Sling Lane Facility Development: 

Version 2012

The project as outlined herewithin has clear links to the Council's vision and priorities, specifically:

Current Position

The Council owned public open space known as the 'Sling Lane Playing Fields' has been assessed by three independent consultants as being of 'poor quality' both in terms of the quality of its pitches and lack of ancillary facilities. The three studies are:-

1. PPG17, Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (2007) - completed by Nortoft
2. Playing Pitch Survey (2008) - Completed by Institute of Groundsmanship
3. Feasibility Study for the Improvement of Sling Lane Playing Fields (2011) - Completed by TGMS Ltd.

Furthermore recent reports completed by the Worcestershire Football Association has indicated that participation levels across the district has declined over the past 2 years, as a direct consequence to the lack of adequate facilities.

Sling Lane is located within the Ward of Pickersleigh and contains a number of 'Output Area's' ranking within the top 10% most deprived areas nationally, against a number of indices of deprivation and is also the Malvern Hills Partnership's 'Area of Highest Need'.    

Benefits

In line with the external reports, the Sling Lane development will greatly improve the sporting provision on the playing fields (as detailed below) and will help to achieve the Council vision and priority.

There is clear evidence that encouraging individuals to lead healthy and active lifestyles through sport and physical activity can extend life expectancy and reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour.

The project will be great value for money with the Council securing £7.50 of external funding for every £1 of Council funding.

Proposed Development

The development will improve the infrastructure within the Sling Lane Playing Fields as follows:-

- A new changing facility to provide changing accommodation, shower and toilet facilities, a small kitchen and a storage area.
- Improved formal vehicular access 
- Off road parking 
- Carry out pitch regrading and drainage works to allow the introduction of 2 new mini-soccer pitches

Please use the following links to review the 2012 proposal - Preliminary Scheme Design V2.3

On completion of the project the playing fields will be leased to Newtown Sports Junior Football Club. The Club is the largest club in the district and has achieved the FA's highest quality accreditation for junior football clubs.

The lease, which will be composed following and subject to the confirmation of planning and funding approval, will 'ensure' that the playing fields are protected as open space, with no barriers to informal public access through the use of fencing or any other means.    

Funding

To support the delivery of the scheme, the Council has successfully accessed external funding and is a priority for further external funding from the Football Foundation as follows:-

*All confirmed funding will be declined if planning approval is not granted.

Timescales

A revised planning application will be submitted to the Southern Area Development Control Committee convening on 21st March 2012. With the funding application being considered by the Football Foundation on 23rd March 2012. 

Further Information

Any feedback about this project should be directed to Mark Hammond, Community Services Officer at
  mark.hammond@malvernhills.gov.uk