URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=380

Decision Maker: Executive, Assistant Director - Communities - Andy Barge

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to recommend that Witney Town Council is allocated the sum of £1,002,101 to design build and operate a new 3G pitch with sports lighting at West Witney Sports Ground. The report will also highlight the conditions the Town Council will have to adhere to in order to secure the funding.

Content: Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development, declared an interest ahead of the consideration of the report, and stated they were a Member of Witney Town Council. The Deputy Leader advised that the interest was non-pecuniary, and that they would abstain when voting upon the recommendations.   Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Leisure and Major Projects, introduced the report, which sought to obtain approval to release Section 106 funding to Witney Town Council for the design, build and operation of a new third generation (3G) pitch with sports lighting at West Witney Sports Ground.   At the invitation of the Executive Member, Rachel Biles (Strategic Leisure Lead) set out to the Executive the progress that had been made in relation to the subject matter, which had resulted in the report being able to be considered by the Executive. The Strategic Leisure Lead outlined the partnership working provisions that had taken place with Witney Town Council, The Football Association, The Football Foundation and Oxfordshire Football Association to help bring the plans forward for consideration.   The Executive highlighted that a future pitch strategy related to the town of Chipping Norton would come forward for consideration.   Councillor Tim Sumner proposed that the Executive agree the recommendations as listed on the original report. This was seconded by Councillor Alaric Smith and was put to a vote. There were 7 votes in favour, 0 votes against and 1 abstention (Councillor Duncan Enright). The vote was carried.   The Executive Resolved to: Approve that West Witney Sports Ground is the preferred location for a new 3G pitch and approves S106 spend on the project to be transferred to Witney Town Council to design, build and operate the facility; Delegate authority to Assistant Director of Communities in consultation with Section 151 Officer, Executive Members for Leisure and Major Projects and Executive Member for Finance, to finalise the legal agreement for terms of transfer.

Date of Decision: September 11, 2024