i.e., only one match is generally played per pitch per day at weekends or weekday evening). Wickets are rotated throughout the season to reduce wear and allow repair. Therefore, it is more accurate to assess capacity seasonally rather than weekly. The capacity of a pitch to accommodate matches is driven by the number and quality of wickets. This section presents the current pitch stock available for cricket in Luton. It illustrates the:

 Number of grass and artificial cricket wickets per pitch  Number of competitive matches per season per pitch

To help calculate pitch capacity, the ECB suggests that a good quality wicket should be able to take:

 5 matches per season per grass wicket (adults).  60 matches per season per synthetic wicket (adults).

This information is used to allocate capacity ratings as follows:

Potential capacity Play is below the level the site could sustain At capacity Play matches the level the site can sustain Overused Play exceeds the level the site can sustain

Please note that there are no competitive matches taking place on synthetic wickets in Luton.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report:141 of 210Knight Kavanagh & Page 129 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 3.11: Cricket pitch capacity

KKP Site name Analysis area Total no. of grass Actual play Capacity Capacity ref wickets (sessions per (sessions per rating season) season) (sessions per season) 22 Crawley Green Recreation Ground East 8 32 40 -8 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground North 11 56 55 1 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground North 12 88 60 28 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) - 2 pitches North 10 + 12 115 110 5 44 Stopsley Common (Formerly Luton Regional) - East 9 + 10 + 10 146 145 1 3 pitches 60 Upper Wardown Park (LT&ICC) Central 20 73 100 -27 63 Lower Wardown Park Central 8 50 40 10

Page 142 of 210

December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 130 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

3.5: Supply and demand analysis

Spare capacity

The next step is to ascertain whether or not any identified ‘potential capacity’ can be deemed ‘spare capacity’. There may be situations where, although a site is highlighted as potentially able to accommodate some additional play, this should not be recorded as spare capacity against the site. For example, a site may be managed to regularly operate slightly below full capacity to ensure that it can cater for a number of regular training sessions, or to protect the quality of the site

There are two pitches that express potential spare capacity. The extent of whether this is within the stated peak time is quantified below.

Table 3.12: Actual spare capacity

PPS Site name Analysis No. of Spare Pitches Comments Site area pitches capacity available (sessions in peak per period season) 22 Crawley Green East 1 -8 1 Although spare Recreation Ground capacity has been identified this is due to a team folding and would not be the norm. Therefore no spare capacity at peak time. 60 Upper Wardown Park Central 1 -27 0 No spare capacity at peak time

Although spare capacity is often as a result of a lack of demand for grass pitches, there are some sites that are likely to retain spare capacity as a matter of practise to allow pitches to rest and rotate.

At peak time only the pitch at Crawley Green Recreation Ground has actual spare capacity. The pitch at Upper Wardown has no spare capacity at peak time and cannot therefore be considered as actual spare capacity. One of the teams formerly using the square at Crawley Green folded which meant that there was limited spare capacity but normally there is no spare capacity at the site.

Table 3.13: Actual spare capacity summary

Analysis area Pitches available in the peak period North - South - East - West - Central - LUTON -

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 143 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 131 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Scenarios

Unmet and latent demand

A need for four pitches is identified through unmet demand in Luton with a further five identified through latent demand. There is no spare capacity identified in Luton which means that none of the unmet or latent demand can be accommodated.

Displaced demand

The reported 100 cricketers that are displaced from Luton could not be accommodated on the current pitch stock.

Future demand

Future demand can be defined in two ways, through participation increases and using population forecasts. Team generation rates are used below as the basis for calculating the number of teams likely to be generated in the future based on population growth.

Table 3.14: Team generation rates

Age group Current Current Team Future Predicted Additional population no. of Generation population future teams that within age teams Rate within age number may be group group of teams generated from the increased population Senior Mens (18-55) 56,694 42 1350 64,751 48.0 6.0 Senior Womens (18-55) 54,829 0 0 58,951 0.0 0.0 Junior Boys (7-17) 15,155 8 1894 17,686 9.3 1.3 Junior Girls (7-17) 14,701 0 0 16,881 0.0 0.0

The additional future teams would equate to the need for six senior and 1.3 junior teams. In the current situation, these teams could not be accommodated on the current stock. Furthermore, approximately half of clubs (55%) plan to increase the number of teams in the future.

Although the TGRs do not generate additional teams for senior women there is likely to be a need to cater for women’s cricket in the future due to the focus by the Beds cricket Board to develop this area.

Overplay

The amount of overplay at cricket sites in Luton is a total of 45 matches across the Borough per season. Overplay occurs when more play is accommodated at a site than it is able to sustain. In summary, five sites are overplayed. The number of pitches required to accommodate overplay would be 2 (based on a cricket square with ten wickets). Current spare capacity cannot accommodate all overplay identified.

On sites assessed lower than ‘good’ the situation of overplay is likely to be exacerbated due to the poorer quality of pitches. Likewise, it has been highlighted that significant informal play takes place at parks sites in Luton. Due to the difficulties in providing robust quantitative data for this type of demand it is likely that the deficiencies identified are greater than stated. December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 144 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 132 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 3.15: Overplay summary

KKP Site name Analysis Pitch No Capacity ref area type pitches rating 32 Icknield Way Recreation Ground North Senior 1 1 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation North 28 Senior 1 Ground 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) North Senior 2 5 44 Luton Regional Recreation Ground East Senior 3 1 63 Lower Wardown Park Central Senior 1 10

Table 3.15: Overplay summary

Analysis area Overplay (matches per season) Ground equivalents (based on 10 wickets per ground) North 34 0.7 South - - East 1 0.1 West - - Central 10 0.2 LUTON 45 1

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 145 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 133 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

3.6: Conclusions

Having considered supply and demand scenarios above, the table below identifies the overall spare capacity in each of the analysis areas for cricket pitches.

Table 3.15 Capacity of cricket pitches

Capacity Demand (cricket grounds) (grounds) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand North - 0.7 1 1 - +2.7 South - - - - - 0 East - 0.1 2 2 - +4.1 West - - - - - 0 Central - 0.2 1 2 - +3.2 LUTON - 1 4 5 6 +16

The table above shows that there is a borough wide shortage of 16 cricket grounds (based on 10 wickets). Considering only over play and unmet demand there is a shortage of five cricket grounds.

Cricket summary  In total, there are 11 cricket pitches provided in Luton, of which only one is unavailable for community use (at Icknield High School which is a junior pitch). Cricket pitches accommodate 42 senior teams and 8 junior teams.  Site assessments scored one pitch as good quality (Luton Town & Indians CC) and the other nine as standard quality.  It is reported that a large number of players (approximately 100) travel outside of the Borough to access cricket pitches and a higher standard of play. This is attributed to both a lack of pitches in Luton as well as a lack of higher quality pitches.  It has been highlighted that significant informal play takes place at parks sites in Luton. Due to the difficulties in providing robust quantitative data for this type of demand it is likely that the deficiencies identified are greater than stated.  Overplay at cricket sites in Luton is a total of 45 matches across the Borough per season. If all overplay was to be relocated to other sites there would be a need for one additional cricket ground (based on a cricket square with 10 wickets).  Unmet demand cannot be accommodated on the current supply of pitches and equates to the need for four additional cricket grounds (based on a square with 10 wickets).  As over play and unmet demand cannot be met due to pitches being at capacity there is no spare capacity to accommodate any latent or future demand which requires an additional 11 pitches (based on a cricket square with 10 wickets).

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 146 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 134 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 4: RUGBY UNION

4.1: Introduction

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body responsible for grassroots and elite rugby in England. The Game in Bedfordshire is administered by East Midlands Rugby Union with a Bedfordshire Alliance that supports the development of rugby union in this particular area. The RFU supports all educational links with clubs including further education (FE) and higher education (HE). The rugby union playing season operates from September to April.

A fulltime regional development officer is responsible for the Bedfordshire region and works closely with all the clubs. This work involves developing club structures, including working towards the RFU Accreditation (Clubmark) and the development of school-club structures.

The recently launched RFU National Facility Strategy 2013-2017 provides a framework for development of high-quality, well-managed facilities that will help to strengthen member clubs and grow the game in communities around them. It identifies that with 470 grass root clubs and 1500 players there is a continuing need to invest in community club facilities. The main priorities are to:

 Increase the provision of changing rooms and clubhouses that can sustain concurrent adult and junior male and female activity at clubs  Improve the quality and quantity of natural turf pitches and floodlighting  Increase the provision of artificial grass pitches that deliver wider game development

The full list of targets and implications of this strategy are shown in appendix two.

Consultation

Two clubs in Luton were met with face to face (Stockwood RFC and Vauxhall RFC), Luton RFC, was consulted via telephone interview. A representative from the University of Bedfordshire RFC was also met with face to face. Results inform the key issues raised within this section of the report.

4.2: Supply

In total, there are 12 senior and two mini rugby pitches located across nine sites in Luton. Of these, nine pitches are available for community use and used. Five senior pitches are currently not available for community use.

Table 4.1: Summary of grass rugby union pitches

Analysis area No. of available pitches No. of unavailable pitches North - 2 South 7 + 2 mini - East - 2 West - - Central - 1 LUTON 9 5

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 147 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 135 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

NB: The audit only identifies dedicated, line marked pitches. For rugby union pitch dimension sizes please refer to the RFU guidelines; ‘Grass Pitches for Rugby’ at www.rfu.com

All pitches available for community use are located in the South Analysis Area. No other area is serviced with pitches that are currently available for community use. The West Analysis Area does not have any pitches at all.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 148 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 136 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 4.1: Location of rugby union pitches in Luton

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage Report: 149 of Knight210 Kavanagh & Page 137 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 4.2: Key to map

KKP Site name Analysis area Community No. of No. of ref use senior mini/ category pitches midi pitches 46 Luton 6th Form College7 Central Unavailable 1 - 61 Venue 360 South Yes used 1 - 55 Stockwood Park South Yes used 1 - 58 Stockwood Park RFC South Yes used 2 - 3 Ashcroft High School East Unavailable 1 - 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary North Unavailable 1 - School 75 Stopsley High School East Unavailable 1 - 31 Icknield High School North Unavailable 1 - 45 Luton RFC South Yes used 3 2

Ownership/management

Stockwood Park RFC has a long term lease on two pitches and the clubhouse and licenses the other pitch, all from the Council. It reports that if it could get planning permission for floodlighting on the rented pitches it would also take those on a long term lease.

Vauxhall RFC hires the pitch at Venue 360 on a weekly basis and Luton RFC owns its site. The Club often gets approached by developers for sale of a small area of land adjoining the site. However, it is keen to retain this as club land.

The University does not have any grass provision of its own. The men’s teams use the pitches at Stockwood Park and the women’s team, which has previously used Venue 360, will play at Luton RFC from next season.

Pitch quality

The methodology for assessing rugby pitch quality looks at two key elements; the maintenance programme and the level of drainage. Each is scored and classified in one of three categories. These represent actions required to improve pitch quality. A breakdown for each of the two scoring elements and three respective categories is provided.

Table 4.3: Definition of maintenance categories

Category Definition M0 Action is significant improvements to maintenance programme M1 Action is minor improvements to maintenance programme M2 Action is no improvements to maintenance programme

7 Despite a formal community use agreement in place covering the pitches at Luton Sixth Form College they are not currently available for community use. December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 150 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 138 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 4.4: Definition of drainage categories

Category Definition D0 Action is pipe drainage system is needed on pitch D1 Action is slit drainage is needed on pitch D2 No action is needed on pitch drainage

Site assessments show that four pitches in Luton are D1/M1 i.e. requiring only minor improvements to maintenance and drainage. Six pitches are D1/M2 (action- slit drainage is needed). Four pitches are D0/M1 which suggests that significant improvements are needed to drainage and minor improvements to maintenance are needed.

Table 4.5: Pitch assessments following site visits

Rugby pitches D0 D1 D2 M0 - - - M1 4 4 - M2 - 6 -

D0/M1 D1/M1 D1/M2  Cardinal Newman (Senior)  Ashcroft High School  Luton RFC (Mini x2)  Icknield High School (Senior)  Luton RFC (Senior x3) th (Senior)  Luton 6 Form (Senior)  Venue 360 (Senior)  Stockwood Park (Senior)  Stockwood Park RFC  Stopsley High School (Senior x2) (Senior)

The pitch assessment scores can be translated to provide an overall pitch quality rating and these can be seen in the table below:

Table 4.6: Pitch assessments following site visits

Maintenance Poor (M0) Adequate (M1) Good (M2)

Natural Inadequate (D0) Poor Poor Standard

Natural Adequate or Pipe Drained (D1) Poor Standard Good

Drainage Pipe and Slit Drained (D2) Standard Standard Good

Table 4.7: Pitch quality assessments of community use pitches following site visits

Senior pitches Junior pitches Mini pitches Good Standard Poor Good Standard Poor Good Standard Poor 4 4 4 - - - 2 - -

For senior and two mini pitches are assessed as good quality and four senior pitches are assessed as standard. Of the four pitches assessed as poor quality three are located on school sites and one is located at Stockwood Park. Poor drainage is the reason for the pitches being assessed as poor quality. It should be noted that Stockwood Park is in an area of County Wildlife Site designation and of considerable archaeological interest. This

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 151 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 139 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

may reduce options for improvement, e.g. new pipe drainage systems may require an archaeological survey.

Ancillary facilities

All clubs in Luton have access to changing room provision for home games. No significant issues were raised with regard to the quality of pavilions. However, Luton RFC is keen to make further use of its clubhouse facility and is, for example, in discussion with a Gaelic football club over this.

4.3: Demand

Demand for rugby pitches in Luton tends to fall within the categories of organised competitive play, organised training and casual use.

Competitive play

Four rugby union clubs operate in Luton providing a total of 26 teams. This includes the University of Bedfordshire (Luton Campus) which plays at Stockwood Park RFC and Venue 360. Two men’s and one woman’s team play from the Luton Campus at Stockwood Park RFC. The University has a further two men’s and one women’s team playing at the Bedford Campus which is outside

Table 4.8: Summary of demand by analysis area

Analysis area No. of competitive rugby union teams Senior Youth Mini North - - - South 14 4 8 East - - - West - - - Central - - - LUTON 14 4 8

In addition, University of Bedfordshire RFC are joining forces with Luton RFC to create a women’s Sunday team from next season.

Training

All training takes place on grass pitches in Luton; there is no dedicated International Rugby Board (IRB) pitch. Training on the pitches adds to the wear and tear and impacts on the quality and carrying capacity of pitches.

Another issue for clubs is a lack of quality floodlighting for training provision. Most clubs have some form of floodlights but are not sufficient to satisfy all training needs. For example, at Stockwood Park only one of the four pitches is floodlit which means that all training has to take place on the same pitch and cannot be spread across all pitches.

Unmet demand

Unmet demand is existing demand that is not getting access to pitches. It is usually expressed, for example, where a team is already training but is unable to access a match December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 152 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 140 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

pitch or where a league has a waiting list due to a lack of pitch provision. There is no unmet demand identified in Luton for rugby union.

Displaced demand

Displaced demand generally relates to play by teams or other users of playing pitches from within the study area which takes place outside the area. There is no displaced demand identified in Luton for rugby union.

Latent demand

Clubs were asked that if they had more pitches would they have more teams. None of the teams in Luton stated that they would.

4.4: Capacity analysis

The capacity for pitches to regularly accommodate competitive play, training and other activity over a season is most often determined by quality. As a minimum, the quality, and therefore the capacity, of a pitch affect the playing experience and people’s enjoyment of playing rugby. In extreme circumstances it can result in the inability of the pitch to cater for all or certain types of play during peak and off peak times. To enable an accurate supply and demand assessment of rugby pitches, the following assumptions are applied to site by site analysis:

 All sites that are used for competitive rugby matches (regardless of whether this is secured community use) are included on the supply side.  All competitive play is on senior sized pitches (except for where mini pitches are provided).  From U13 upwards, teams play 15 v15 and use a full pitch.  Mini teams (U7-12) play on half of a senior pitch i.e. two teams per senior pitch.  For senior and youth teams the current level of play per week is set at 0.5 for each match played based on all teams operating on a traditional home and away basis (assumes half of matches will be played away).  For mini teams, play per week is set at 0.25 for each match played based on all teams operating on a traditional home and away basis and playing across half of one adult team.  The majority of male adult club rugby takes place on a Saturday afternoons. There are some exceptions such as university play which takes place on Wednesdays.  All U13-18 rugby takes place on a Sunday morning.  Training that takes place on club pitches is reflected by the addition of team equivalents.  Team equivalents have been calculated on the basis that 30 players (two teams) train on the pitch for 90 minutes (team equivalent of one) per night.

As a guide, the RFU has set a standard number of matches that each pitch should be able to accommodate. Capacity is based upon a basic assessment of the drainage system and maintenance programme ascertained through a combination of the quality assessment and the club survey as follows:

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 153 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 141 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 4.9: Pitch capacity based on quality assessments

Maintenance Poor (M0) Standard (M1) Good (M2)

Natural Inadequate (D0) 0.5 1.5 2.0

Natural Adequate or Pipe Drained (D1) 1.5 2.0 3.0

Drainage Pipe and Slit Drained (D2) 2.0 3.0 3.5

This guide should only be used as a very general measure of potential pitch capacity and does not account for specific circumstances at time of use and assumes average rainfall and an appropriate end of season rest and renovation programme.

The figures are based upon a pipe drained system at 5m centres that has been installed in the last eight years and a slit drained system at 1m centres completed in the last 5 years.

The peak period

In order to fully establish actual spare capacity, the peak period needs to be established. As detailed earlier, peak time access of senior rugby union pitches in Luton is Saturday pm although there is also significant use on Sundays (youth teams playing on senior pitches) and Midweek (University matches). Peak time access of mini rugby union pitches in Sunday am.

December 2013 Final AssessmentPage 154 Report: of 210 Knight Kavanagh & Page 142 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 4.10: Rugby union provision and level of community use

PPS Site name Security Analysis Pitch Agreed No. of Match Site Capacity Comments Site of tenure area type quality pitches equivalent capacity rating ID rating sessions (sessions (per week) per week) 45 Luton RFC Secured South Senior Good 2 3 7 -4 There is no spare capacity M2/D1 at peak time (Saturday). However, pitches will accommodate a new women’s Sunday team as of next season. 45 Luton RFC Secured South Mini Good 3 11 9.5 1.5 These pitches are M2/D1 overplayed due to the amount of usage accommodated. 55 Stockwood Park Unsecured South Senior Poor 1 5.5 1.5 4 These pitches are M1/D0 overplayed due to poor pitch quality. 58 Stockwood Park Secured South Senior Standard 2 9 4 5 These pitches are RFC M1/D1 overplayed due to the amount of training being accommodated. 61 Venue 360 Unsecured South Senior Good 1 3.5 3 0.5 These pitches are M2/D1 overplayed due to the amount of training being accommodated.

Where junior play takes place on adult pitches this has been added to calculate the actual play on sites. Team equivalents for training sessions taking place on match pitches have also been added.

Page 155 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 143 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

4.5: Supply and demand analysis

Spare capacity

Although the senior pitches at Luton RFC are identified as having spare capacity, there is no actual spare capacity for these pitches to be used in the peak period. Improving pitch quality may go some way towards increasing capacity. However, in the longer term new pitches will be required to meet demand expressed or increasing access to currently unused school sites which will also require quality improvements to be made.

Overplay

Pitches in Luton are overplayed by a total of 9.5 matches per week. Overplay is predominately due to the shear amount of usage being accommodated on the pitches, most commonly training on match pitches. Only Stockwood Park senior pitches are overplayed due to poor quality pitches (although training on the pitches is also a factor).

Scenarios

Future demand

Future demand can be defined in two ways, through participation increases and using population forecasts. Team generation rates are used below as the basis for calculating the number of teams likely to be generated in the future based on population growth.

Table 4.11: Team generation rates

Age group Current Current Team Future Predicted Additional population no. of Generation population future teams that within age teams Rate within age number may be group group of teams generated from the increased population Senior Mens (19-45) 43,323 12 1:3,610 50,706 14 2.0 Senior Women (19-45) 41,490 2 1:20,745 45,166 2.2 0.2 Junior Boys (13-18) 8,104 4 1:2,026 8,594 4.2 0.2 Mini rugby mixed (7-12) 16,481 8 1:2,060 20,615 10 2.0

The additional future teams would equate to the need for access to one senior and one mini pitch. As there is only limited spare capacity on existing pitches to accommodate this demand, access to new pitches would need to be secured.

One new women’s team is in the progress of being created at Luton RFC and will be accommodated on spare capacity expressed at the site as of next season.

Page 156 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 144 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

4.6: Conclusions

Having considered supply and demand scenarios above, the tables below identify the overall spare capacity in each of the analysis areas for the different pitch types, based on match equivalent sessions.

Table 4.13: Capacity of senior match equivalent sessions per week

Capacity8 Demand (match equivalent sessions) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand North - - - - - 0 South - 9.5 - - 1 +10.5 East - - - - - 0 West - - - - - 0 Central - - - - - 0 LUTON - 9.5 - - 1 +10.5

The table above shows that overall in Luton there is an additional need to accommodate 10.5 match equivalents which equates to six pitches (based on two matches in the peak period). All of the over play and future demand exists in the South Analysis Area.

The over play identified can be attributed to training sessions taking place on match pitches.

Table 2.14: Capacity of mini/midi match equivalent sessions per week

Capacity Demand (match equivalent sessions) Analysis area Actual spare Overplay Unmet Latent Future Total capacity demand demand demand North - - - - - 0 South - 1.5 - - 1 +2.5 East - - - - - 0 West - - - - - 0 Central - - - - - 0 LUTON - 1.5 - - 1 +2.5

The table highlights that there is a small deficit in pitches across Luton to provide a total of 2.5 match equivalent sessions. This would equate to the need for two additional mini/midi pitches.

8 In match equivalent sessions Page 157 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 145 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Rugby union summary  In total, there are 12 senior and two mini rugby pitches located across nine sites in Luton. Of these, nine pitches are available for community use and used.  Those pitches that are unavailable for community use are located on school sites. The poor quality (drainage) is a significant factor in these pitches not being available to use.  Club pitches are generally of an adequate or good quality. Only the senior pitch at Stockwood Park is assessed as poor quality.  All training takes place on grass pitches in Luton; there is no dedicated IRB pitch. Training on the pitches adds to the wear and tear and impacts on the quality and carrying capacity. A related issue is a lack of floodlighting for training provision.  Due to the large amount of demand for training there is a need for an IRB compliant AGP. This would be best placed in the South Analysis Area.  There is no reported, unmet, displaced or latent demand for rugby pitches in Luton.  There is no peak time spare capacity for usage of pitches. However, one new women’s team will be accommodated on spare Sunday capacity at Luton RFC next season.  Overplay (of 9.5 matches per week) is due to the amount of training usage being accommodated on match pitches.  Increasing the quality of the senior pitch at Stockwood Park would help to increase capacity. However, it should be noted that Stockwood Park is in an area of County Wildlife Site designation and of considerable archaeological interest. This may reduce options for improvement, e.g. new pipe drainage systems may require an archaeological survey.  Future demand resulting from population growth equates to the need for access to one senior and one mini pitch.

Page 158 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 146 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 5: HOCKEY

5.1: Introduction

Governance of the sport is devolved by England Hockey (EH) at a regional and local level to regional and county associations. The game is played predominantly on sand based/filled AGPs. Competitive play cannot take place on third generation turf pitches (3G) although 40mm pitches may be suitable, in some instances, for beginner training and are preferred to poor grass or tarmac surfaces.

Consultation

There are five hockey clubs based in Luton including the University of Bedfordshire Hockey Club (Luton Campus). Face to face consultation or online surveys were completed by four of the five clubs equating to an 80% response rate. Vauxhall Men’s Club (one team) did not respond to the survey. Results were used to inform key issues within this section of the report.

5.2: Supply

There are currently four full sized sand based AGPs in Luton. Provision is spread throughout the Borough, with one pitch in each of the analysis areas except for the East Area.

Table 5.1: Key to AGP location map

KKP Site name Analysis area Pitch size No. of Floodlighting reference AGPs 18 Challney Girls School West Full size 1 Yes 38 Lea Manor Rec Centre North Full size 1 Yes 46 Luton 6th Form College Central Full size 1 No 61 Venue 360 South Full size 1 Yes

Funding is in place to convert the pitch at Lea Manor into a 3G surface. This is likely to take place late 2013 or early 2014.

The 3G AGPs at Barnfield South and Barnfield West Academies were designed with a 40mm surface to be used for hockey. In reality the pitches have the potential to be used for hockey training but would not be the preferred surface for matches. Furthermore, the leagues may prohibit teams from playing matches on 3G pitches.

Neighbouring authorities

There is a sand based AGP at Dunstable Leisure Centre which is very close to the boundary with Luton. Currently no hockey teams are accessing the pitch as there are no clubs in the Dunstable area that could use it.

Page 159 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 147 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 5.1: Location of full size sand based AGPs in Luton

Page 160 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 148 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Ownership/management

Two of the four sand based AGPs in Luton are located at education sites; Luton 6th Form College and Challney Girls School. Venue 360 is a privately managed site located in South Ward and Lea Manor Recreation Centre is located on the School site but managed by Active Luton.

5.3: Demand

Demand for hockey pitches in Luton tends to fall within the categories of organised competitive play and organised training.

Competitive play

In total, five clubs play competitive fixtures in Luton, fielding a total of 21 teams. All senior play takes place on Saturdays, with the exception of University fixtures which are played on Wednesdays, and the majority of junior play takes place on Sundays.

Table 5.2: Competitive hockey teams playing in Luton

Name of club No. of competitive teams playing on Membership trends AGPs in Luton over previous three Senior Senior Vets Juniors years men women Luton Hockey Club 4 3 - 4 Membership has reduced over the previous three years, attributed mainly to economic climate. Chiltern Ladies Hockey - 3 1 - Membership has Club remained static. Luton Vagrants Hockey 1 - - - Membership has Club remained static. Vauxhall Men’s Hockey 1 - - - Membership has Club remained static. University of 2 2 - - Membership has Bedfordshire (Luton) remained static. Total number of teams 8 8 1 4

Unmet demand

No unmet demand for hockey was identified in Luton, i.e. no extra teams could be fielded currently but clubs did report significant latent demand as identified below.

Latent demand

Chiltern Ladies Hockey Club reports that if there was more access to AGPs it could have more teams. It would like to develop a college team in conjunction with Luton 6th Form College which would then strengthen the Club as well as provide a 16-18 girls team for the College. Luton Vagrants Hockey Club would also like to link with Luton 6th Form College to develop a second men’s team.

Luton Town Hockey Club also reports that the 6-13 age groups could increase with more access to pitches. The Club also believes that the number of senior teams could increase if more pitch time was made available. Page 161 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 149 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Displaced and imported demand

All demand from Luton teams is currently being accommodated within the Luton Borough Area. There is also imported demand from Harpenden Hockey Club which runs eight senior teams plus junior teams. All five of the clubs senior men’s teams play home matches at venue 360.

Training

Both Luton Town Hockey Club and Chiltern Ladies would like additional access to training. Luton Club reports that an additional three, or four, hours is required, whilst Chiltern Ladies reports the need for an extra hour and a half to accommodate all training requirements.

Luton Vagrants Hockey Club does not currently train. This is a Club decision and not a facilities issue, however, if the Club increases its membership and develops a second team there is the possibility that it would then want to begin training sessions and would need additional access to pitches.

5.4: Usage

The following table summarises the availability of full size AGPs for community use in Luton. In addition, it records the availability of provision within the peak period. Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) applies an overall peak period for AGPs of 34 hours a week (Monday to Thursday 17:00-21:00; Friday 17:00-19:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:00-17:00).

Table 5.3: Community opening times of full size sand AGPs

Site Community use Hours Quality Comments name hours available in the peak period9 Challney Mon-Fri 6pm-10pm 21 Good Luton Town Hockey Club uses the Girls Sat 9-5pm pitch all day on Saturdays and for School training Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays. There is spare capacity at the site to accommodate additional training but not matches. Luton Town are the only hockey users at the site. Lea Manor Mon-Fri 6am-9am 29 Poor Currently the pitch is only used for Rec Centre Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm hockey internally; all external lets are Weekend 8am-5pm for football. The pitch is due to be converted to 3G in 2013/2014. Site Community use Hours Quality Comments name hours available in the peak period10 th Luton 6 Mon-Fri 5-10pm 34 Good The college is used by Chiltern Ladies Form Weekend 9-5pm Hockey Club and also Luton Vagrants College Hockey Club for matches. The University of Bedfordshire also uses

9 Based on data from Sport England’s FPM – National Facilities Audit Dataset (January 2013). 10 Based on data from Sport England’s FPMPage – National 162 of Facilities 210 Audit Dataset (January 2013). December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 150 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Site Community use Hours Quality Comments name hours available in the peak period9 the pitch on Wednesday for fixtures. There is limited spare capacity on Saturdays, but additional capacity for week day training. However, due to a lack of floodlighting the pitch cannot be used for evening training or late Saturday matches in the winter. Venue 360 Mon-Sun 8am-11pm 34 Poor Vauxhall Men’s hockey club use the pitch for matches on Saturdays. The University of Bedfordshire also uses the pitch on occasions for Wednesday fixtures. Chiltern Ladies also use the pitch for training. There is spare capacity mid-week. All five senior men’s’ teams of Harpenden HC use the pitch for fixtures on Saturdays as there is no pitch in Harpenden. The pitch will need to be refurbished in the near future.

The table highlights that there is sufficient availability of pitches within Luton to accommodate current demand. Challney Girls School, however, is at capacity on Saturdays.

Venue 360 has significant spare capacity but the quality of the pitch is very poor and is not considered fit for purpose, particularly for matches. However, it is the only floodlit venue currently available to clubs (other than Luton Town Hockey Club which has sole use of Challney Girls School).

Lea Manor will be resurfaced as a 3G pitch in the near future and will be unsuitable for competitive club hockey (although the intention is that school hockey will still be accommodated). Therefore there will only be two pitches in Luton suitable for competitive hockey matches and training. In addition, Luton 6th Form College does not have floodlighting which further reduces capacity for evening training during the winter.

5.5: Quality

Of the current supply of hockey pitches in Luton two are assessed as good quality and two as poor.

Despite being assessed as poor quality, teams continue to access the pitch at Venue 360, especially for training, as it is floodlit. The main user for evening training is Chiltern Ladies Hockey Club; it reports that it may look for a site outside of Luton for training, due to poor quality and increasing prices. Users describe the pitch as unsafe. Luton 6th Form College is assessed as good quality, however, the pitch does not have all appropriate hockey markings; for example, the five mete line around the ‘D’ is missing.

Page 163 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 151 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Ancillary Facilities

Changing facilities are provided at all sites and are reported to be adequate, however, clubhouse facilities with a kitchen and bar must be accessed away from the pitch venue, in some cases (Luton Vagrants Hockey Club) a local pub is used as a venue to provide post- match ‘teas’. Luton Town Hockey Club uses Kent’s Athletics Club.

Currently in Luton there are is no site which incorporates a good quality pitch, spectator area, floodlights and clubhouse facilities. Luton Town Hockey Club, for example, reports moving clubhouses three times in the previous four years.

Sport England Facilities Planning Model (FPM)

The FPM is a model used as a starting point to help assess the strategic provision of sports facilities, including AGPs. The Model is prescriptive and not predictive in that it does not provide precise estimates of the use of proposed facilities. Rather it prescribes an appropriate level of provision for any defined area in relation to demand and which reflects national expectations and policies. It is not a substitute for considering local club needs and should be used alongside any local assessment.

Sport England’s FPM shows that the supply of hockey pitches (0.1) per 1,000 population is much lower than the national average of 0.24 pitches. Over 26% of the population in Luton do not have access to a car which is higher than the national average of 24.9%. This means that in Luton people may be more reliant on public transport.

FPM Supply and demand balance

When looking at a simplistic picture of the overall supply and demand across Luton, the resident population is estimated to generate a demand for 7.9 AGPs (all surfaces). This compares to a current available supply of 6.4 pitches, giving a supply/demand balance of - 1.49 pitches.

The global supply and demand balance for hockey is perceived to be 1.14 pitches below the level needed to satisfy demand.

About 86% of demand for all AGP provision in Luton is thought to be met by the supply network included in the modelling. This is above the regional average of 83% and higher than the national average of 81%. The satisfied demand level for football is higher at about 89% and the level for hockey below at 72.5%.

The model estimates that 75% of the resident demand is retained within Luton with 25% of all visits being ‘exported’ to other local authority areas. There are some major disparities between the level of retained demand for football and hockey.

Retained demand for football within Luton is 84% while for hockey it is significantly lower at only 33% which results in the model estimating that 67% of hockey demand is met outside of Luton.

Overall, the model estimates that 27.5% of demand for hockey is unmet in Luton. Given the apparent poor supply of AGP space for hockey the majority of hockey demand that is unmet can be attributed to the lack of capacity at existing pitches.

Page 164 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 152 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The collective amount of unmet demand for hockey is equivalent to 0.46 pitches. With reference to the unmet demand map for hockey, there are no single locations that could meet a significant proportion of the unmet demand and there are no particular concentrations within the Borough.

In terms of aggregated unmet demand, the map shows that a number of locations could meet a demand equivalent to around one pitch and that these are focused to the south and west of Luton.

The modelling points to there being insufficient pitch space in Luton to meet demand from both football and hockey. While in proportional items the potential deficiencies are more significant for hockey, in terms of numbers of users and pitches, the potential deficiencies are greater for football.

5.6: Supply and demand analysis

Scenarios

Latent demand

Luton clubs identified latent demand for approximately three senior and three junior teams. This demand could not be met on the current supply of pitches with the current standard of quality.

Future demand

Team generation rates are used below as the basis for calculating the number of teams likely to be generated in the future based on population growth.

Table 5.4: Team generation rates

Age group Current Current Team Future Predicted Additional population no. of Generation population future teams that within age teams Rate within age number may be group group of teams generated from the increased population Senior Mens (16-45) 47,426 9 5270 54,913 10.4 1.4 Senior Womens (16-45) 45,504 8 5688 49,115 8.6 0.6 Juniors (11-15) 13,222 8 3306 14,602 8.9 0.9

Page 165 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 153 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Hockey summary  In total, five clubs play competitive fixtures in Luton, fielding a total of 21 teams.  There are four full sized sand based AGPs suitable to accommodate competitive hockey. Of these, three are floodlit and all are available for community use.  One (floodlit) pitch at Lea Manor is imminently due to be converted into a 3G surface.  Two pitches are assessed as good quality and two as poor quality (including Lea Manor).  The lack of floodlights at Luton 6th Form AGP reduces capacity for winter training; therefore, clubs which play competitive fixtures there must train at Venue 360, which is assessed as poor quality.  Luton Town Hockey Club is the only hockey user of Challney Girls School AGP; however, there is spare capacity for training in the evenings.  Ancillary facilities are highlighted as a problem for clubs as all clubs must travel off site, away from the pitch, to access clubhouse facilities.  No unmet demand was identified in Luton, however, latent demand for three senior and three junior teams was reported. The current supply of pitches could not accommodate this demand for both training and matches due to poor quality (at Venue 360) and lack of floodlighting (Luton 6th Form College).

Page 166 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 154 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 6: BOWLS

6.1: Introduction

All bowling greens in Luton are flat greens. Bowls England is the governing body with overall responsibility for ensuring effective governance of flat green bowls. The bowling season runs from May to September.

Consultation

There are eight clubs using bowling greens in Luton. Of these, seven replied to the survey equating to a response rate of 88%.

6.2: Supply

There are ten bowling greens in Luton provided across nine sites. Of these, the majority are provided by the Council (six greens on five sites). There are four private bowls clubs; Luton Town Bowls Club, Co-op Luton Bowls Club and Beech Hill Bowls Club. Each private site has one green.

Table 6.1: Summary of the number of greens by analysis area

Analysis area Number of greens North 2 South 2 East 2 West 1 Central 3 LUTON 10

Bowling green distribution is relatively evenly spread throughout Luton. All areas are provided with at least one bowling green. Greens tend to be located around areas of high population.

All sites have one green except for Wardown Park which has two greens. One of the greens here is used by the Bowls Club for practice and competitions and one is regarded as a public recreational green, however the public can use the competitions green mid-week when there are no fixtures.

Page 167 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 155 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Figure 6.1: Distribution of bowling greens across Luton

Page 168 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 156 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 6.2: Key to map

KKP Site Analysis area Number Ownership reference of greens 4 Ashcroft Road Recreation Ground East 1 LBC 9 Beech Hill Bowling Club South 1 Private 21 Co-Op Luton Bowls Club East 1 Private 34 Kent Athletic Bowls club West 1 Private 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground North 1 LBC 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) North 1 LBC 47 Memorial Park South 1 LBC 63 Wardown Park Central 2 LBC 67 Luton Town Bowls Club Central 1 Private

Management and maintenance

There are four privately owned sites in Luton which are managed and maintained by the respective clubs.

There is a mixture of management arrangements on the council bowling greens. Some have a lease/license arrangement whereby the pavilion and/or green is leased to a club for a number of years.

Clubs playing at the other greens pay11 £10.30 for green hire and £10.30 for pavilion hire (full day) on competition days. Luton West End Bowls Club reports that this way of charging makes access to the greens, on any day, but particularly competition days, too expensive, which discourages members form practicing. The Club reports that it would be better if there was a fixed fee paid and then unlimited use of the green.

All council greens offer pay and play and two rinks should always be available for public use, except for when competitions are on. Current charges for pay and play are £36.40 for a season ticket or £1.90 per session. At Wardown Park there are two greens, one of which is a public green for recreational use.

The Council’s Annual Price Survey concluded that bowls prices are not comparable as every local authority has a different arrangement based on usually club rather than individual usage and no two clubs/sites set-ups are the same. Bowls prices were, however, addressed in 2011 for the 2012/13 scale of charges and as a result of that exercise the charges levied on bowls clubs which represent 90% of users increased substantially (green fees by 33% plus a new building hire fee for those not already paying a ground rent etc); plus a new season ticket was introduced for members of associations which are not in clubs; and a per session ticket for a handful of other casual bowlers.

All council greens are maintained by the Council at a cost of approximately £6,000 per green.

11 All hire charges correct at Dec 2013 butPage are subject 169 of to 210change. December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 157 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Quality

All greens in Luton are assessed as good quality. In terms of the views from clubs, only one club (Luton West End Bowls Club) reports that the green was slightly poorer than the previous year. This was attributed to less available time from the green keepers (reduced human resources) and a faulty watering system. Wardown Park Bowls Club reports that the quality of the green was much better than the previous year due to better maintenance and good weather. No difference in quality was reported at the other greens. Quality is better at private greens in comparison to council greens due to a dedicated full time paid grounds person carrying out the maintenance, including at weekends. Membership costs at private greens are much higher than at council sites.

Two clubs playing at council greens report some form of vandalism in the last year. Lancaster Avenue Bowls Club report low level vandalism such as stones being thrown, fences broken and hose pipe used to flood the green. Luton West End Bowls Club also reports youths playing football on the green. This damage contributes to a decrease in quality. Two private clubs (Kent Athletic Bowls Club and Beech Hill Bowls Club) also report vandalism in the previous two years. The changing rooms were broken in to at Kent Athletic and lots of the equipment was stolen. At Beech Hill, a fence was put up around the site but was vandalised and broken.

6.3: Demand

Clubs

There are eight clubs using bowling greens in Luton. The analysis below summarises information gathered from consultation with bowls clubs playing in Luton (seven replied, equating to an 88% response rate).

 The average playing membership per club is 40.  The level of membership varies from 28 to 50 members.  Lancaster Avenue Bowls Club and Co-op Luton Bowls Club have the largest membership with 50 members each. The smallest club is Kent Athletic Bowls Club with 28 members.  The majority of players travel between two to five miles to play at their home green.

The majority of clubs suggest that an additional bowling green at their home green or in the area would not lead to an increase in club membership.

Junior participation is low in Luton and none of the clubs report having junior members. Several clubs report that they would like to recruit juniors but find it difficult to engage with young people and get them interested in the game. Luton West End Bowls Club is developing a strategy to introduce the game to school children in the area; the Club has two coaches to achieve this.

All clubs report having plans to increase the playing membership, however, this was not quantified.

Current demand

Analysis of club membership shows that demand has generally remained constant over the previous three years. Only two clubs (Ashcroft Bowls Club and Lancaster Avenue Bowls Club) report a decrease in the number of members. Two clubs (Luton West End Bowls Club Page 170 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 158 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

and Beech Hill Bowls Club) report an increase in the number of members. The remaining clubs have remained static in membership. There is a general issue with older members not being replaced by younger players; most are aging teams.

Latent demand

Clubs were asked that if more bowling greens were available would they have more teams. None of the clubs report that they would have more teams if there were more greens.

However, Luton West End Bowls Club suggests that if ancillary facilities were improved it would have more teams. It reports that having a suitably adapted wheelchair to improve disabled access onto the green would increase membership and also a bar facility for match days. Wardown Park Bowls Club also reports demand for an adapted wheelchair to improve green accessibility as does Sunlow Bowling Club based at Leagrave Park.

6.4: Capacity analysis

Capacity is very much dependent on the leagues and the day that they operate. A green may have no spare capacity on an afternoon/evening when a popular league is operating but may be empty for the rest of the week.

Generally, through consultation, it is considered that there is some spare capacity on the majority of bowling greens in Luton, even at peak times (when leagues are operating). Some greens do have extensive use but equally some have very little use. Unlike other local authorities, that tend to have more than one club playing on one green, Luton greens tend to be home to only one club.

The national governing body indicates that approximately 60 members are needed to sustain one green. Using this as a guide the table below (table 7.5) looks at the capacity of bowling greens in Luton based upon club membership. A green with 60 members is considered to be at capacity.12

Under capacity Membership is below the level the site could sustain At capacity Membership matches the level the site can sustain Over capcity Membership exceeds the level the site can sustain

12 It should be noted that some greens may be at capacity with fewer than 60 members but also that some greens will be able to sustain more Pagethan 60 171 members. of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 159 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 6.4: Bowling green capacity

KKP Site name Analysis No of Club Members Capacity Capacity ref area greens (in members) rating 4 Ashcroft Road Recreation Ground East 1 Ashcroft Bowling Club 42 60 9 Beech Hill Bowling Club South 1 Beech Hill Bowling Club 57 60 21 Co-Op Luton Bowls Club East 1 Co-Op Luton Bowls Club 50 60 34 Kent Athletic Sports & Social Club West 1 Kent Athletic Bowling Club 28 60 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground North 1 Lancaster Avenue Bowling Club 50 60 39 Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) North 1 Sunlea Bowling Club Unknown 60 (estimated 40) 47 Memorial Park South 1 Luton West End Bowling Club 38 60 63 Wardown Park Central 2 Wardown Park Bowling Club 29 120 67 Luton Town Bowls Club Central 1 Luton Town Bowling Club Unknown 60 (estimated 40)

Page 172 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 160 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

6.5: Supply and demand analysis

For the two clubs where membership is unknown an average has been calculated based on the number of members in Luton divided by the number of clubs. The average membership per club is 40 members (although anecdotal evidence suggests that the two clubs where membership is unknown is likely to be lower than 40).

The total estimated bowls membership in Luton is therefore 374.

As previously highlighted it is considered that one green can accommodate, and be sustained, by 60 members. The total current demand for bowling greens in Luton based on 374 players is seven bowling greens. Notwithstanding that there may be additional demand for bowling greens in the future; there is an approximate current oversupply of three greens in Luton.

It is estimated from the capacity table above that there is spare capacity for additional members on all greens in Luton. The table shows that there is aggregated spare capacity for approximately 166 members on bowling greens in Luton. This equates to spare capacity of three bowling greens which is in line with the oversupply calculated above.

Considering supply and demand on just council owned greens, gives a total of six greens with capacity for 360 members. The current number of members playing on council greens is approximately 199. This generates demand for 3.3 greens, i.e. four greens, suggesting that there could be a current oversupply of two greens.

It should also be considered that there is some casual recreational usage on the council greens which needs to be taken account for; however, it is likely that this demand can be accommodated within the four greens required for club members.

Bowls summary  There are ten bowling greens in Luton provided across nine sites.  All greens in Luton are assessed as good quality. In terms of the views from clubs, only one club (Luton West End Bowls Club) reports that the green was slightly poorer than the previous year. Vandalism is or has been an issue at some sites.  Luton West End Bowls Club reports demand for improved ancillary facilities that could lead to having more members. In addition Luton West End Bowls Club, Wardown Park Bowls Club and Sunlea Bowls Club report demand for increased green access for wheelchair players.  There are eight clubs using bowling greens in Luton with an average playing membership of 40. The majority of clubs suggest that an additional bowling green at their home green or in the area would not lead to an increase in club membership.  Junior participation is very low in Luton and none of the clubs report having junior members. There is a general issue with older members not being replaced by younger players; most are aging teams.  Notwithstanding that there may be additional demand for bowling greens in the future; there is an approximate current oversupply of three greens in Luton based on a membership capacity analysis. Just considering Council greens, there is a current oversupply of two greens.

Page 173 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 161 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 7: OTHER SPORTS

7.1: Gaelic football

There are currently two Gaelic football clubs operating in Luton; Claddagh Gaels and St Vincent’s GAA Club. Both responded to the consultation.

There are two dedicated Gaelic football pitches in Luton which are both council owned. One is located at Leagrave Park and one is located at Stockwood Park. The pitch at Leagrave is assessed as good quality; the pitch at Stockwood Park, as standard. As Gaelic football pitches are not covered in the Sport England guidance, a generic playing field assessment has been used. The criteria is very similar to that of association football pitches and looks at criteria such as grass length, drainage and line marking. In order to ensure consistency with the other assessments of pitches, a similar formula which converts a percentage score into a good, standard or poor rating was applied.

Leagrave is home to Claddagh Gaels and St Vincent’s use the pitch at Stockwood Park. Users at Stockwood Park report that there are several pot holes on the pitch which deteriorates its quality. It is also reports that informal cricket is played on the pitch, reducing its capacity.

Claddagh Gaels is a senior ladies adult club with two senior teams. The Club reports that the number of teams participating has increased from one to two in the previous three years. St Vincent’s has one senior men’s team and also a junior section. It also reports that the number of senior teams has remained static in the previous three years but that the number of juniors has increased. Neither club plans to increase the number of teams that it has. Both clubs train and play on the match pitch. It is thought likely that both pitches can accommodate the required amount of training and play.

Latent demand was not identified by either club; i.e. they would not have more teams even if more pitches were available.

The ancillary facilities at the pitches are generally perceived to be fit for purpose and adequate. Claddagh Gaels describe the changing facilities and showers as acceptable but report that time is usually limited in the changing rooms due to other cricket and football users requiring access. On one occasion, the Club was denied access due to a cricket game being played at the same time. Car parking is described as inadequate to cope with demand at Leagrave Park. St Vincent’s describe the changing and shower facilities as good quality and acceptable value for money at Stockwood Park. Car parking is adequate for all pitches.

Although current demand is being met in Luton, it is thought that any increase in demand will lead to the need for more pitches. This is especially true as a school’s programme is to be rolled out in 2014 and is likely to lead to an increase in demand for Gaelic football pitches.

Page 174 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 162 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Gaelic football summary  There are two Gaelic football clubs in Luton; Claddagh Gaels and St Vincent’s GAA Club.  There is one Gaelic pitch at Leagrave Park (good quality) and one at Stockwood Park (standard quality).  The ancillary facilities are perceived to be fit for purpose and adequate although there are reports that other sports such as cricket are given priority over changing room access.  Car parking is described as inadequate at Leagrave Park.  Although current demand is being met in Luton, it is thought likely that any increase in demand will lead to the need for more pitches.  A school’s programme is to be rolled out in 2014 and is likely to lead to an increase in demand for Gaelic football pitches.

7.2: Golf

There is one golf course in Luton located at Stockwood Park. It is the only provider of formal golf in Luton and is managed and maintained by Active Luton. The site comprises a driving range, an 18 hole course (standard quality) and a nine hole course (good quality). The course is well used and popular. Quality of the course was determined by user surveys and a site visit. According to the Club, course quality is excellent for a municipal course and with fencing it would be of an even higher standard. However, it is located within the public open space provision and there is a right of way through the course and this is therefore not permitted. In addition, the Club has a newly refurbished clubhouse which has helped to generate more interest in the course and is likely to help attract more members in the future.

Stockwood Park Golf Club, located at the site, currently has 382 members with some female and junior membership and 90% of its members from Luton. Pay and play is also available on site. Membership has generally remained static in the previous three years and there is no waiting list to join. Although the Club reports that it is not operating at membership capacity, it has to balance this with pay and play usage of the course.

It is not thought likely that current or future demand will generate the need for another golf course in Luton. In part, this is due to the proximity of other golf courses in the area. Tea Green Golf Course, for example, has a large proportion of Luton residents as members. The map below shows the 20 minute drive time catchment from Stockwood Park as well as other golf courses within this catchment. The map shows that almost all residents in Luton are serviced by at least one golf course within a twenty minute drive time and all courses offer pay and play golf which means that all are accessible to non-members and this should not be an inhibiting factor.

Page 175 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 163 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 7.1: Current provision in the Area

KKP Course Course size Location Access ref G57 Stockwood Park Golf Course 18 and 9 holes Luton Membership and Pay & Play G101 Caddington Golf Course 9 holes Chiltern Hills Membership and Pay & Play G102 Tea Green Golf Course 9 holes South Beds Membership and Pay & Play G103 South Beds Golf Club 9 holes South Beds Membership and Pay & Play G104 Chalgrave Manor Golf Club 18 holes Dunstable Membership and Pay & Play G105 Luton Hoo Hotel Golf Course 18 holes South Beds Membership and Pay & Play

There are some small pockets of deficiencies where residents are not serviced by a 20 minute drive time but this is unlikely to equate to the need for an additional golf course as Page 176 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 164 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

people have a higher propensity to drive to golf courses and are likely to travel further than 20 minutes if required.

The Tea Green course is proposed to be displaced as part of a major housing application to the east of Luton, although it is unknown whether the application will be permitted and implemented. If this development was to go ahead it is likely that many of the Luton residents from the Tea Green would move to Stockwood Park Golf Course. Analysis would need to be carried out to identify whether Stockwood Park would be able to accommodate the increase in demand.

Golf summary  There is one golf course in Luton provided at Stockwood Park comprising of an 18 hole course, a driving range and a 9 hole course.  Membership at the Club has generally remained static in the previous three years and there is no waiting list to join. Although the Club reports that it is not operating at membership capacity, it has to balance this with pay and play usage of the course.  Almost all Luton residents are serviced by a golf course within a 20 minute drive time. Although there are some small pockets of deficiencies where residents are not serviced by a 20 minute drive time this is unlikely to equate to the need for an additional golf course as people have a higher propensity to drive to golf courses.  If the development at Tea Green Course was to go ahead analysis would need to be carried out to identify whether Stockwood Park would be able to accommodate the increase in demand.

7.3: Netball

Netball is popular in the Area with 27 teams competing in the Luton, Dunstable and District Outdoor League. The League has been restructured into three divisions with either 10 or 11 teams. Only four of the teams are from outside of Luton. The number of teams has remained largely static over the previous three years; each year there is some movement with teams being added/lost. For example, in the previous year three new teams were added but one team was lost due to it being accepted into the regional league.

Matches are played on Saturdays or Sundays but the peak time is Sunday mornings with a start time of either 10am or 11.30am. Matches are arranged on a home and away basis with venues booked by the clubs.

There are 41 netball courts identified within Luton with varying degrees of quality. The majority of the courts are located on education sites. Please note that there may also be additional courts located at schools which did not respond to the survey.

Page 177 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 165 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The seven sites used by teams in the League are:

Table 7.2: Netball courts used in the Luton, Dunstable & District League

KKP Site name Analysis No of Quality Clubs Comments ref area outdoor courts 46 Luton 6th Central 2 Good Crawley Tornadoes The courts are Form (6 teams) good quality and College changing rooms are available. There is also the option of one indoor court. 8 Barnfield West 3 Good Seven up (4 teams), Good quality site West Saracens (3 teams), with three floodlit Academy A-line Flyers (1 courts. There are team), Barnfield no changing Fusion/Unity (2 facilities available teams) but this is not a Dunstable Diamonds problem for the (1 team) teams. 49 Putteridge East 3 Good Arrows (1 team), Two of the three High Dodgers (1 team) courts are very School good quality, one has had problems with leaves not cleaned away effectively. There are difficulties with hiring the courts on Sundays; currently they are only used on Saturdays. 6 Barnfield South 3 Good Black Pearls (1 Good quality site. South team), Luton Colts (1 There are no Academy team), MK Netters changing facilities Diamonds (1 team), available but this is Red Devils (1 team), not a problem for Red Stripes (1 team) the teams. 24 Denbigh Central 1 Good Black Scorpions There is one good High (1 team) quality floodlight School court with demand for an additional court. 75 Stopsley East 2 Standard Wyvern Grangers Two standard High (1 team) quality courts. School 59 Meads North 1 Standard Panthers (1 team) One standard Primary quality court. School

A number of other sites that have been used previously are not currently in use. For example, at Dallow Primary School there are three floodlit courts marked on the MUGA Page 178 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 166 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

which have had problems with the court surface and were unplayable for three weeks in the previous season. The courts have been repainted but there are still issues. Previously the School had been well utilised for community netball events.

At Ashcroft School there are four courts, three are of adequate quality but are in need of new posts. There are access issues at the site and the toilets are located some distance from the courts. Crawley Tornadoes has previously played at the site but moved due to the problems.

Challney High School for Girls has three good courts and the League has been working to access the courts but, despite a formal community use agreement (CUA) being in place, has been unsuccessful. Junior School leagues are held there after school but the League reports that it seems the School only wants to hire out all the courts together at the same time. A lack of community access to school sites is a common issue for the League.

England Netball reports that the loss of BSF funding affected some schools in Luton. Icknield High School had plans to build a multi-use outdoor court area with floodlights and the League was in talks with the School to use the site as a central venue, however the work was never carried out. The current courts are not playable due to moss and other weeds on the surface.

England Netball also reports that the loss of the three outdoor courts at Stopsley Leisure centre affected the junior leagues and ‘back to netball’; the courts were well used with changing/café facilities at the centre.

All demand for matches is accommodated on the current supply of courts and this is supported by the League which suggests that there are enough courts in Luton to satisfy demand. There are also enough courts that could be accessed if the League was to grow further.

The issue for the League is that currently there is no venue with more than three good quality courts which means that there is no facility for tournaments or a centralised junior league. A four or six court venue would allow the League to do this and would allow for development.

Netball summary  There are 41 netball courts identified within Luton with varying degrees of quality. All courts are located on education sites.  27 teams compete in the Luton, Dunstable and District outdoor league. Only four of the teams are from outside of Luton. The number of teams has remained largely static over the previous three years.  Despite a formal community use agreement (CUA) being in place at Challney High School the League reports that attempted access to the courts for senior matches has been unsuccessful.  All demand for matches is accommodated on the current supply of courts and this is supported by the League which suggests that there are generally enough courts in Luton to satisfy demand.  There are also enough courts that could be accessed if the League was to grow further.  Overall the Luton League manages on the courts that are at its disposal but moving forward would benefit from the development opportunities that a Central Venue facility (i.e. 4/5/ 6 outdoor courts) would bring.

7.4: Tennis

Current provision Page 179 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 167 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The vast majority of tennis courts in Luton are located on either education or council owned land.

There is one private tennis club, Luton & Vauxhall Lawn Tennis Club which is based at Venue 360. There are six outdoor courts and two indoor courts at the site. The quality of the courts is very good and all six are floodlit. The venue is also an LTA performance accredited training centre.

There are 65 tennis courts identified in the audit, of which, 13 are parks tennis courts. Please note that there may also be additional courts located at schools which did not respond to the survey.

Table 7.3: Summary of tennis courts in Luton

KKP Site Analysis Number of Quality Ownership ref area courts 6 Barnfield South Academy South 3 Good Academy 8 Barnfield West Academy West 3 Good Academy 17 Cardinal Newman Secondary School North 6 Standard Education 18 Challney Girls High School West 4 Standard Education 20 Chaul End Lane Open Space West 1 Standard LBC 24 Denbigh High School Central 4 Standard Education 31 Icknield High School North 6 Poor Education 36 Lancaster Avenue Recreation North 2 Standard LBC Ground 37 Lea Manor High School North 5 Standard Education 41 Lealands High School North 4 Standard Education 42 Lewsey Park West 3 Standard LBC 46 Luton Sixth Form College Central 3 Standard Education 47 Memorial Park South 2 Standard LBC 49 Putteridge High School East 6 Standard Education 61 Venue 360 South 6 Good Private 63 Wardown Park Central 5 Standard LBC 75 Stopsley High School East 2 Standard Education

In addition, there are six floodlit courts located at Luton Regional Recreation Ground (owned by the Council) which are now disused as the leisure centre on the site, which managed the courts, has closed. Even though the courts are disused the surface quality remains high although there have been incidents of vandalism to the fencing and floodlights. Luton & Vauxhall Lawn Tennis Club is keen to use the courts and develop the site as a Beacon Tennis site as it is one of the few sites in Luton which has floodlit courts.

There are also disused tennis courts at Crawley Green Recreation Ground, Blundell Road Rec and Kingsway Park.

Quality

All parks and education courts are assessed as standard quality, except for Icknield High School which are assessed as poor and Venue 360 courts which are assessed as good quality. Quality assessments were carried out for tennis courts based on a non-pitch non- technical form designed to look at aspects such as surface quality, floodlights, nets, line marking, etc. A percentage score was then converted into a good, standard or poor rating. Page 180 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 168 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The view from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is that many of Luton’s parks courts are in need of resurfacing.

Club demand

Luton & Vauxhall Lawn Tennis Club membership currently stands at 160 juniors and 110 adults and produces 12 junior, four mens (winter), for mens (summer), two womens (winter) and two womens (summer) teams. Although availability of courts is not a particular issue, the Club reports that it is operating at capacity at peak time for matches. It identifies potential for two more courts to be created on the overflow car park land if required.

Informal usage

All Council parks courts are free to use and are open access. Wardown Park is the most used Council site which is thought to be due to quality and location. The courts at Venue 360 are also available on a pay and play basis for casual use.

Following events such as Wimbledon demand has increased for pay and play. The LTA reports that it is difficult to measure casual use as some courts are available for free but highlights that courts are generally busy throughout the summer months. However, comprehensive research in the eight LTA pilot areas nationally has shown that 53% of people playing tennis once per week does so at public court facilities (pay and play). As shown in the Active People Survey, participation in tennis has a seasonal peak in the summer, which is particularly pronounced amongst non-club and occasional players.

Further research carried out by the LTA suggests that many more people would play tennis if they knew where courts were located, particularly council courts, and its belief is that better promotion would increase demand.

Tennis summary  There are 65 tennis courts identified within Luton of which 13 are parks tennis courts.  The one club in Luton is Luton & Vauxhall Lawn tennis club with a membership of 160 juniors and 110 adults.  Although availability of courts at the Club is not a particular issue, the Club reports that it is operating at capacity at peak time for matches. It identifies potential for two more courts to be created on the overflow car park land if required.  Council parks courts are free to use and are open access. Wardown Park is the most used site.  Quality at parks sites could be improved as all are assessed as standard quality; however they are fit for purpose and provide a recreational standard of court.

7.5: Athletics

Current provision

The majority of athletics is catered for in Luton at Stockwood Park Athletics Track (managed by Active Luton).

The site consists of a good quality, well maintained, eight lane 400 metre track which is able to hold competitions under UK Athletics, high jump, long jump, throwing area and other field event facilities. Although there is seating for 208, this is uncovered.

Demand Page 181 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 169 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Three clubs operate in Luton; Luton Athletics Club, Boxfit Triathlon Club and Stopsley Striders Jogging Club.

Luton Athletics Club has a service level agreement for the use of Stockwood Park Athletics Track. The Club currently has around 200 members and three quarters is made up of juniors. There has been a 15% increase in membership since the London Olympics. In addition it suggests that there is enough existing demand to increase membership by a further 10% per year for the next five years. Although this can be accommodated at the facility, the Club itself will be operating at capacity.

Furthermore, the facility is fully booked at peak times and is also well used by schools and competitions.

The majority of its members are from Luton, however, some travel from Dunstable and Harpenden as the facility is easily accessible from the motorway. In addition, there are only running clubs in the immediate surrounding areas. The nearest similar sized facilities both located South of Luton are at Jarman Park Athletics in Hemel Hempstead and Westminster Lodge Athletics Track in St Albans (both just over 10 miles from Luton). To the North, Bedford International Athletic Stadium which is located just over 20 miles away.

Quality

Stockwood Park Track was re-laid 18 months ago and is certified as a Grade A track which can hold County Level Competition. Luton Athletics Club reports it is of a very good quality.

Active Luton suggests that a separate throwing area would be of benefit to the facility and the Club reports that new throwing circles are planned for 2014. This is critical in terms of retaining the existing track certification.

The football pitch which is located in the centre of the track is used by Luton Ladies FC. This can create some additional maintenance and wear and tear issues on the track as players access the pitch across it. In addition, football training on the pitch inhibits athletics field training and divots created from the hammer affect the pitch quality and are time consuming to remove.

Luton Athletics Club is considering a funding bid to cover the spectator seating alongside the home straight.

Athletics summary  There is one athletics track in Luton located at Stockwood Park. The track is certified Grade A and is of a good enough standard to hold county competitions. It was re-laid 18 months ago and is suitable to satisfy demands from the Club.  There is demand for a separate throwing area, with new circles planned for 2014. This is critical to retain the existing track certification.

7.6 Multi-use Games Areas (MUGAs)

MUGAs are defined as an enclosed area using a synthetic grass or hard surface for playing sports, sometimes also referred to as a ball court and usually have multi-sport line markings. They can vary in size, dimensions and measurements because of restrictions on sites but the most common dimensions are 38m x 18m or 35m x 17m which allows a variety of sports

Page 182 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 170 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

line marking to be installed onto the pitch. Luton has a number of MUGAs which are not enclosed to ensure that they do not detract from the spatial quality of green space.

There are 12 MUGAs identified in Luton. Most of these sites, (eight) are located at school sites. The remaining sites are operated by the Council. Lewsey Park is the only Council owned MUGA which is a bookable facility via Active Luton Trust but is available free for all to use when not booked. The remaining ones are left open for casual use. The school MUGAs tend to be booked out for community use with varying degrees of success.

Table 7.4: Summary of MUGA audit

Site name No. of Community Surface type Quality MUGAs Use Farley Junior School 2 Yes Tarmac Adequate Foxdell Junior School 1 Tarmac Adequate Norton Road Primary School 1 Tarmac Adequate Pirton Hill Primary School 1 No Tarmac Adequate St Matthews Primary School 2 No Tarmac Adequate Sundon Park Junior School 1 Tarmac Adequate Dallow Primary School 1 Tarmac Poor Brooms Road Adventure 1 Polymeric Good Playground Kingsway Recreation Ground 1 Tarmac Poor Lewsey Park 1 Tarmac Adequate Bushmead Primary School 1 Tarmac Adequate Chaul End Park 1 Tarmac Adequate

Please note that there may also be additional MUGAs located at schools which did not respond to the survey.

Most MUGAs are identified as having a macadam (tarmac) surface type. Football, basketball and tennis are commonly played on MUGAs in Luton for informal activity or for football training. Tarmac is not the preferred surface for football training, however, clubs often utilise these facilities due to a lack of access to 3G pitches but moreover due to MUGAs being cheaper to hire or free to use.

Although the quality of MUGAs in Luton has generally been assessed as adequate, site assessments highlighted some evidence of inappropriate and/or presence of glass/stones/litter. In particular, Lewsey Park (some inappropriate use), Farley Junior School (some litter/stone) and Brooms Road Adventure Playground (some glass/litter) were highlighted as this being a specific issue which is impacting on the overall quality of the facility. In addition, the goal posts at Lewsey Road were damaged at the time of the site visit.

Dallow Primary School and Kingsway Recreation Ground have both been assessed as poor quality. There have been some reported issues with the court surface at Dallow Primary School which has previously resulted in it being unplayable. The surface quality and lack of fencing at Kingsway Recreation Ground result in its poor quality rating.

Farley Junior School is planning to secure funding from Sport England to resurface the two existing MUGAs on site, removing the middle fencing separating them to form one larger facility.

Page 183 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 171 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

It is difficult to quantity demand for MUGAs due to their often informal use. There appears to be some spare capacity for greater usage of them in Luton. However, quality of provision is likely to be impacting on further use. If more formalised activity such as football training moves to greater use of 3G pitches, this should create greater capacity for MUGAs to be used for more informal sporting activity.

7.8: Rugby League

There are no rugby league clubs or pitches in Luton. There are no immediate plans to develop a rugby league club in Luton and it is not a priority for the RFL. Hemel Stags is the closest club to service Luton residents. The Club is located a 20 minute drive away in Hemel Hempstead, Dacorum.

Page 184 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 172 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PART 8: EDUCATION

8.1: Introduction

Provision of sport and recreation facilities at schools and colleges can make an important contribution to the overall stock. It is therefore important to have accurate information about the number, type, quality and availability of facilities and pitches within the education sector in the Borough.

The Education and Inspection Act (2006) came into force in early 2009 and amends the existing legislation within the Schools Standards and Framework Act (SSFA) 1998, which was originally introduced by the Government requiring all schools to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Education and Skills since July 2001 now the Department for Children, Schools and Families) for the sale or change of use of their playing fields.

Section 77 of the SSFA protects school playing fields against disposal or change of use by requiring the prior consent of the Secretary of State before disposal or change of use may take place. The School Playing Fields General Disposal and Change of Use Consent (No.3) 2004 order highlights some limited circumstances in which the requisite approval has been delegated to the relevant local planning authority, which can decide whether the disposal or change of use meets the circumstances and criteria set out in the Consent Order13.

Consultation

An online survey was sent to 50 primary schools and a 70% response rate was achieved. A site visit and consultation was also carried out to all 12 secondary schools in Luton.

8.2: Current provision

Pitches located on education sites, make up half of the Borough’s total number of pitches. The following table outlines the total number and type of playing pitches provided on education sites within Luton (regardless of their availibility).

Table 8.1: Summary of pitches located on education sites

Analysis area Number of pitches Senior Youth Mini Rugby AGP Cricket football football football union Central 5 6 5 1 2 0 East 1 2 4 2 1 0 North 3 3 3 2 1 1 South 0 3 0 0 1 0 West 1 2 9 0 2 1 LUTON 10 16 21 5 7 2

Almost three quarters (71%) of the Borough’s junior football pitches are located on education sites. However, over a third (35%) of these is unavailable for community use. The table below further outlines the proportion of pitches which are currently available (although not necessarily being used) for use by the community (for regular competitive fixtures by local clubs).

13 Full and detailed guidance can be accessedPage at 185 http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=11600 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 173 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Table 8.2: Education pitches which are available for community use

Analysis area Number of pitches Senior Youth Mini Rugby AGP Cricket football football football union Luton Central 5 4 3 1 2 0 Luton East 1 2 1 1 1 0 Luton North 1 2 1 1 1 0 Luton South 0 1 0 0 1 0 Luton West 1 1 5 0 2 1 LUTON 8 10 10 3 7 1

Of the 39 pitches available for community use, just over half (51%) have no recorded play against them. For example, there are 21 mini football pitches at school sites, of which, only nine are actually available for community use and being used.

Page 186 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 174 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

PPS Site ID Site Name Analysis Area Community Use pitches on Ow nership Type Football Rugby Union Rugby League Cricket AGP site? Adult Youth Mini Senior Mini / Midi Senior Junior Primary 7v7 9v9 11v11 5v5 7v7 Additional Comments 3 Ashcroft High School East Yes/No mix Secondary School 1 1 1 1 6 Barnfield South Academy South Yes Secondary School 1 8 Barnfield West Academy West Yes Secondary School 1 1 Site has now been redeveloped as the new Barnfield West Academy

10 Beechw ood Primary School West Yes Primary School 1 School w as required to complete a community use agreement for playing fields as a requirement of a planning permission. Unclear w hether community use currently takes place in practice. 13 Bramingham Primary School North No Primary School 1 16 Bushmead Primary School Central Yes Primary School 1 I understand that community use of playing is or has taken place on this site 17 Cardinal New man Secondary School North Yes/No mix Secondary School 1 1 1 18 Challney Girls High School West Yes/No mix Secondary School 1 1 1 Pitches shared w ith boys school. Room for additional senior football pitch. Boys school pays to use AGP 19 Challney High School for Boys and Community College West Secondary School No pitches. See KKP ref 18 23 Dallow Primary School South No Primary School 1 Community use currently not taking place but this site w as the subject of a SE grant aw ard tow ards its faciltiies (MUGAs) and used to have communtiy use. Sport England currently in process of discussing reinstating community use w ith the school 24 Denbigh High School Central Yes/No mix Secondary School 1 1 25 Denbigh High Detached Playing Fields Central Yes Secondary School 1 1 Not included on Active Places so should be discussed w hen visiting Denbigh High School's main site and audited separately from main site. 26 Dow nside Primary School West Yes Primary School 1 This site has community use of playing field and has a competed community use agreement in place. Is separate to the adjoining Chaul End Lane Open Space.

27 Farley Junior School South Yes Primary School 1 Floodlit MUGA w as funded by Sport England. Unclear if any current community use. 30 Hillborough Junior School South No Primary School 1 I understand that community use of playing field is or has taken place on this site

31 Icknield High School North No Secondary School 2 1 1 37 Lea Manor High School North Secondary School Same site as KKP ref 38 40 Leagrave Primary School West Yes Primary School 1 41 Lealands High School North Yes Secondary School 1 Same grass pitches as Leagrave Park (Sundon Park) KKP ref 39 46 Luton Sixth Form College Central Yes/No mix College 2 1 1 1 49 Putteridge High School East Secondary School School has a large macadam/spongey area for tennis, etc. Also 3 netball courts. Also has offsite provision at KKP ref 52 50 Putteridge Junior School East No Primary School 2 52 Selsey Drive East Yes Secondary School 1 1 This is Putteridge High School's detached playing field so should be discussed w hen visiting Putteridge High School's main site and audited separately from main site. Poor quality pitches. Has tw o additional mini pitches not marked out 53 St Joseph's Catholic Junior School Central No Primary School 1 1 1 I understand that community use of playing is or has taken place on this site 54 St Martin De Porres Catholic Primary School West Primary School Potentially share pitches w ith KKP ref 72 59 The Meads Primary School North No Primary School 1 School w as required to complete a community use agreement for playing fields as a requirement of a planning permission. Unclear w hether community use currently takes place in practice. 62 Warden Hill Junior School North No Primary School 1 This site has community use of playing field and has a competed community use agreement in place.

64 Wigmore Primary School East No Primary School 1 I understand that community use of playing is or has taken place on this site

66 Woodlands Secondary School North Secondary School Special School - no pitches marked out but have playing fields 68 Chantry Primary Academy West Yes Primary School 2 69 Pirton Hill Primary West No Primary School 2 70 Sacred Heart primary School East Yes Primary School 1 71 Someries Junior School East Yes Primary School 1 72 Southfield Primary School West No Primary School 2 73 St Matthew s Primary School Central No Primary School 1 74 Sundon Park Junior School North Yes Primary School 1 1 75 Stopsley High School East No Secondary School 1 Page 187 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 175 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

8.3: Primary schools

The results of the online survey to primary schools to ascertain the quality, quantity and availability of outdoor sports pitch facilities are summarised below.

Quantity

The majority of primary/special schools (80%) have access to a playing field. Of these, all are located on the site of the school. One school also reported accessing additional pitches off site, Denbigh Primary School.

In total, 21% of playing fields contain a youth football pitch and 26% schools report that they have a mini football pitch. Three schools also have a 9v9 football pitch and one has a half size AGP.

Over three quarters of primary schools (10 in total) report that they have a generic grass field of a suitable size which could be marked out as a playing pitch if required.

In addition, over half (57%) of primary schools also have ‘other’ forms of outdoor sports facilities. These include marked running tracks and generic playgrounds with line markings for tennis/netball/basketball.

Quality

The majority of responses with regard to the condition of the playing fields are positive. Overall schools indicate that the quality is average or good with the majority (76%) rating grass coverage as good. Almost three quarters (71%) also rate the evenness of the pitch as good or adequate and 62% rate line markings as good or average. However, a significant number (38%) do also report evidence of damage to the surface. In addition, 29% report some instances of unofficial use and 10% report evidence of dog fouling.

Availability Based upon the schools that responded to the survey just under half (43%), state that its playing field is currently available for community use. In reality, the percentage which is actually in use is lower with 29% being recorded as used by local sports clubs as follows:

 Southfield Primary School  Sacred Heart Primary School  Sundon Park Junior School  Someries Junior School  Farley Junior School

In addition, there are also a number of primary schools (as listed below) which report that they have had community sports clubs previously playing on pitches or that they currently have teams accessing pitches for midweek/weekend training and other events:

 Southfield Primary School  Sacred Heart Primary School  Sundon Park Junior School  Someries Junior School  Farley Junior School

Page 188 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 176 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Three schools state that their playing pitches are available but currently have no community use are:

 Foxdell Junior School  Chantry Primary Academy  Beechwood Primary School

It is likely that local clubs are unaware of the availability of these pitches and/or pitch quality issues and access to changing rooms may also inhibit clubs using the pitches.

Only one school (Someries Junior School) reports that they receive more interest to use their pitches than they can accommodate.

Over half of schools (52%) report that their pitches are unavailable for community use. Reasons include; access/management issues, negative past experiences doing so and simply no demand.

There are only four responding primary schools which indicate that they have specific changing accommodation to service their sports facilities and, of these, three of the four are available for community use.

The majority of changing accommodation (75%) is rated as either adequate or good quality, whilst 25% are rated as poor quality. This majority (75%) also have car parking available. Although, one school (Surrey Street Primary) reported that despite both changing and car parking facilities were good, they could not afford to use them as the costs of playing and ancillary facilities charged by the Council were too expensive.

Plans to develop or expand existing provision

Of responding schools, 29% report plans to develop or expand existing playing field provision.

Table 8.3: Primary school development plans

School Summary Ferrars Junior School Has an aspiration to install an artificial grass pitch. Surrey Street Primary Looking to use the tennis courts already bought but don’t have access to. Hillborough Junior School Planning for small building which will not reduce pitch size and for a container in which to keep sports equipment. Tennyson Road Primary School moving to Surrey Street Primary site in September 2014, School which are also subsequently moving site. No plans on current site. St Matthews Primary School Hoping to build an artificial grass pitch instead on the grass football pitch, however, no funding has been put into place. Farley Junior School Planning to secure funding from Sport England to resurface the two existing MUGAs on site, removing the middle fencing separating them to form one large surface. Warden Hill Junior School Significant building work planned which will significantly affect the fields.

Page 189 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 177 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

8.4: Secondary schools

The following table provides a summary of the key issues and findings relating to the quality of outdoor sports provision at secondary school sites identified via face to face consultation and site visits.

Table 8.4: Schools consultation summary

KKP School Summary ref 41 Lealands High The School has one AGP pitch, with two netball and four tennis courts. School Floodlit three quarter sized AGP pitch has community use every night and is well maintained by site staff. Neighbouring Council owned site is used which has one senior, one junior and one mini football pitch. During summer it is marked for three rounders pitches, a cricket pitch with artificial wicket and both track and field athletics. As such this is available for community use and maintained by Weedwise. The School reports that the netball/tennis courts have a slight slope and require winter cleaning. The Council football pitches were said to have reasonable drainage despite sloping inwards and have well marked lines with fully collapsible goalposts. 75 Stopsley High The School has no football pitches on site, instead use adjacent School Stopsley Common (former Luton Regional) for football and cricket. There is a rugby pitch on the school site which is overmarked for athletics and rounders in the summer. The playground is marked for netball, tennis and mini tennis. However, the School is unable to use the floodlit courts at the Regional due to missing fences and floodlight damage. Play Football also provides six 5x5 and two 7x7 floodlit 3G pitches on the school site, with changing facilities making it self-sufficient. The School report its own changing facilities as average quality and plans to build a new sports hall with changing facilities over the playground and tennis/netball courts. As part of the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme the School is to be redeveloped and is likely to provide opportunities for new outdoor sports facilities. 18 Challney High On site pitches consist of one senior football pitch, one artificial cricket School for square, one 300m athletics track and four rounders pitches. The School Girls has space for one more senior football pitch which it could then rent out. It could also install a grass cricket square, however, not much PE taking place within school. School facilities currently managed and maintained by Mitie which is also keen to take on pitch booking responsibilities as it believes they are not marketed effectively. Pitches reported to drain well and with good line markings. School also has one, good quality sand AGP maintained by Weedwise and available for community use and used by Luton Hockey Club. 19 Challney High Challney Boys School use the girl’s school sports facilities. It does have School for three tennis courts, however, these are disused and there are plans to Boys convert them into a grass pitch. A new playing field is also being built on the site of the former girls’ school building.

Page 190 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 178 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

KKP School Summary ref 17 Cardinal School has one senior and one youth football pitch, one AGP, one rugby Newman pitch, one grass hockey pitch. There are also six tennis courts on hard Secondary playground surface, three netball courts and an athletics track marked School from Easter. All maintained by Village Garden Services. School reports pitches to drain well and lines marked every 3 to 4 weeks to be good, however, despite being fenced off they are subject to some resident dog fouling and unofficial use. Local community use by Bushmead Rovers FC and Pro Soccer workshops in evenings and half terms. AGP is old Redgra pitch and reported as very poor quality, being dusty in summer, flooding in winter and sinking in general. High demand in the area for grass pitches for community use including weekend as many local council pitches are unavailable. 8 Barnfield West School has one AGP and one grass youth football pitch. Both are used Academy for community use (as part of the community use agreement). AGP is booked up for most weekday evenings by Football Mundial and Soccer League UK 6 a side leagues, however, school is finding it hard to break even from renting of facilities. Despite pitch being marketed to all clubs, demand for these is less than initially thought and now using a third less of pitch. As a result free Friday sessions are being offered to try to attract new interest. Beds FA has advised that the £31.20 fee per third per hour is too expensive and is contributing towards less demand, however, due to conditions of community use agreement are committed to it. 6 Barnfield There are no grass pitches on this site, only one AGP. Used extensively South by Luton Town FC Academy and as such offered at a discounted rate. Academy Otherwise not as much use as Barnfield West Campus. Some tension between the School and external users regard to the condition of the facilities after use. 49 Putteridge On site facilities include three netball courts and a large High School macadam/sponge-like surface suited to tennis, netball and softball. School has no grass pitches on site, instead using Selsey Drive, seven minutes’ walk. Off-site provision includes one senior and one youth football pitch, two unmarked 6v6 mini pitches, two rounders pitches and athletics track. There is room for more pitches e.g. a cricket pitch. The pitch grass pitches are quite even with adequate drainage, however, with heavy rain can become boggy. Pitches are maintained by O’Connor, however, is expensive as lines marked and grass cut every fortnight. Pitches are available for community use and are used by AFC Luton free of charge as part of a school club partnership. Tennis courts also now being booked occasionally.

Page 191 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 179 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

KKP School Summary ref 3 Ashcroft High The School has one senior and one youth football pitch, one rugby pitch, School one artificial cricket wicket and one floodlit AGP. These are overmarked to provide for three rounders pitches, two softball pitches and field athletics. The grass pitches are reported to drain well due to relatively new drainage installed eight years ago, with only a slight slope, with no unofficial use or use from students during the day. A lack of storage for goalposts means they have become rusty and the sockets on football pitches especially are poor. Facilities are maintained by Weedwise. AGP is full size, medium pile and needs resurfacing within at least 18 months, however, still short of sinking fund money required. Available for community use and School looking to increase usage, currently used week nights by Beds FA for initiatives and development centres and by weekend five a side leagues. Also used by Crawley Green FC with whom the School has a partnership. 37 Lea Manor The School uses facilities on Lea Manor Recreation Ground for grass High School pitch provision where there is one adult football pitch and two 9v9 pitches, which are also marked for athletics use in the summer. Access is open as involvement is half school half council. The quality of the pitches is poor, based on a clay area with poor soil quality. They are available for community use through the council who hire them out for weekend football teams to use. The school also has a poor quality AGP which is subject to flooding, sloping and from which sand comes off into the drains. It is however being replaced in the autumn by a new full size 3G AGP, slightly bigger than the current one. It is used for after school sports but is also available for community use. Onsite there is also five tennis courts, three netball courts and a basketball court. The changing facilities for adults were reported as good; however the children’s changing facilities are of very poor quality. 31 Icknield The School has fairly extensive playing fields which include two senior Academy football, two rugby union and one cricket pitch. It also has two court areas both with three tennis courts each. Although there is no current community use of the facilities, the school would be willing consider it if demand exists. 24 Denbigh On site, the School has one senior grass football pitch and a half size Academy 3G pitch built in 2005. The 3G pitch is well used for community use; however, there is no use of the grass pitch. The site also contains tennis courts which it intends to convert to netball courts due to community demand for netball. The School also owns a playing field site on Bishopcote Road, although it is fenced off to the public, it adjoins William Austin Junior School playing fields. It contains one youth and one mini pitch. The School does not use the facility due to it being located too far away and as such the School would like to lease it to a club. The pitches are generally adequate quality but the changing rooms on site are very poor quality.

8.5: Colleges

Barnfield College and Luton Sixth Form College both provide extensive outdoor sports facilities. The facilities have been referenced throughout the document in the sports specific sections but a breakdown can be found below:

Page 192 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 180 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

KKP College Summary ref 5 Barnfield The College has four adult, one 5v5 and one 7v7 grass football pitches Health & all assessed as standard quality. The pitches are available for Fitness Suite community use and used by several teams in the area. LBC currently act And Barnfield as agents to let out the football pitches but the responsibility will be College transferred to the College in 2014. 46 Luton 6th Form The College has two 9v9 and one youth 11v11 football pitches, one College senior rugby union pitch and full size sand based AGP. The pitches are available for community use and used by many teams in the area. The grass football pitches are assessed as standard quality, the rugby union pitch is standard and the AGP is assessed as good quality. Although the AGP is good quality there are no floodlights and so the pitch cannot be used during the week for training in winter.

Education summary  The majority of schools (80%) have access to playing fields.  Almost three quarters (71%) of the Borough’s junior football pitches are located on education sites. However, over a third (35%) of these is unavailable for community use.  Of the 39 pitches available for community use on school sites, just over half (51%) have no recorded play against them. For example, there are 21 mini football pitches at school sites, of which, only nine are actually available for community use and being used.  Of the 43% of primary schools currently available for community use, only six have actual regular community use, and three have no current use of their playing pitches. The reasons for lack of use include; access issues, management issues, no demand and negative past experiences of community use.  10 primary schools (83%) have a generic grass area that would be suitable to mark out an additional playing pitch.  (57%) of primary schools have ‘other’ forms of outdoor sports facilities. These include rounders pitches and generic playgrounds with various line markings.  Secondary schools make a significant contribution to the overall provision of outdoor sports facilities in Luton. Where schools provide AGPs they are available for community use. However, most report that spare capacity.

Page 193 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 181 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX 1: CONSULTEE LIST

Organisation Name Designation Active Luton Stewart Trower Group Operations Manager Active Luton Helen Barnet Chief Executive ECB Chris Whitaker Funding & Facilities Manager England Hockey Laura Swanston Relationship Manager Jane Conway Luton Council Development and Business Manager (Parks) Lisa Rowe Luton Council Parks Facilities Manager RFU Peter Shaw Funding & Facilities Manager Sandra Hayes Luton Council Community Development Service Manager Sport England Roy Warren Planning Manager Steve Battlebury Luton Council Parks Operations Manager Team Beds & Luton Mark Stokes Coaching Development Manager Team Beds & Luton Lloyd Conaway Director The FA Mark Liddiard Funding & Facilities Manager The FA Kevin England County Development Manager University of Bedfordshire Lee Allen Internship Manager at University of Bedfordshire Clubs and leagues 61 FC Richard Everitt Secretary A.C. Cadoza Peter Ongley Secretary A.C. Sportsman (STOPSLEY) Ben Henry Secretary A.F.C. Chequers Caddington Dean Carney Secretary A.F.C. Clophill Heather James Secretary A.F.C. Luton Mark Burns Secretary A.F.C. Sundon Claire Smith Secretary A.S.R. Elite Musthafa Hussain Secretary A-Line Flyers Netball club Louise Harwood Secretary Arrows Netball Club Lucy Eaglen Secretary Ashcroft Bowling Club John Weedon Secretary Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire David Baker Secretary County Women's Football League Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Saeed Iqbal Chair Sunday Cricket League Bedfordshire County Football Barry Snelson General Secretary League Bedfordshire Youth Saturday Scott Mitchell Fixtures Secretary League Beech Hill Bowling Club Patricia George Secretary Blue Line Aces FC Sam Huwa Secretary Brache Nations FC Syed Ali Secretary Brache Sparta FC Graham Caves Fixtures Secretary Broadwalk United FC Harbans Gill Secretary Bury Park Saracens FC Ash Iqbal Secretary Celtic S.C. (LUTON) FC Kevin Bermingham Secretary Chiltern Hockey Club Hilary Ward President Page 194 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 182 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Organisation Name Designation Chiltern Junior Sevens Football Steve Chamberlain Assistant General Secretary League Christians In Sport (LUTON) FC Jamie Nolan Secretary Claddagh Gaels Ladies Gaelic Unknown Secretary Football Club Club Lewsey FC Mark Pontefract Secretary Co-op Green Man FC Richard Smith Secretary Co-op Luton Bowls Club Brian Miles Secretary Crawley Green Youth FC Ron Bates Secretary Crawley Green Youth FC Eddie Downey Chair Dunstable Town Cricket Club Andrew Boocock Secretary EB Lions FC FC Polonia (LUTON) Piotr Warzocha Secretary Gardeners Call (LUTON) FC Stuart Wells Secretary Kashmir Cavaliers Cricket club Tahir Bashir Secretary Kent Athletic Bowls Club Nick Cornish Secretary Kent Athletic FC George Trott Secretary Kingsway Cricket Club Aftab Ali Secretary L.U. Four FC Denise Barbour Secretary Lancaster Avenue Bowls Club John Millard Secretary Leighton & District Sunday Football Sid Clear Secretary League Lewsey Centre Youth FC Alison Hawkins Secretary Lewsey Park FC Katy McGlynn Secretary Lilley Rangers Dennis Townsend Secretary Luton Athletics Club Catrina Lewis Coaching Coordinator Luton Athletics Club Paul Brooks Chairman Luton Borough (SUNDAY) Andi Cook Secretary Luton Borough Football Club Steve Chamberlain Vice Chair Luton Boys FC John Musto Chair Luton Caribbean Cricket Club Godfrey Arthur Secretary Luton Caribbean Cricket Club Dudley Belone Fixtures Secretary Luton District & South Beds David Snaith Chair & Fixtures Secretary Football League Luton Eagles Cricket Club Luton Eagles Secretary Luton Haiderys Cricket Club Luton Haiderys Secretary Luton Hawks Cricket Club Naeem Akhtar Director Luton Leagrave AFC Matthew Copeland Secretary Luton Old Boys Thomas Gray Secretary Luton Pakistanis Cricket Club Shamus Uddin Secretary Luton Sporting Club FC Giuseppe Fierro Secretary Luton Town & Indians Cricket Club Dipak Parsooth Secretary Luton Town Hockey Club Tricia Murphy Deputy Chair Luton Town Ladies FC Dave Baker Club Manager Luton United FC Adam Burgess Secretary Luton Vagrants Hockey Club James Cartledge Secretary Luton West End Bowls club Ray Dodd Secretary Luton, Dunstable & District Netball Julie Kightley Chair Page 195 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 183 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Organisation Name Designation League Lutonians Cricket Club Sam Parkar Chair Manor Old Boys FC Mark Hillyard Secretary Sporting Sundon FC Sean Moore Secretary St Joseph’s YFC Declan Marks Treasurer St. Josephs(Sunday) FC Patrick Corrigan Secretary St. Vincents GAA Club William Joyce Secretary Stockwood Park Athletics Track Catrina Lewis Facility Manager Stockwood Park Golf Club Terry Nicholls Facility Manager Stockwood Park Rugby FC Lee Allen Secretary Stopsley Stingers FC Matthew Castleman Secretary Stopsley Striders Jogging Club Mark Sains Secretary Sundon Athletic Youth FC Mick Dearden Secretary Sundon Park Rangers Helen Conway Secretary (SATURDAY) FC Sundon Park Rangers Colts FC Chris Bradwell Chairman Vauxhall Lawn Tennis Club Daniel Pymont Coach Vauxhall Rugby FC Leo O' Neill Secretary Warden Hill Tigers FC Janice Collett Secretary Wardown Park Bowls Club Neville Burgess Secretary Wigmore Arms (LUTON) FC David Cox Secretary Wigmore Sports FC Martin Wheeler Secretary Schools Ashcroft High School Sam Clayton Head of PE Barnfield South Academy John Lincoln Assistant Principal Barnfield West Academy Anthony Basham Head of Asset Development Beechwood Primary School Unknown Representative Cardinal Newman Secondary Zoe Gazeley. Head of PE School Challney Girls High School Sarah Hedley Business Manager Paul Fox Facilities Manager Challney High School for Boys and Graham Sells Head of PE Community College Chantry Primary School Unknown Representative Cheynes Infant School Unknown Representative Crawley Green Infant School Unknown Representative Denbigh High School Teresa Kelly Business Manager Denbigh High School Martin Brooks Facilities Manager Denbigh Primary School Unknown Representative Farley Junior School Unknown Representative Ferrars Junior School Unknown Representative Foxdell Infant School Unknown Representative Foxdell Junior School Unknown Representative Hillborough Infant School Unknown Representative Hillborough Junior School Unknown Representative Icknield High School Adam Smith Deputy Head Lea Manor High School John Salisbury Deputy Head Leagrave Primary School Unknown Representative Page 196 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 184 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

Organisation Name Designation Lealands High School Steve Didlick Head of PE Norton Road Primary School Unknown Representative Pirton Hill Primary School Unknown Representative Putteridge High School Louise Nicholls Head of PE Putteridge Primary School Unknown Representative Ramridge Primary School Unknown Representative Sacred Heart Primary School (VA) Unknown Representative RC Someries Infant School Unknown Representative Someries Junior School Unknown Representative Southfield Primary School Unknown Representative St. Joseph's Infant School (VA) RC Unknown Representative St. Joseph's Junior School (VA) RC Unknown Representative St. Martin de Porres Primary Unknown Representative School (VA) St. Matthews Primary School Unknown Representative Stopsley High School John Williets Assistant Head Sundon Park Junior School Unknown Representative Surrey Street Primary School Unknown Representative Tennyson Road Primary School Unknown Representative The Ferrars Academy, Infant Unknown Representative School The Meads Primary School Unknown Representative Warden Hill Infant School Unknown Representative Warden Hill Junior School Unknown Representative Waulud Primary School Unknown Representative Wenlock Junior School (Church of Unknown Representative England) Whitefield Primary School Unknown Representative William Austin Infant School Unknown Representative Woodlands Secondary School Jill Miller Head Teacher

Page 197 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 185 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX 2: SPORTING CONTEXT

The following section outlines a series of national, regional and local policies pertaining to the study and which will have an important influence on the Strategy.

National context

Sport England: A Sporting Habit for Life (2012-2017)

In 2017, five years after the Olympic Games, Sport England aspires to transforming sport in England so that it is a habit for life for more people and a regular choice for the majority. Launched in January 2012 the strategy sets out how Sport England will invest over one billion pounds of National Lottery and Exchequer funding during the five year plan period. The investment will be used to create a lasting community sport legacy by growing sports participation at the grassroots level following the 2012 London Olympics. The strategy will:

 See more people starting and keeping a sporting habit for life  Create more opportunities for young people  Nurture and develop talent  Provide the right facilities in the right places  Support local authorities and unlock local funding  Ensure real opportunities for communities

The vision is for England to be a world leading sporting nation where many more people choose to play sport. There are five strategic themes including:

 Maximise value from current NGB investment  Places, People, Play  Strategic direction and market intelligence  Set criteria and support system for NGB 2013-17 investment  Market development

The aim by 2017 is to ensure that playing sport is a lifelong habit for more people and a regular choice for the majority. A specific target is to increase the number of 14 to 25 year olds playing sport. To accomplish these aims the strategy sets out a number of outcomes:

 4,000 secondary schools in England will be offered a community sport club on its site with a direct link to one or more NGBs, depending on the local clubs in a school’s area.  County sports partnerships will be given new resources to create effective links locally between schools and sport in the community.  All secondary schools that wish to do so, will be supported to open up, or keep open, their sports facilities for local community use and at least a third of these will receive additional funding to make this happen.  At least 150 further educational colleagues will benefit from a full time sports professional who will act as a College Sport Maker.  Three quarters of university students aged 18-24 will get the chance to take up a new sport or continue playing a sport they played at school or college.  A thousand of our most disadvantaged local communities will get a Door Step Club.  Two thousand young people on the margins of society will be supported by the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust into sport and to gain new life skills.  Building on the success of the Places People Play, a further £100 million will be invested in facilities for the most popular sports.  A minimum of 30 sports will have enhanced England Talent Pathways to ensure young people and others fulfil their potential.Page 198 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 186 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out planning policies for England. It details how these changes are expected to be applied to the planning system. It also provides a framework for local people and their councils to produce distinct local and neighbourhood plans, reflecting the needs and priorities of local communities.

The NPPF states the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. It identifies that the planning system needs to focus on three themes of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. A presumption in favour of sustainable development is a key aspect for any plan-making and decision-taking processes. In relation to plan-making the NPPF sets out that Local Plans should meet objectively assessed needs.

The ‘promoting healthy communities’ theme identifies that 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. Specific needs and quantitative and qualitative deficiencies and surpluses in local areas should also be identified. This information should be used to inform what provision is required in an area.

As a prerequisite the NPPF states existing open space, sports and recreation sites, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

 An assessment has been undertaken, which has clearly shown that the site is surplus to requirements.  The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location.  The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

In order for planning policies to be ‘sound’ local authorities are required to carry out a robust assessment of need for open space, sport and recreation facilities. The methodology to undertake such assessments should be informed by best practice including Sport England’s Guidance ‘Developing a Playing Pitch Strategy’ and ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A Companion Guide to PPG17’. Despite PPG17 being replaced by the NPPF, the Companion Guide still offers relevant guidance about undertaking a needs assessment.

A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England

It is Sport England’s policy to object to any planning application, which will result in the loss of a playing field, unless it meets one of five exceptions as defined in ‘A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England’. Protection of playing fields was enhanced in 1998 with Circular 9/98 (replaced in 2009 by Circular 02/09), which stipulates that where a local authority is minded to grant planning permission against Sport England’s advice on land owned by a local authority or used for educational purposes, then the application should be referred to the relevant Government Office for possible ‘call in’.

Page 199 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 187 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The FA National Game Strategy (2011 – 2015)

The Football Association’s (FA) National Game Strategy provides a strategic framework that sets out key priorities, expenditure proposals and targets for the national game (i.e., football) over a four year period. The main issues facing grassroots football are identified as:

 Growth and retention (young and adult players)  Raising standards and behaviour  Better players  Running the game  Workforce  Facilities

‘The National Game Strategy’ reinforces the urgent need to provide affordable, new and improved facilities in schools, clubs and on local authority sites. Over 75% of football is played on public sector facilities. The leisure budgets of most local authorities have been reduced over recent years, resulting in decaying facilities that do not serve the community and act as a disincentive to play football. The loss of playing fields has also been well documented and adds to the pressure on the remaining facilities to cope with the demand, especially in inner city and urban areas.

The growth of the commercial sector in developing custom built five-a-side facilities has changed the overall environment. High quality, modern facilities provided by Powerleague, Goals and playfootball.net for example, have added new opportunities to participate and prompted a significant growth in the number of five-a-side teams in recent years.

The FA National Facilities Strategy (2013 – 2015)

The recently launched National Facilities Strategy sets out the FA’s long term vision for development of facilities to support the National Game. It aims to address and reflect the facility needs of football within the National Game. The National Game is defined as all non- professional football from Steps 1-7 of the National League System down to recreational football played on open public space. The role of facilities will be crucial in developing the game in England. One of the biggest issues raised from ‘the Big Grassroots Football Survey’ by that of 84% respondents, was ‘poor facilities’.

The FA’s vision for the future of facilities in England is to build, protect and enhance sustainable football facilities to improve the experience of the nation’s favourite game. It aims to do this by:

 Building - Provide new facilities and pitches in key locations to FA standards in order to sustain existing participation and support new participation.  Protecting -Ensure that playing pitches and facilities are protected for the benefit of current and future participants.  Enhancing - Invest in existing facilities and pitches, ensuring that participation in the game is sustained as well as expanded.

The Strategy commits to delivering in excess of £150m (through Football Foundation) into facility improvements across the National Game in line with identified priorities:

 Natural grass pitches improved – target: 100  A network of new AGPs built – target 100  A network of refurbished AGPs – target 150  On selected sites, new and improvedPage changing 200 of 210facilities and toilets December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 188 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

 Continue a small grants programme designed to address modest facility needs of clubs  Ongoing support with the purchase and replacement of goalposts

It also commits to:

 Direct other sources of investment into FA facility priorities  Communicate priorities for investment across the grassroots game on a regular basis  Work closely with Sport England, the Premier League and other partners to ensure that investment is co-ordinated and targeted

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Champion Counties Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017

The England and Wales Cricket Board unveiled a new strategic plan in May 2013 which seeks to deliver successful England teams at all levels, to produce a vibrant domestic game as well as increasing participation during the period 2014-17. It builds on the 2005 plan, Building Partnerships and the subsequent 2009 initiative, Grounds to Play.

The plan will take advantage of local partnerships developed in earlier plans and support local delivery of priorities through the County network. It targets operational excellence to make maximum use of scarce resources and facilities during a time of economic austerity.

Among the targets set under the four pillars of Effective Governance, Vibrant Domestic Game, Enthusing Participation and Successful England teams, which are relevant to the playing pitch strategy, are:

 An increase in participation as measured by Sport England’s Active People Survey from 183,400 to 197,500  Expand the number of clubs participating in NatWest CricketForce from 2,000 to 2,200  Increase the number of cricket’s volunteers to 80,000 by 2017  Expand the number of participants in women’s and disabilities cricket by 10% by 2017  To increase the number of TwelfthMan members from 220,000 to 250,000 by 2017  Complete an approved Community Engagement programme with all 18 First Class Counties and MCC  For each £1 provided in facility grants through the ‘Sport England Whole Sport Plan Grant Programme’ ensure a multiplier of three with other funding partners  Provide a fund of £8.1m of capital investment to enhance floodlights, sightscreens, replay screens, power sub-stations and broadcasting facilities at First Class County venues  Provide an interest-free loan fund to community clubs of £10 million  Qualify and engage 50 Level 4 coaches to support the development of professional cricketers  Expand the number of coaches who have received teacher level 1, 2 or 3 qualifications to 50,000  Provide a fund of £2 million for community clubs to combat the impact of climate change  Introduce a youth T20 competition engaging 500 teams by 2017

Page 201 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 189 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

The Rugby Football Union National Facilities Strategy (2013-2017)

The recently launched RFU National Facility Strategy 2013-2017 provides a framework for development of high-quality, well-managed facilities that will help to strengthen member clubs and grow the game in communities around them. In conjunction with partners, this strategy will assist and support clubs and other organisations, so that they can continue to provide quality opportunities for all sections of the community to enjoy the game. It sets out the broad facility needs of the sport and identifies investment priorities to the game and its key partners. It identifies that with 470 grass root clubs and 1500 players there is a continuing need to invest in community club facilities in order to:

 Create a platform for growth in club rugby participation and membership, especially with a view to exploiting the opportunities afforded by RWC 2015.  Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of rugby clubs, through supporting not only their playing activity but also their capacity to generate revenue through a diverse range of activities and partnerships.

In summary the priorities for investment which have met the needs of the game for the Previous period remain valid:

 Increase the provision of changing rooms and clubhouses that can sustain concurrent adult and junior male and female activity at clubs  Improve the quality and quantity of natural turf pitches and floodlighting  Increase the provision of artificial grass pitches that deliver wider game development

It is also a high priority for the RFU to target investment in the following:

 Upgrade and transform social, community and catering facilities, which can support the generation of additional revenues  Facility upgrades, which result in an increase in energy-efficiency, in order to reduce the running costs of clubs  Pitch furniture, including rugby posts and pads, pitch side spectator rails and grounds maintenance equipment

Page 202 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 190 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

England Hockey (EH)

‘The right pitches in the right places14’

In 2012, EH released its facility guidance which is intended to assist organisations wishing to build or protect hockey pitches for hockey. It identifies that many existing hockey AGPs are nearing the end of their useful life as a result of the installation boom of the 90’s. Significant investment is needed to update the playing stock and protect the sport against inappropriate surfaces for hockey as a result of the rising popularity of AGPs for a number of sports. EH is seeking to invest in, and endorse clubs and hockey providers which have a sound understanding of the following:

 Single System – clubs and providers which have a good understanding of the Single System and its principles and are appropriately places to support the delivery.  ClubsFirst accreditation – clubs with the accreditation are recognised as producing a safe effective and child friendly hockey environment  Sustainability – hockey providers and clubs will have an approved development plan in place showing their commitment to developing hockey, retaining members and providing an insight into longer term goals. They will also need to have secured appropriate tenure.

14 http://englandhockey.co.uk/page.asp?section=1143§ionTitle=The+Right+Pitches+in+the+Right+ Places Page 203 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 191 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX 3 – FOOTBALL NON-TECHNICAL SITE ASSESSMENT FORM

Non Technical Visual Quality Assessment - Football Please complete one form per pitch

Site reference: Site Name: 6 figure grid reference Pitch ID(s): Number of pitches on site: Pitch size: (Adult, Youth 11v11, 9v9, 7v7 Mini, 5v5, 7v7) Availability Are any other pitches marked out over this pitch? If yes, please indicate what pitches are overmarked? (i.e. one youth pitch is overmarked on a adult pitch) in Pitch Issues

Weather at time of visit

Pitch Issues:

Assessment Criteria (please rank each of the following aspects for each pitch with an 'X' in the coloured box to the right of the chosen answer) Element (Gathered via a non technical site assessment) Rating Guidance notes Comments

Playing surface

Grass Cover Good >80% Standard 60-80% Poor <60% Walk through the middle of the pitch Does the pitch meet The FA minimum size? Yes - as per the largest size allowed Within FA recommended guidelines No See size chart below for recommended dimensions Slope of pitch (gradient and cross fall) Flat Moderate Severe Length of grass Good Too long Too short Good 30mm-50mm, Too long 51mm plus, Too short, 29mm less Eveness of pitch Good Adequate Poor Problem Areas: Evidence of dog fouling/glass/litter/vehicle None Yes - some Yes - lots tracks

Problem Areas: Evidence of unofficial use/damage to the None Yes - some Yes - lots surface

Problem Areas: Evidence of poor drainage No evidence of standing water or poor drainage Some evidence of poor drainage Yes, poor drainage Maintenance programme Preview (information from maintenance schedule or grounds team) Section total Are any of the items applied to the pitches during the course of the season to support the maintenance Grass cutting Yes, as required Yes, but not frequent enough No

Seeded Yes, as required Not known No

Aerated (per year) Three or more times Once/ twice No

Sand dressed Within the last 12 months Within the last 12 months No

Fertilised Within the last 12 months Within the last 12 months No

Weed killed Within the last 12 months Within the last 12 months No

Section total

NB If none of this information is provided you should assume that only the grass is being cut and the rest of the maintenance items should be marked with the lowest score option.

PITCH SCORE 0.0% RATING Poor

Built facilities Quality (the following information will provide a quality rating for the changing room and ancillary facilities) Comments

Is there a clubhouse on site? Yes No

Is there a kitchen or bar within the clubhouse? Yes No

Is there a set of changing rooms for the pitch? Yes No

Quality of the changing accommodation (exterior)? Good Adequate Poor

Quality of changing accommodation (interior)? Good Adequate Poor

Shower provision Self contained in dressing rooms Communal None

Is there dedicated toilets for players? Self contained in dressing rooms Communal player toilets None

Is there an officials changing room? Yes, with dedicated toilet/shower Yes, but shared toilet/shower No

Is there access to dedicated spectator toilets? Yes No

Is there a dedicated medical room? Yes No

Are accessible (DDA compliant) facilities provided? Yes No DDA compliant

Is appropriate car parking available? Yes No

Is there a boundary fence preventing unauthorised access? Yes No

Section total

BUILT FACILITIES QUALITY SCORE 0.0% Poor

Ancillary Issues:

Pitch ancillary facilities (The following information does not influence the site assessments but is valuable for when discussing site by site action plans)

Are goalposts safe? Yes No Goalposts should comply with British Standards. A Code of Practice BS 8461 has also been completed and copies of all of these three standards are available from the British Standards Institute. Is the pitch floodlit? Yes No

Is there a perimeter rail around the pitch? Yes No eg: stadia rail ideally 1.1m high

Is there a covered stand? Yes No For spectators to watch

Pitch size guidance SAVE this completed form with an appropriate name Age Format Pitch size (yards) Maximum Goal Size (feet) BEFORE clicking one of the two buttons below. (maximum CLEAR FORM format but for next Site can play (completely clears ALL fields on the form) smaller numbers) CLEAR FORM U7 5 v 5 30x20 to 40x30 12 x 6 Scoring: for next Pitch on this Site (clears ONLY the Pitch fields on the form, U8 5 v 5 30x20 to 40x30 12 x 6 100% - 75% Good leaving the Site fields intact) U9 7 v 7 50x30 to 60x40 12 x 6 74.9% - 50% Standard U10 7 v 7 50x30 to 60x40 12 x 6 49.9% - 0% Poor

Page 204 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 192 LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL PLAYING PITCH ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX 4 – CRICKET NON-TECHNICAL SITE ASSESSMENT FORM

Non Technical Visual Quality Assessment - Cricket Please complete one form per pitch

Site reference Site Name 6 figure grid reference No of Pitches: Pitch ID No of wickets: Natural Non turf Weather at time of visit: Availability Community Use - used, Community Use - unused, No Community Use, Available but Unused General comments/observations

*You will need a cricket ball and ruler to assess wicket quality as indicated

Assessment Criteria (please rank each of the following aspects for each pitch with an 'X' in the coloured box to the right of the chosen answer).

Element Rating Guidance notes Site comments (use the guidance notes to help complete)

About the cricket outfield Grass coverage Good Acceptable Poor <80% falls below the ECB basic standard Length of grass Good Acceptable Poor Ideally 12mm - 25mm Evenness Even Uneven Ball should run without deviation or ramp Evidence of Dog fouling/glass/stones/litter? None Yes Immediate action May also wish to refer to user survey. If yes, refer to required contractor/site manager Evidence of Unofficial use? None Yes Immediate action eg informal, casual use, unbooked use, kids kickabout etc. May required also wish to refer to user survey. If yes, refer to contractor/site Evidence of Damage to surface? None Yes Immediate action eg from vermin/animals - rabbit, gulls and foxes etc may also required wish to refer to user survey Artificial Wickets section total Is the wicket and surrounds married in Yes No There should be no trip points Evenness of wicket Even Uneven There should be no contours in surface levels Stump holes Yes No Should be no wider than a standard cricket ball Moss or materials in the surface Yes No There should be none Rips or surface lifting Yes No If “yes” contact site manager Surface worn in high traffic areas - creases Yes No If “yes” contact site manager Hardness - does the ball rebound when thrown straight down? Yes No Grass Wickets section total Presence of line markings Yes No Evidence of rolling Yes No i.e. is wicket smooth and uniform Evidence of straight cut and height Yes No 3mm on match wicket/12mm rest of square Evidence of repair work on old wickets Yes No Grass coverage (square and wickets) Yes No Scale: 80%+ = Yes, 80%> = No Please note that <80% falls below the ECB basic standard Hardness - does a cricket ball thrown straight down into the surface Yes No rebound/bounce? Changing/ Pavilion section total Umpires provision Yes No Toilets Yes No Hot/cold water Yes No Heating Yes No Condition of building Good Acceptable Requires attention

Non Turf Cricket Practice Nets section total Is the wicket and surrounds married in (no trip points) Yes No Evenness of wicket (no contours in surface levels) Even Uneven Stump holes (no wider than a standard cricket ball) Yes No Moss or materials in the surface (should be none) Yes No No rips or surface lifting Yes No Surface worn in high traffic areas - crease Yes No Hardness - does the ball rebound when thrown straight down Yes No Is the steel frame/ posts upright? Yes No Ideally assessed with a spirit level but can be achieved by eye.

Are steel cross members detached? Yes No Are all posts and net fixings in place? Yes No Can a ball pass through any part of the netting? Yes No Is appropriate safety/ supervisory signage present? Yes No section total Maximum score 180 Scoring Score Percentage Facility Present? Potential Rating: Poor Score Outfield 0 0% No Artificial Wickets 0 0% No Grass Wickets 0 0% No SAVE this completed form with an appropriate name Changing/Pavilion 0 0% No BEFORE clicking one of the two buttons below. Non Turf Practice 0 0% No CLEAR FORM Overall score 0 0% for next Site (completely clears ALL fields on the form)

CLEAR FORM Rating: <=50% Poor for next Pitch on this Site 51-80% Standard (clears ONLY the Pitch fields on the form, >81% Good leaving the Site fields intact)

Page 205 of 210 December 2013 Final Assessment Report: Knight Kavanagh & Page 193 APPENDIX 3

Playing Pitch Strategy – Action Plan 2014-2016

Borough Wide Impact Central Sites in Luton

Item Sites Priority Recommended actions Impact/Benefits Partners Resources No 1 Luton Sixth Form Strategic Priority Consideration of an artificial cricket square to be developed as Borough Wide Impact ECB & LBC Not Identified College part of new cricket academy. To work in partnership with ECB Cricket squares are a high priority. This would help to and College to ensure it is available for community use, female reduce the heavy deficits in cricket provision. cricket, full DDA access. 2 Upper Wardown Local Priority LBC are to work in partnership with LTICC in order to support the Accessibility for women’s teams, people with LBC/LTICC Resources Park Club to carry out changing facility refurbishments following from disabilities and youth would be greatly improved. Identified funding received. 3 Wardown Park Local Priority Consider decommissioning of bowling green and consider scope Maintenance costs will be reduced if the bowling LBC & Bowls Resources (Main park) of other options. green which is underused is no longer maintained. England Identified Demand can be met on the adjacent green. 4 Lower Wardown Strategic Priority Relocate the artificial wicket to the edge of the square subject to Borough Wide Impact LBC & ECB Not Identified Park funding. Relocation of the artificial cricket will reduce wear and tear of the fine turf wickets which should help to maintain quality. Helps sustain cricket including for existing BME groups and planned junior cricket development. Local Priority Seek funding to repair and restore the cricket terracing. Improvements to the terracing will improve the Not Identified playing experience give opportunities for spectators. 5 Peoples Park-Bells Strategic Priority Investigate opportunities to provide 5 aside goals to encourage Informal recreation is important in Luton. 5 a side LBC, FA & ECB Not Identified Close casual play away from formal pitch. goals will increase provision for local junior and adult residents wishing only to take part in casual play. 6 Blundell Road Local Priority Consider options for partnership working/lease with Luton United Facilitate expansion of youth and adult ethnic LBC & FA Resources Recreation Ground FC to provide greater on-site presence and self-management minority football. Self-management will take some Identified opportunities, and possible funding opportunities to improve the financial costs away from LBC; improved facility will facility. help sustain use. Seek funding to implement the site improvement plan identified Improved facilities for wider community use including Not Identified through the Your Say, Your Way area based consultations, in increased DDA accessibility, and improved safety for particular improvements to access and site definition/signage. vulnerable groups including women, the elderly and children.. 7 Alder Crescent Local Priority Ensure that access to alternative changing facilities is provided; Enables further expansion and encourages ethnic LBC & FA Not Identified Recreation Ground or consider transferring play to another site; or pursue asset minority youth and adult football, and retains (Solway Road) transfer which would include possibility of funding for required community facilities including DDA accessibility. pitch improvements. 8 Luton Town Bowls Local Priority To work in partnership with Club and Bowls England in order to Maximising usage and increasing participation in the LBC, Bowls Resources club increase membership as has significant capacity sport. Also provides social/health benefits and is a England Identified key sport for the elderly including people with

North Sites in Luton

Item Sites Priority Recommended actions Impact/Benefits Partners Resources No 1 *Leagrave Park Local Priority Convert two adult pitches to 11v11 if feasible in order to resolve Meets overplay and future demand for junior LBC Not Identified (Sundon Park) the overplay and unmet demand for youth football in this area. footballers.

Add cricket strip to the square, subject to funding to address Accommodates over play thereby improving quality of Not Identified overplay. pitch for players who are predominantly from BME

Page 2069/ of 210

APPENDIX 3

groups. * Consideration must be given to protect the Scheduled Monument, areas of County Wildlife site designation and the Leagrave Park Heritage Lottery Funded plan agreed for the park.

East Sites in Luton

Item Sites Priority Recommended actions Impact/Benefits Partners Resources No 1 Stopsley Common Strategic Priority The site is a District Park with various sporting and recreational uses and Borough wide impact. LBC, CT, FA, ECB, Resources (Luton Regional and site designations (which are sometimes conflicting) including District LTA, Active Luton, & Identified Lothair Road Wildlife Site and pending classification as a site of importance by English Work in collaboration with all partners to develop a Conservation bodies Recreation Grounds) Heritage. A holistic plan will be required for the whole site in order to pursue coherent plan for the whole site thereby identifying funding for master plan and related consultation. priorities for implementation. 2 Luton Regional Strategic Priority Explore possibilities of combined netball and tennis courts at Stopsley High Borough Wide Impact LBC, FA, ECB, Not Identified Recreation Ground School – due for installation in 2015 - including for community use. Maximised usage of a popular, strategic site. England Netball & (Stopsley) The site is subject to the master plan Helps to address shortfall in league netball venues and LTA helps to increase junior participation. Will encourage more people to play tennis. New pavilion to be created and funds secured for running costs - to support Borough Wide Impact Partially 3 cricket pitches and junior football. Pursue funding for junior pitch Provision of new pavilion will support continued usage Identified improvements and relocations across Stopsley Common. of the site for 3 cricket pitches and junior football, and facilitates female football and cricket at this site. Moving and improving junior pitches to one new area will assist junior football development, tournaments and segregate adults and juniors across the Stopsley Common site. 3 Crawley Green Local Priority Transfer youth play to Rayhnam Way Recreation Ground. Helps to increase junior football participation for adults LBC & Luton Friends Resources Recreation Ground and juniors, male and female. of Parks and Identified Greenspace Strategic Priority Explore the upgrading of the site Borough Wide Impact LBC & Luton Friends Not Identified Seek funding to create a master plan for the site to look at opportunities to Increased junior and adult football, cricket, community of Parks and meet community needs play, and netball and improves access. Greenspace Consider resurfacing of floodlit courts to old netball pitch subject to funding. 4 Lothair Road Strategic Priority Explore the options of installing artificial cricket wickets and/or grass cricket Helps to address shortfall of cricket pitches. LBC & ECB Not Identified Recreation Ground pitch to accommodate demand from midweek and Sunday Leagues. (Stopsley) Look at funding options and other possibilities for upgrading the facilities. Improves quality of the facility thereby maximising Resources usage to accommodate transfer matches from Identified Wigmore. Includes improved access/toilet facilities for people with disabilities; and allows for separate female changing. Consider leasing to league/clubs. Provides security of tenure/sustainability to a nomadic Not Identified The site is subject to the master plan. club and reduces running costs to LBC. 5 Ashcroft Road Local Priority Work with the Club to increase membership to address the spare capacity Maximising usage and increasing participation in the Bowls England Resources Recreation Ground on bowling green. sport. Also provides social/health benefits and is a key Identified sport for the elderly including people with disabilities.. 6 Raynham Way Local Priority To address uneven distribution of junior pitch play, consider relocating to a Accommodates demand expressed from over played LBC & FA Resources Recreation Ground site North of the town. Alternatively consider Crawley Green FC junior sites in the area for junior football for both girls and Identified teams relocating here to free up part of Crawley Rec Ground for boys.

Page 2079/ of 210

APPENDIX 3

recreational use.

7 * Wigmore Valley Local Priority To address low usage of 3 poor quality pitches, cease maintaining the Releases human resources to help sustain LBC & FA Resources Park. pitches for football. Transfer play to Lothair and/or Luton Regional sites. quality/maintenance of other pitches. Identified Reduces site running costs. Explore opportunities for increased access and other sporting and general Development of site for the wider community including Not Identified recreation provision, as part of the Century Park development. addressing access and security/lighting issues. Consider resident boxing club to vacate the building at the end of the lease Development of site for the wider community and obtain Not Identified and explore lease with private company/nursery operator to enable rental income reinvestment in building and other facilities. 8 Co-Op Luton Bowls Local Priority To address spare capacity of bowling greens, work with the Club to Redevelopment opportunity, releasing other social Bowls England Resources Club increase membership needs for housing but also mixed use potential to retain Identified and improve leisure within the scheme. In addition this is a key sport for the elderly including people with disabilities.

*Site identified as within the Century Business Park development area of the local plan.

South

Item Sites Priority Recommended actions Impact/Benefits Partners Resources No 1 Stockwood Park Strategic Priority Seek funds to improve poor quality Gaelic pitch Sustains future use of the pitch and LBC, GAA Not Identified accommodates future demand For adults and juniors, male and female ethnic minority sport. 2 *Stockwood Park RFC Strategic Priority Work with the Club and the RFU to access funding and to Increases usage of the site to England Hockey, Not Identified install floodlighting. accommodate training for adult and junior ECB, RFU, LTA, LBC rugby. & Luton Midweek Cricket League 3 Foxdell Recreation Local Priority Improve pitch quality subject to further investigation of the Maximised use of the site with improved LBC & Luton Friends Not Identified Ground issues of the site and funding.. pitch quality. Develop junior including of Parks and Green predominantly ethnic minority football. space 4 Memorial Park Local Priority Work with the Club and Bowls England to increase Maximising usage and increasing Bowls England & Resources membership in order to address under use. participation in the sport. Also provides Luton Friends of Identified social/health benefits and is a key sport for Parks and Green the elderly including people with space disabilities.. 5 Kingsway Recreation Local Priority Support the Club when they are in a position to access Upgraded changing will support continued FA, Club & LBC & Not Identified Ground funding for upgrade to changing and toilet facilities. usage of the site and improve DDA access. Luton Friends of Parks and Green space *Consideration must be given to protect areas of County Wildlife site designation (bat population)

West

Item Sites Priority Recommended actions Impact/Benefits Partners Resources No 1 Lewsey Park Local Priority To address current underplay consult on feasibility of Retains spare capacity to act as strategic LBC & Sports Resources reducing to three adult pitches and keep fourth pitch as reserve to accommodate future demand. Governing Body & Identified strategic reserve. Luton Friends of Parks

Page 2089/ of 210

APPENDIX 3

Ensure sufficient funds to continue to maintain artificial Meets informal demand for cricket. and Green space & Not Identified wicket for informal play, particularly in the event of further Lewsey TARA, Active vandalism/theft. Luton

Page 2099/ of 210

AGENDA OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BOARD ITEM:

10

DATE OF MEETING: 8th April 2014

REPORT AUTHOR: LISA JEROME (DEMOCRACY AND SCRUTINY TEAM LEADER)

SUBJECT: OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME 2013/14

PURPOSE:

1. To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Board to plan and determine its work programme.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

2. Examine the current Overview and Scrutiny Board work programme at Annex A and make any amendments accordingly.

3. Determine which items on the Executive forward plan at Annex B, the Board wishes to include as an item in the work programme.

4. Note that responsibility for making any urgent changes to the work programme between meetings be delegated by the Board to the Democracy and Scrutiny Team Leader, in consultation with the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

REPORT:

5. The Overview and Scrutiny Board is responsible for managing the Overview and Scrutiny work programme. The Board agreed that for an item to be placed onto the work programme, it must score highly against the topic selection criteria. Meaning, issues that therefore score highly are those that are of concern to elected members’ constituents.

6. Any urgent changes to the work programme between publication of this agenda and report and the Board meeting will be reported to the meeting by the Democracy and Scrutiny Team Leader.

7. Members are asked to consider and note the report.

Page 21010/1 of 210