New study of West Norfolk sports facilities launched

Council chiefs have announced plans to carry out a new study of community sports provision in the borough.

The authority is currently resisting calls for it to pump hundreds of thousands of pounds into new pitches in connection with a major planning application in Gaywood.

But officials believe the research, which residents and groups can contribute to until mid-May, will help to secure funding for new facilities in the future.

Sam Sandell, cabinet member for people and communities, said: “The health and wellbeing of the people of West Norfolk is a priority for us at any time and never more so than now, given the events of the past two years.

“This is a timely opportunity to take a strategic look at provision in the borough and identify where communities would benefit from additional facilities, making it easier for them take part in leisure and sporting activities.

"The study will look at provision across a wide range of sports and facilities.

"It will include consultation with clubs and the public, parish councils and schools to ensure the voices of all those with an interest are heard.”

The council has stressed the study will not lead directly to the development of new facilities, but maintains that it will provide the evidence necessary to justify future funding applications – building on previous work such as a study by the Football Foundation in 2020 which identified a shortage of 3G pitches.

The work will also examine provision for disabled people, as well as what is on offer through structured settings such as clubs and free activities like walking or cycling trails.

But the announcement of the study comes after council planning officials dismissed Sport England's request for a £300,000 investment in improved sports pitches, relating to its housing proposal for Parkway in Gaywood.

Local opponents of the plan for more than 200 homes, which is set to be debated at a planning meeting on Monday, say the land is a vital area for community recreation.

However, the authority claims Sport England's request isn't justified because the site has not been used as playing fields for many years.

Anyone wishing to take part can complete a survey via www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/sportsfacilityresearch before May 17. The findings are expected to be reported to the council's cabinet this autumn.