Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item

14 April 2005

Long-term use of School Sites for Third Party Sports Provision

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

The following decision is sought:

That the following principles for dealing with applications from third parties for long-term sports use of school sites be agreed:

i)

The provision of facilities for private sports use on school sites should be supported, provided that:

a)

the proposals have the full backing of the school's governing body

b)

the proposals do not conflict with education policy and/or asset management requirements

c)

the proposed sport and community use is appropriate to the location and setting of the school;

ii)

Rent payable should normally reflect any licensed bar use and the potential to create commercial revenue streams;

iii)

Only once consultations with nearby residents have been completed and planning consent has been granted should leases be offered;

iv)

Schools should be encouraged to consult parents before supporting licensed bars on site, and that opening times should then be controlled through strict lease terms.

2

Reasons

2.1

To provide additional sports facilities for school and community use having regard to other constraints affecting the County Council.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities by the provision of additional sports facilities for school and community use.

Aim 4 - Building strong and safe communities by the provision of additional sports facilities for community use.

Aim 5 - Improving services by the provision of additional sports facilities for school and community use.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

Not allowing long term use of sites by third party providers. This was rejected as it inhibits the expansion of school site sports facilities.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber