West Berkshire is set to adopt a playing pitch strategy next week, with a commitment to spend nearly £2m on sports pitches over the next five years.
The plan gives evidence and recommendations up to 2041. It says there is a current deficit of 7.4 3G football pitches across the district, rising to 9.7 by 2041.
New 3G sites are recommended across three sub-areas, with key sites named as Henwick Worthy, Faraday Road, St Bartholomew's School, Trinity School, Kennet School, The Downs School and Theale Green School.
On football, the strategy stresses improving quality and accessibility for disability, girls' and women's football - though the anticipated boom in women and girl's playing football, rugby and cricket gets no specific strategic emphasis.
"The PPS includes the aim of improving women and girls' access to sport and sporting opportunities," insists leisure portfolio holder Nigel Foot (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill).
"But we do not have a separate plan for them. it is all part of the PPS and its delivery," he said.
Rugby is forecast to need an increase of 2.51 grass pitches by 2041. Hockey would require two additional lit AGPs across Newbury and Thatcham (one at Henwick Worthy, the other via improved lighting). Cricket needs an extra 107 grass wickets or nine artificial wickets. Netball should see easier booking and better ancillary facilities, and courts cleared of moss. Tennis recommendations include more public access and providing padel; lacrosse access should be increased at St Bartholomew's School.
More than 300 responses were received during the public consultation, but the final strategy is unchanged from the consultation draft. Delivery will be down to a yet-to-be-formed steering group working with clubs, leagues, providers and pitch owners.
"The delivery will involve a great deal of collaboration and communication, but rest assured the focus will be on the same footing as for males." The strategy, written by Stuart Todd Associates, references the West Berkshire Local Plan, the Football Foundation's Local Football Facility Plan and Sport England's Playing Field Policy, and is due to be adopted by the council executive on May 21.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
