Agenda

Supporting Sporting Clubs & Protecting Green Spaces for the Stars of Tomorrow

That this council notes:

a)      Strong sports clubs are vital community assets, offering social connections, promoting physical and mental health, and fostering a sense of belonging. They provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to interact, build relationships, and contribute to their local areas. Furthermore, sports clubs can address social challenges like reducing crime and improving educational attainment.

b)      Where supported they can contribute to a vibrant economy, not only bringing in much needed investment into the town through improved facilities but support the small trader, the local cafe or pub.

c)      Darlington has a strong history of producing sporting stars, each honing their fledgling skills or exercising on the various green spaces we have within the Borough.

d)      For the small child, “Tommy Crooks Park” can become Wembley, “Bellburn Field” Anfield and “Fryers field” the crease at Lords.

e)      It was important as a Council to refresh the Playing pitches & Built facility strategy in 2021 to understand the Towns current capacity, how we could help sports clubs such as Darlington FC finding its forever home. This strategy was guided by short, medium and long term actions, the latter maturing no later than 2026.

f)       The Labour/Lib Dem administration has recently approved its Physical Activity Strategy for the next 10 years, it makes reference to the actions within the above report, however it puts a longer timeframe on delivery up to 2031.

That this Council Believes:

a)      Any decisions approved by this council which effect Sporting Clubs and spaces where sports are played goes beyond politics and should be cross party and made by “Full Council”

b)      Darlington Council has a chequered history when it comes to supporting the sporting clubs in Town or protecting the green spaces used to play sport on.

c)      We can’t reverse what has gone before but can do better in the future.

d)      This Council will always be an anchor for Sporting Clubs in choppy waters, the best interests of the club at the heart of joint working arrangements.

e)      Any review of the actions required within the Playing pitches and Built facility strategy cannot be pushed back, if anything we must do more and we must go faster.

That this Council resolves to:

a)      Bring forward the review of the Playing pitches & Built facility strategy 2021 to identify which aims require renewed focus.

b)      Officers provide clarity and full transparency on any plans which may impact on the Economic health or security of Tenure for any Sporting Club within the Borough.

c)      Commit to bringing forward the required changes to the Local Plan either through policy or Land Designation which will ensure that all recreational spaces are protected from House Building.

d)      Commits to an unwavering support to ensure Darlington FC finds its forever home.

e)      Ensuring that any plans which effects a sporting club, either economically or its secure tenure, these decisions are scrutinised by a committee made up  ...  view the full agenda text for item 4a