Agenda item

Slough Gymnastics Club

Minutes:

The Leisure Services Manager introduced a report that provided an update on the current situation in regard to Slough Gymnastics Club finding suitable accommodation within Slough.

 

Members were reminded that a petition had been presented to the Council meeting on 23 April 2019 asking the Council to provide a suitable premises or location to house Slough Gymnastics Club.  At the meeting the petition organiser had been informed that there were no affordable or suitable sites within the Borough to accommodate the Club.  It was agreed by Council that officers should continue to assist Slough Gymnastics Club to search for new premises, and that the matter be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the options available.

 

The Leisure Service Manager reported that since the Council meeting, it remained the case that there were no suitable sites within Slough to accommodate the Club.  Officers from the Council’s Leisure and Assets teams had been in liaison with the Club proprietor since 2017 in the search to find a new premises; however, the Club’s requirements could not easily be met due to the size of the building required to meet British Gymnastics Association standards.

 

The Chair invited Ms Amy Jones, the petition organiser, to address the Committee.  She began by explaining that she had considered all options, nonetheless, she had been unable to secure a new premises.  She highlighted the importance of the Club being inclusive and ensuring the sessions were provided at a reasonable cost.  She asked if the Council would be able to provide reduced Business Rates or land to enable her to build a bespoke facility. 

 

The Chair thanked Ms Jones for her statement and invited Members to comment and ask questions.

 

Members expressed sympathy with Ms Jones’ efforts to secure suitable premises, however it was acknowledged that the Council was unable to fund or subsidise provision for the Gymnastics Club and had no responsibility to provide a facility.

 

A discussion took place regarding the possibility of using a warehouse building to accommodate the Club.  Members noted that this would require planning consent.  During the course of the discussion the Leisure Service Manager agreed to assist Ms Jones to obtain pre-planning application advice from the Council’s planning department to establish if this was a viable option.

 

Resolved –

 

(a)  That the report be noted.

 

(b)  That the Leisure Services Manager be requested to liaise with the Council’s planning department and Ms Jones regarding planning permission to operate Slough Gymnastics Club from a warehouse building.

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