The Committee considered a report by the Project, Procurement and Open Space Officer (circulated previously) regarding the approval and release of section 106 funds towards a project within South Molton.

The Project, Procurement and Open Space Officer advised of a typographical error contained within paragraph 5.1 of the report, which should be amended to refer to planning application 60512 “land west of Nadder Lane, South Molton”.

The Project, Procurement and Open Space Officer highlighted the following:

·         The Council had been working with South Molton Football Club to identify a suitable site which was available on the open market and was flat for the relocation of the club.

·         The land was located near to the new Primary School at Limers Lane, South Molton.

·         The relocation of the football club had been identified through the Local Plan and the North Devon Playing Pitch Strategy.

In response to questions, the Project, Procurement and Open Space Officer advised the following:

·         South Molton Football Club had tried to purchase other pieces of land in the past, but had been unsuccessful as these were usually purchased very quickly and the club had missed several opportunities.

·         A private buyer had put an offer on the table to the Football Club who agreed that the buyer purchase the land until such times as the Football Club had sufficient funds to purchase off of the buyer.  There would be no uplift in the amount that the Football Club would pay to purchase the land from the private buyer.

·         The Local Plan identified that South Molton needed a new sports hub. This was originally due to be located at the rear of the Secondary School.  In terms of pitch allocation, South Molton Rugby Club had secured a new pitch at the rear of the Secondary School however the landowner would not release any further land.

·         The new site was located to the south east of the new Primary School. 

·         Public Open Space included pitches and built recreation.  The Leisure Centre was pay and play.  South Molton Football Club and the running club would be the legal owners therefore any hire or usage would be managed by them.

·         It would be managed through an open membership through both the Football Club and the running club.  The grounds would not be open to the public.  This was the same arrangements for other clubs such as rugby clubs.

·         Maintenance of the pitch would cost approximately £9,000 per annum.

·         A scheme for the site had been prepared but was not yet in the public domain.  The planning application had not yet been considered by the Planning Committee.

·         The Club was working with a conveyancing solicitor.  A legal charge would be placed on the land registering the Councils interest.  

In response to questions, the Chief Executive advised that public access would be considered as part of the planning permission process. The section 106 funds for this project had been specifically collected for built open space.  By opening the grounds up to public access would result in the pitches being damaged.  A full scheme would be submitted detailing the expenditure for the project.