Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership Profile Draft 5 March 2012
Durham Playing Pitch Strategy Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership Profile
Contents
1.0 Derwent Valley Playing Pitch Profile
2.0 Pitch Provision By Sector
3.0 Teams
4.0 Consultation Profile
5.0 Quality & Provision
6.0 Pitch Capacity
7.0 Strategic Recommendations
8.0 Potential Hub Sites
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1.0 DERWENT VALLEY PLAYING PITCH PROFILE
1.1 Area Action Partnership
The Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership (AAP) serves the area highlighted in the map below. The geographical area covered by the AAP includes the major town of Consett along with other major settlements such as Shotley Bridge, Burnopfield, Leadgate, Dipton and Delves Lane. Other settlements in the AAP include Medomsley, Ebchester, Hamsterley, Hamsterley Mill, Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Crookhall.
Derwent Valley includes the following wards:
• Ebchester & Medomsley • Burnopfield • Dipton • Benfieldside • Blackhill • Leadgate • Consett North • Consett East • Consett South • Delves Lane
Note: All maps presented in this report are for indicative purposes only. A full set of larger scale detail maps are available separately.
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1.2 Total Area Population: 43,203 Map 1: Derwent Valley AAP
As highlighted in the table below, 63% of the population for Derwent Valley is considered to fall within the active age group as defined by Sport England.
Table 1: Derwent Valley Population by Active Age Groups
Active Age Group Sport Male Female Mixed
0-5 years Non active 2,943
6-9 years Football 1788 8-12 years 2414 10-15 years 1570 1474 11-15 years 1315 1239 11-17 years 1861 1806 13-17 years Rugby 1337 1313 16-17 years Rugby 567 16-45 years Football/Hockey 8090 8511 18-45 years Rugby 7544 7944 18-55 years Cricket 10479 10987
Over 55 years Non active 12849
Total area population within Active 27411 Age Groups (6-55yrs)
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2.0 PITCH PROVISION BY SECTOR
2.1 Public Sector Provision Map 2: Derwent Valley pitches managed by the public sector
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Table 2: Names & types of grounds managed by the public sector Football Pitches Rugby Pitches
Name Location Changing Full size Junior Senior Junior Cricket ATP Total
Belle Vue Pitches Consett North Y 2 1 1 4
Crookhall Playing Fields Delves Lane N 4 4 (Sports Ground)
Crookhall Football Ground Delves Lane N 1 1
Delves Lane Delves Lane N 1 1
Highgate Playing Fields Blackhill Y 1 1
Dixon Street – Blackhill Consett North N 1 1 Sports Field Ebchester & Hamsterley Sports Ground Y 1 1 Medomsley
Bute Park Dipton Y 1 1
Crookgate Playing Field Burnopfield N 1 1 (Sport Ground)
Eden Leadgate Y 1 1
Lintz Burnopfield Y 1 1
1 14 2 1 0 0 0 17
1 There is also an additional Junior Football Pitch at site OSNA/1/287 – name unknown
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Education Provision Map 3: Derwent Valley Pitches managed by Educational Facilities
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Table 3: Names & Types of Pitches managed by Educational Facilities Football Pitches Rugby Pitches
Name Ward Changing Full size Junior Senior Junior Cricket ATP Total Blackfyne Community College (Consett Sports Blackhill Y 2 3 1 1 7 College – Consett & District CC)
St Pius Xth Primary School Consett South N 1 1
St Mary’s RCVA Primary Blackhill N 1 1
Colliery Primary School Dipton N 1 1
Burnopfield Primary School Burnopfield N 2 2
Moorside Community Consett South Y 4 4 Technology College
7 7 1 0 1 0 16
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2.2 Private Provision Facilities Map 4: Derwent Valley pitches managed by Sports Clubs and accessed by pubic
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Table 4: Names & Types of Pitches Managed by Sports Clubs and accessed by pubic Football Pitches Rugby Pitches Name Location Changing Cricket ATP Total Full size Junior Mini Senior Junior
Burnopfield Burnopfield Y 1 1 Cricket Club
Leadgate Cricket Leadgate Y 1 1 Club
Lintz Cricket Club Burnopfield Y 1 1
Medomsley Ebchester and N 1 1 Cricket Club Medomsley Shotley Bridge Cricket Club (The Consett Y 1 1 Spa Ground) Burnopfield Burnopfield N 1 1 Sports Ground FC Shotley & Benfieldside Benfieldside N 1 1 Tennis Club
1 0 1 0 0 5 0 7
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3.0 TEAMS
3.1 Football Team Information
Table 5: Football Clubs & Teams
Club Ground Mens Vets Ladies Total Senior Total Mini U 21 Total Junior
Consett Belle Vue Pitches 1 1 0
Consett AFC Juniors Belle Vue Pitches 0 0 15 16
Consett Over 40s Belle Vue Pitches 0 1 1 0
Consett Station Club Ex-Juniors Belle Vue Pitches 1 1 0
Consett Top Club Belle Vue Pitches 1 1 0 Blackfyne Community Sch (Consett Sports Consett Blackfyne Juniors College) 0 0 4 10 Blackfyne Community Sch (Consett Sports Consett Blackfyne U21s College) 0 0 1 0
Chester le Street Black Horse Crookhall 1 1 0
Consett Blackhill Crookhall 1 1 0
Consett Demi Crookhall 1 1 0
Consett Duke Of Wellington Crookhall 1 1 0
Consett Freemasons Arms Crookhall 1 1 0
Consett No 1 Club Crookhall 1 1 0
Ebchester Consett Reserves Crookhall 2 2 0
Consett Stannefordam Inn Eden 1 1 0
Leadgate Golden Lion Eden 1 1 0
Consett Ladies Blackhill Sports Field 0 1 1 0
Consett Steel Club Highgate Playing Field 1 1 0
Burnopfield Juniors Burnopfield Primary 0 0 1 1
Burnopfield Sun Celtic Burnopfield FC 1 1 0
Consett Scotch Arms Hamsterley Sports Ground 1 1 0
Dipton Rovers Bute Park 1 1 0 0
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Club Ground Mens Vets Ladies Total Senior Total Mini U 21 Total Junior
Dipton WMC Bute Park 1 1 0 0 Totals 18 1 1 20 20 1 27
There are 19 senior football teams in Derwent Valley AAP, one of which is a female team. There are 28 junior football teams including junior girls and an Under 21 team and 20 mini football teams. The teams are all accommodated on 10 different pitches within the AAP as detailed in the table below.
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3.2 Rugby Team Information
Table 6: Rugby Clubs & Teams
Club Ground Mens Vets Ladies Senior Junior Mini
Consett & District Rugby Club (Belle Vue Consett & District RFC Pitches) 3 3 3 2
There is 1 Rugby Ground in the area which is used by 8 teams and is also combined with football pitches.
3.3 Cricket Team Information
Table 7: Cricket Clubs & Teams Club Ground Mens Ladies Total Senior Total Junior Burnopfield CC Burnopfield Cricket Club 3 3 4 Consett CC Consett & District Cricket Club (Consett Sports College) 3 3 4 Crookhall Foundation CC Leadgate Cricket Club 1 1 4 Leadgate CC Leadgate Cricket Club 2 2 2 Lintz CC Lintz Cricket Club 3 3 4 Medomsley CC Medomsley Cricket Club 2 2 0 Shotley Bridge CC Shotley Bridge Cricket Club (The Spa Ground) 2 1 3 4 Totals 16 1 17 22
There are 17 senior cricket teams in Derwent Valley which includes 1 female team. In addition there are 22 junior teams. The teams play on 6 different cricket grounds all present in Derwent Valley AAP.
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3.4 Hockey Team Information
There are no Hockey Teams recorded in the Derwent Valley AAP.
3.5 Playing Pitch Capacity Considerations
The following table analyses the total number of home fixtures required within the AAP to meet formal fixture demand. The table identifies, overall, the pitches in the area on average are being used more than twice a week. Training considerations are not taken into account, or the fact that mini and junior is use not defined, however it is clear that pitches are potentially being overused.
Privately run and education sites will retain the right to lease pitches according to their interpretation of pitch capacity. In many cases this will lead to significantly higher use than the 3 games a week Sport England advocate, particularly when team equivalents are considered (i.e. school use during the week). It is not the role of the strategy to dictate pitch use to providers, however highlighting capacity issues is important to ensure long term quality provision. Section 6 looks in detail at each sites carrying capacity and identifies issues, however it is clear that some pitches are being heavily used.
Rugby is the major issue, with intense use on the pitches at Belle Vue sports ground. Although cricket appears to have a high level of use on each wicket, rotation of the cricket wicket within the squares will be in operation. Typically a cricket square will have at least 5 wickets for use.
Table 8: Average Pitch Use
Total Average Home Fixtures Number of Accessible Pitches Average Pitch Use
Football 67.5 28 2.4
Rugby 5.5 1 5.5
Cricket 28 6 4.7
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4.0 CONSULTATION PROFILE
This section provides stakeholder feedback and the details of findings secured from local sports clubs, schools and town/parish councils.
4.1 Methodology
Consultation and engagement with local stakeholders was undertaken using two main methods:
• Questionnaire surveys (postal and/or e-mail as appropriate) to pitch sports clubs (football, cricket, rugby and hockey); outdoor non-pitch sports clubs (bowls, tennis, netball and basketball); schools; and town/parish councils
• A community workshop organised with the local Community Sports Network (CSN)
The surveys were tailored to the different types or respondent. For example the surveys to pitch sport clubs were posted directly to the club secretary and were individualised to contain team and pitch information relevant to that club gathered from Sport England (clubs were then invited to amend that information if incorrect). The survey also contained a local map on which clubs could indicate other grounds that they might be prepared to play on as well as providing the opportunity to highlight any open space that they thought had potential for the development of new facilities.
The community workshops provided an opportunity for clubs and parishes to raise their own club/parish specific issues but were primarily aimed at securing collective views on key issues for the various sports. As the meetings were arranged on a Community Sports Network basis the general findings will often apply to more than one Action Area Partnership.
The results of the questionnaires which were returned from clubs in the Derwent Valley AAP are shown below. The table show the responses whilst the graph maps these responses in relation to specific pitches detailing those which are used most frequently and those which could accommodate extra provision.
In general the notes which accompanied the feedback maps (appendix **) detailed the following:
• Highgate Playing Field is in need of a drainage system • Crookhall Football Ground could accommodate 2 new full-size football pitches with increased investment • Bryans Leap is in need of attention as the goal posts are broken
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• The Spa Ground is currently awaiting planning permission for a new clubhouse • There is a junior pitch at Belle Vue which has extremely poor surface quality • Belle Vue could accommodate an additional 2 Rugby pitches.
Table 9: Pitch Usage from Club Feedback Questionnaires
Suitable Site Like formal Other Main Ground Relocation to adapt access pitches used
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Graph 1: Club Feedback on Pitch Usage in Derwent Valley AAP
This local profile complements a county wide/strategic consultation report that provides an overview of findings from strategic stakeholders including Sport England, the individual sports’ national governing bodies, County Durham Sport, Durham University and relevant Durham County Council officers.
The findings are outlined under 3 main headings: • Pitch Sports (by individual sport) • Town/parish councils • Schools
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4.2 Football Consultation
Table 10: Football Club Survey
The survey identifies that pitch provision for adult football is generally sufficient for the clubs who responded to the survey. The quality of pitches and ancillary facilities are the main issues, as well as lack of appropriate junior pitches and training venues.
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Table 11: Football Club Future Plans Survey
The general feedback from clubs suggests that the future development is constrained by the quality of current facilities and lack of any alterative training venues.
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Table 12: Additional Football Comments
Club Other Comments
Consett No 1 Club Missed 3 months of matches due to snow, water logging and freezing
Consett Steel Club Pitch in need of drainage system
Insufficient pitches, poor quality of pitches and changing facilities, they provide adult football for 36 teams from Consett Sunday League across Derwentside, if they had more pitches more teams could be accommodated. Share pitches with adults-no specific junior size pitches, quality is very poor, no 3G pitches available in Consett AFC Juniors Derwentside, have 31 junior teams, need improved changing facilities and a club house. Problems with pitch drainage dog fouling glass and litter and lack of access to the ground at all times, need their Blackfyne Jnrs FC own club house better drainage and extende3d fencing + an outdoor facility for use at night with floodlights.
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4.3 Community Sports Network Consultation Workshop
(Comments relating to Football and Rugby)
The event was attended by representatives from the Consett Sunday League and Consett AFC Juniors and Blackfyne Juniors Football clubs who discussed issues jointly with representatives from Consett Rugby Club. The key points from their discussion are as follows:
Strengths • Well run clubs supported by volunteers • Leagues and club structures are sound • Most clubs have or working towards FA Charter kite mark (football) • Large number of clubs and teams e.g. local Sunday League • More opportunity for children and young people to play (under 7s to 18) • Many rugby clubs have good grounds and facilities • Opportunities for girls and disabled to play.
Issues • Costs associated with achieving FA Charter standard are high • Lack of accessible pitches to meet demand for football, particularly junior • Changing rooms – some sites have none, others are poor quality (football) • Pitch marking needs sorting to accommodate 7x7, 9x9 and 11x11 (football) • Durham County RFU – weaknesses in management e.g. on disciplinary issues • Drop out from sports – older youth • Rugby not played in many schools • Lack of 3G pitches and training facilities • Vandalism and anti-social behaviour – damage to pitches • Potential loss of pitches and facilities due to proposed new school developments e.g. amalgamation of schools – some schools closed.
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Aspirations • Development officers for football and cricket • Improved line-marking system for County Council managed pitches • Additional 3G floodlit and training facilities • More and improved changing facilities • Develop more local leagues so that travel is reduced (particularly for children and young people) • Help and advice to access funding.
Priorities • Full size 3G floodlit facility locally available • Changing rooms where there are none – improve others as needed • Development officer for football and rugby • Shared club-house type facility for local football • Ensure all pitches and changing facilities are replaced when new school arrangements are put in place – full community access to all – adult and junior • Help and advice to access funding.
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4.4 Cricket Consultation Table 13: Cricket Survey
Supply of wickets was not an issue for the clubs that responded, however appropriate training and ancillary facilities where highlighted as an issue.
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Table 14: Future Plans Survey
Both clubs that responded are keen to increase membership, with funding for this identified as a primary issue.
Table 15: Additional Cricket Comments
Club Other Comments
Shotley Bridge CC Awaiting planning permission for a new clubhouse.
Play cricket at a high level but the size of ground isn’t currently large enough, are progressing the development of a new field and club house which they would like to be used as a multi sport complex, Burnopfield Cricket Club are currently having problems progressing the planning application and would appreciate a higher level of co-operation from the county council.
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4.5 Community Sports Network Consultation Workshop
(Comments relating to Cricket)
Strengths • Strong regional league structure • Good coaching support available • Some links with schools.
Issues • The cricket pyramid as it operates in Durham • The system of amateur payments • The lack of young players • The cost of off season practice facilities • Communication/connection with the council is considered to be poor • Information about grant provision isn’t readily available.
Aspirations • Better facilities • Greater participation by young people • Improve the profile of the game.
Priorities • Secure an improvement in the maintenance of facilities • Improve junior participation • Get access to funding.
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4.6 Rugby Consultation
Table 16: Rugby Survey
Consett RFC identified the lack of training facilities as a major issue. Lack of training facilities ultimately leads to increased use of pitches.
Table 17: Future Rugby Survey
Consett RFC has identified that in order to expand additional facilities and pitches will be required to accommodate.
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Table 18: Additional Rugby Comments Club Other Comments Currently a part of the building of the new academy in Consett. They are in regular contact with DCC about this. The original plan was for them to relocate from Belle Vue Pitches. However, with the budget of the academy now being curtailed, they are now very much likely to stay where they are. Their biggest need is additional changing room space Consett RUFC and social areas at their playing site, also consider there are not enough pitches generally and insufficient training areas. Would like a full time rugby development officer and to have more rugby played in schools and to have a team at every age group.
4.7 Hockey Consultation
Whilst no hockey teams from the AAP area completed the questionnaire survey, the Durham League Secretary for the North East Hockey League and Conference has provided some useful general comments in relation to the sport within the Durham County Council area. The league covers the NE area between the Scottish Border and Cleveland - part of North Yorks. There are 25 clubs fielding a total of 62 teams [a number of the clubs also have teams playing at a higher level]. The league proper has 4 divisions of 12 teams and there are 2 'Conference' divisions [split North & South] which are principally for junior development purposes. The league feeds into the North structure and on into a national structure and a number of local clubs are represented at these levels.
In the local area there has been a slow decline in standards of hockey over recent years, but not numbers involved. However current investment in junior development is beginning to reverse this trend. There are currently only 3 men’s clubs based within the political boundaries of Durham although there are another 10 based within the 'traditional' boundaries and a further 5 south of the Tees affiliated to Durham County Hockey Association for geographical convenience. Clearly there is a need to develop the sport within the current County area.
It is recognised there is very limited scope for bringing the sport to the majority of urbanised areas within the County. To make matters worse there is a tendency for local authorities to build new artificial pitches with new '3G' surfaces which, although good for rugby and football, cannot be used for hockey. There are currently no teams registered in Derwent Valley.
4.7 Parish Councils
No town/parish councils from the AAP area responded to our questionnaire survey or open consultation.
4.8 Schools Sport Partnership (SSP)
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The School Sport Partnership promotes opportunities for children and young people using school and community sports facilities. Three key points were highlighted:
• Need for 3G/4G/Multi-Use Games Area synthetic pitches as many events and matches are cancelled due to weather or poor quality pitches • Improving school/community links and securing more community use of school facilities. Not all schools allow for hire for various reasons, such as costs of staff to open and close facilities • Need better parking access at sites for large events. Access is needed for buses carrying school children (this includes size of parking areas and spaces being available at time of events).
School questionnaires were distributed through the local School Sports Partnership co-ordinators and the feedback is summarised in the table below.
Table 19: Schools School Community Use and Sports Club Links Plans/Aspirations
St Pius Xth The school allows community access and is likely to RC Primary continue to do so for at least the next 2 years. To prove a large tarmac yard area. School They have links with karate, tennis and multi skills.
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4.9 Conclusions / Key Issues • The club structure and support for most sports is good but the age of those involved is increasing and volunteers are getting more difficult to find • Whilst there are some exceptionally good facilities in the area the quality of the majority is mixed with a number of concerns about the consistency of pitch quality and maintenance • There are particular issues in relation to the quality of changing facilities, vandalism and security • The long term future of some sports is under threat from the failure to attract younger players, the quality of facilities available and the cost of participation • Communication between clubs and organisations and the council could be improved to share and help solve common problems and to improve understanding • Administrative difficulties are holding up the development plans of some clubs.
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5.0 QUALITY & PROVISION
5.1 Supply & Demand Model: Football
Peak time analysis identifies that Sunday mornings are the busiest times for football pitches used in Derwent Valley, with 96% of weekly usage by junior teams taking place at this time. The equivalent for senior usage is Saturday afternoon where 80% of matches and training takes place.
Table 20: Football Peak Times Football Senior Junior Ratio of home games 0.5 0.5 Temporal Use % Saturday AM 5% Saturday PM 10% Sunday AM 80% 96% Sunday PM 5% 4% Mid week 1- Specify day Mid week 2- Specify day
The shortfall/surplus football analysis table below shows that despite the fact that the majority of senior usage takes place on a Saturday afternoon (19 teams across 10 grounds), provision is generally adequate for the AAP. If all pitches were secured under an appropriate management and letting system, all fixtures at peak times could be accommodated without over using pitches. This corroborates the responses taken from the club consultations which suggested that provision for senior football teams in Derwent Valley AAP is currently adequate, however quality remains an issue, as discussed further below.
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Table 21: Peak Time Football Analysis
Football (junior) (junior) (senior) (senior) Saturday Saturday PM Saturday Saturday PM Saturday AM Saturday Saturday AM Saturday Sunday(junior) PM SundayAM (junior) Sunday(senior) PM SundayAM (senior)
Total 21.5 21.1 7.0 7.0 14.4 21.5 -6.4 6.4
Ebchester and Medomsley 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 1.0 0.0 0.0
Burnopfield 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.6 2.0 1.5 2.0
Dipton 1.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.0 0.0 0.0
Benfieldside 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Blackhill 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 -1.3 3.8
Leadgate 1.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.0 0.0 0.0
Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Consett North 7.9 7.8 0.0 0.0 6.0 7.9 -7.7 -0.3
Consett South 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0
Delves Lane 5.8 5.6 0.0 0.0 2.8 5.8 0.0 0.0
The analysis identifies that there is an overall sufficient supply of junior playing pitches within the AAP, but identified shortfalls in Consett North and Blackhill. Whilst some pitches are in need of improvement such as the junior pitch at Belle Vue, some clubs such as Crookhall could accommodate new senior pitches which would not only provide more play space for junior and mini teams but also accommodate for the replacement of teams who are currently playing on inadequate pitches such as Bryans Leap which needs new goal posts. In addition school provision could be considered for junior use.
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Supply & Demand Model: Rugby
Peak time analysis identifies that Saturday afternoons are the busiest times for Rugby in Derwent Valley APP, with 90% of weekly usage by senior teams taking place at this time.
Table 22: Rugby Peak Times
Rugby
Senior Junior Ratio of home games 0.5 0.5 Temporal Use % Saturday AM 25% Saturday PM 90% Sunday AM 10% 75% Sunday PM Mid week 1- Specify day Mid week 2- Specify day
The equivalent for junior usage is Sunday afternoon where 75% of matches and training takes place.
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Table 23: Rugby Shortfall or Surplus
Rugby Union (junior) (junior) Saturday Saturday PM Saturday AM Saturday Sunday(senior) PM SundayAM (junior) SundayAM (senior)
Total -0.6 0.0 1.9 2.0 -1.9 Ebchester and Medomsley 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Burnopfield 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Dipton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Benfieldside 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Blackhill 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0
Leadgate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Consett North -0.6 0.0 0.9 1.0 -1.9
The shortfall/ surplus rugby analysis table below shows that when peak demand is highest for junior use there is a shortfall is provision in Consett North. Due to the small number of grounds in the AAP it is clear that extra pitches are required to meet and grow current demand. The consultation results highlight that Belle Vue pitches could accommodate extra rugby pitches. Alternatively addition school provision could be considered, especially for junior use.
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5.3 Supply & Demand Model Cricket
Peak time analysis identifies that Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning are key play times for senior cricket. This is a similar scenario for junior cricket although the spread is more even also including Saturday morning.
Table 24: Cricket Peak Times
Cricket
Senior Junior Ratio of home games 0.7 0.7 Temporal Use % Saturday AM 35% Saturday PM 45% 25% Sunday AM 40% 30% Sunday PM Mid week 1- Specify day 15% 10% Mid week 2- Specify day
The shortfall/ surplus cricket analysis table below indicates that most areas provide sufficient wickets, apart from Leadgate which has 2 teams registered against the ground and shows a shortfall on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons both within junior provision. If all pitches were secured under an appropriate management and letting system, all fixtures at peak times could be accommodated without over using pitches.
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Table 25: Cricket Shortfall or Surplus
Cricket (junior) (junior) (junior) (senior) (senior) Sunday PM SundayAM SundayAM Saturday Saturday PM Saturday AM Saturday
Total 0.6 2.2 1.2 6.0 1.4 Ebchester and Medomsley 1.0 1.3 0.6 2.0 1.2
Burnopfield 0.0 0.6 0.3 2.0 0.3
Dipton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Benfieldside 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Blackhill 0.0 0.3 0.2 1.0 0.2
Leadgate -0.5 -0.0 0.2 1.0 -0.3
Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Consett North 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Consett South 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Delves Lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
The consultation analysis shows that 2 clubs are currently seeking to improve on site facilitates and planning issues in at least one case are creating a barrier to growth. In addition teams are looking to increase their numbers which should be factored into the development and management plans of cricket provision for the future. The creation of multi sport facilitates is also an option where football can take place in the winter months and cricket in the summer. Combined hub sites are more cost effective and can help to support a larger provision of multi sports in the Derwent Valley AAP.
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5.4 Peak Demand with Adjusted Carrying Capacity Informed Through Team Equivalents
Table 26: Senior Peak Demand with Adjustment Football Football Rugby League Rugby League Rugby Union Rugby Union Senior Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM Total 12.0 11.6 4.5 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.2 1.4 1.5 Ebchester and Medomsley 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Burnopfield 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Dipton 1.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Benfieldside 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Blackhill 1.0 1.0 2.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Leadgate 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett North 4.4 4.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 -0.4 0.9 1.0 Consett South 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Delves Lane 3.3 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Table 27: Junior Peak Demand with Adjustment Football Football Rugby League Rugby League Rugby Union Rugby Union Junior Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM Total 4.5 4.5 -8.9 3.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.6 0.0 -1.9 0.0 Ebchester and Medomsley 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Burnopfield 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Dipton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Benfieldside 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Blackhill 2.5 2.5 -2.8 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Leadgate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett North 0.0 0.0 -7.7 -0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.6 0.0 -1.9 0.0 Consett South 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Delves Lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
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Table 28: Mini Peak Demand with Adjustment Football Football Mini Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday AM PM AM PM Total 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Ebchester and Medomsley 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Burnopfield 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Dipton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Benfieldside 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Blackhill 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Leadgate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett East 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett North 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Consett South 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Delves Lane 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
The peak demand with team equivalents tables above indicate a drop of almost half is supply for senior and junior football. There is also a drop in senior rugby union although this less significant. Consett North is the ward which is most affected, with a loss of 6 pitches on Sunday morning and nearly 8 on Sunday afternoon for senior football provision. There is also an issue for this ward in junior football provision as well as in Blackhill. Other wards affected include Burnopfield, Leadgate and Delves Lane which also experiences a significant drop in supply for Sunday afternoon senior football provision.
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6.0 PITCH CAPACITY ISSUES
6.1 Average Number of Games
Table 29 provides analysis of the average use of each pitch at the sites allowing public access across the AAP. The exercise is theoretical, as it assumes all pitches are used equally, but it does identify the sites which potentially overused.
Table 29: Average Number of Games per Pitch Home Games Per Week
AAP Name Total Rugby Total Rugby Total Football Total Cricket Total Hockey Average Number Of Union Games League Games Games Played Games Played Games Played Games Per Pitch Played Played Derwent Valley Belle Vue Pitches 17.5 0 0 0 0 4.3 Derwent Valley Blackfyne Community School (Consett 7 0 0 0 0 1.4 Community Assoc.)
Derwent Valley Burnopfield Cricket Club 0 0 0 3.5 0 3.5
Derwent Valley Burnopfield Primary School 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derwent Valley Consett & District Cricket Club 0 0 0 3.5 0 3.5
Derwent Valley Consett And District Rfc (Belle Vue) 0 4 0 0 0 1.3
Derwent Valley Crookgate 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derwent Valley Crookhall 4 0 0 0 0 1
Derwent Valley Delves Lane 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derwent Valley Dixon Street 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derwent Valley Eden 1 0 0 0 0 1
Derwent Valley Highgate 1 0 0 0 0 1
Derwent Valley Leadgate Cricket Club 0 0 0 4 0 4
Derwent Valley Lintz 1.5 0 0 0 0 1.5
Derwent Valley Lintz Cricket Club 0 0 0 3.5 0 3.5
Derwent Valley Medomsley Cricket Club 0 0 0 1 0 1
Derwent Valley Moorside Community Technology College 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derwent Valley The Spa Ground (Shotley Bridge Cc) 0 0 0 3.5 0 3.5
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The analysis shows that all of the cricket facilities theoretically over use their wickets. However the table does not account for the multiple wickets within each square. The consultation supports the view that overall the current available cricket wickets can satisfy demand but that adequate training facilities are an issue. Belle Vue Sports ground is clearly over using the pitches currently marked out. The consultation identified that the site could accommodate more pitches, which would directly reduce the overall carrying capacity of each pitch. The pitch capacity should be viewed in conjunction with the pitch quality information in appendix 9.
6.2 Additional Pitch Availability in Derwent Valley
Table 30: Additional Grounds Available in Derwent Valley Football Pitches Rugby Pitches Full Name Location Changing size Junior Senior Junior Cricket Hockey Synthetic Total
Delves Lane Delves Lane N 1 1
St Pius Xth RC Primary Consett South N 1 1 School
Crookhall Playing Fields Delves Lane N 4 4
St Mary’s RCVA Primary Blackhill N 1 1 School Moorside Community Consett South N 4 4 Technology College
9 2 0 0 0 0 0 11
Table 30 identifies grounds within the AAP which are either used infrequently or have no formal use. Where possible formal use of the pitches should be considered to address the supply issues identified in sections 4 and 5 of the report.
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Table 31: Existing and Required Provision
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Table 32 identifies that 29 pitches would be required to accommodate the current demand within the AAP areas. With around 39 pitches potentially available in the AAP, supply should exceed demand. It is clear from section 4 that in some instances this is not the case, consultation with clubs which require access to additional pitches should be carried out. Appropriately securing the pitch supply would enable the authority to allocate pitches where demand exceeds supply.
Table 32: Pitch Requirements Type Of Pitch Size Number of Pitches Senior Football 90 x 60 5* Junior Football 70 x 50 7 Mini Football 24 x 18 5 Senior Rugby 100 x 70 1 Junior Rugby 70 x 55 1.5 Cricket 105 x 110 10 Hockey 95 x 70 0
* Pitches have been rounded up to the nearest 0.5 pitches.
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7.0 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Securing and formalising access to the following sites and working with the providers to establish a system which allows pitches to be maintained, laid out and accessed under a central system would ensure the current and future pitch provision for the AAP.
Although the privately run clubs generally cater for their demand, accessing additional pitches when required will be key to ensuring the club development. Education and local authority maintained pitches need to work together, enabling rotation of pitches, whilst ensuring appropriately sized pitches can be laid out to cater for demand.
The following action plan and maps identifies potential strategic recommendations to address the issues identified.
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Map 5: Pitches with Community Use
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Map 6: Pitches to be Secured
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Map 7: Potential Hub Sites
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Map 8: Access to Potential Hub Sites
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Table 33: Derwent Valley Area Action-Plan
The following table outlines key policies that have been recommended in the main playing pitch strategy document. Where relevant, recommendations related to the AAP have been made for each policy. It is important to note, that more site specific recommendations have been put forward for each of the AAPs as part of the study. These are not published in this document, but are being considered by Durham County Council, and will inform future work as part of the neighbourhood planning process.
Policy Strategy Reference Lead Timescale Monitoring Success Recommendations Ref P1 Existing playing fields are Planning Immediate LDF safeguarded policy The overall sufficient supply of safeguarded, with consideration only pitches indicates that decisions need given to disposal when a secured to be made as to which sites are pitch stock can be demonstrated, or secured and safeguarded. If pitches alternative high quality provision can with poor quality are effectively be generated by the loss of pitches. surplus to requirement there could be a case to loose this where investment is unviable. P2 Contributions towards off site or on- Planning Immediate LDF safeguarded policy There is a need to consider site provision of playing pitches will investment in the existing stock (i.e. be sought under Section 106 of the off site contributions) within this AAP. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 In general, supply is good, but quality from all housing developments in is poor. It is likely that larger proposals of 1 or more units. developments (e.g. 500 dwelling +), Provision will also be sought for would require on site provision, but subsequent maintenance costs for a other developments would secure period of fifteen years. The contributions for off site following types of dwelling will not improvements. The decision for be subject to obligations in respect on/off site provision should be made of playing pitch provision; on a case by case basis. replacement dwellings, extensions and very sheltered housing.
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D1 Influence the design, layout of Education Short PFI projects: Stanley, Consett pitches and specification of school / facilities to ensure their suitability planning for school and community use, / sport & securing formal community use leisure agreements where appropriate.
D2 Develop new multi pitch/ multi sport planning Short Develop AAP profile themes, A number of potential hub sites have ‘hub’ sites which can provide / identifying the key sites. Influence been suggested (see maps 7 & 8). facilities for a range of training, education planning consents as a delivery development and performance sport. mechanism. Where appropriate Hub sites should embrace artificial turf pitches technology (ATP) for training and formal fixtures, floodlit multi use games courts, grass pitches and adequate changing facilities. D3 Prioritise investment to existing Sport & Medium Implement the individual AAP For example, Belle Vue Pitches multi-pitch sites which can offer leisure themes, where possible moving already accommodates football and secure environments for facilities. teams and resources from the rugby pitches and therefore be an poorest sites option for further development.
D4 Develop new junior pitches across Sport & Medium / long Develop AAP profile themes, There is an opportunity to provide the County, establishing a minimum leisure identifying key the sites. Influence such facilities at hub sites and/or of one multi-pitch junior soccer site planning consents as a delivery consider establishing at existing in each AAP. mechanism. Work with schools to school sites. ensure appropriate sized pitches are laid out to reflect their pupil ages
Q1 Improve the quality of pitches, Sport & Long Develop an AAP profile Priority pitches should be secured setting a quality standard. Prioritise leisure recommendations implement the once the core stock is confirmed. improvements that increase pitch quality assessment as part of the Policy should allow for investment capacity in areas and sports that are clean and green teams’ site across the AAP rather than being currently most deficient. inspections. confined within a certain distance of new developments where S106 contributions are utilised.
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Q2 Increase the use of synthetic pitches Sport & Short / medium Influence PFI projects, support the No 3G pitches are available in for training and where difficulty in leisure current applications and ensure dual Derwentside. pitch quality unduly limits carrying use agreements allow community capacity. use Q3 Identify a long term framework of Sport & Short / medium Develop principles set out in AAP ancillary facilities for retention, leisure profiles improvement and disposal M1 Seek to attract commercial Sport & Medium / long Encourage commercial sector to investment to deliver high quality leisure engage and tender within PFI training and performance sports opportunities facilities: 5 a-side leagues; softball; touch rugby. M2 Support development of facilities Planning Long Contact commercial sector and There is a need for the provision of that provide for growing mid week develop opportunities which tie in more artificial pitches in the AAP sports demand, such as 5 a-side with hub site concepts which could help accommodate this soccer and floodlit cricket. type of demand.
M3 Ensure that ‘hub’ or integrated Planning Short Influence design of PFI schools facility developments are reflective of the needs identified within consultation (feedback from clubs) and contribute to the achievement of locally determined sports development targets and priorities.
M4 Enable and support self management sport & short develop on themes within the app This is a priority for the AAP. The Spa of facilities by voluntary sports clubs leisure profiles, where consultation has Ground (Shotley Bridge Cricket Club) and other organisations where identified clubs seeking to self is currently awaiting planning applicable. administer permission for a new club house, issues like this should also be prioritised to enable growth.
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A1 Administration sport & immediate create working group with education Provision in the education sector is leisure sites without formal dual use relatively high so non formal agreements. Develop a agreements are important to ensure communication process to enable current provision is utilised where schools, the local authority and ever this is possible. teams to liaise
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