Issue - meetings

Committee is asked to:

1.    Consider the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames

2.    Agree that the current Memorial Gardens MUGA proposal should not progress in its present form and location, having considered the consultation outcome, site-specific issues, financial implications, legal considerations and deliverability matters; and

3.    Note that any future consideration of alternative recreation provision, alternative locations or lower-impact improvements would require a separate options report, funding route, consultation where appropriate, and relevant committee or successor authority approval.

The Committee resolved to

1.     Acknowledge the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed Multi-Use Games Area in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames;

2.     Agree that the current Memorial Gardens Multi-Use Games Area proposal should not progress in its present form and location, having considered the consultation outcome, site-specific issues, financial implications, legal considerations and deliverability matters; and

3.     Note tht any future consideration of alternative recreation provision, alternative locations or lower-impact improvements would require a separate options report, funding route, consultation where appropriate, and relevant committee or successor authority approval.

The Committee considered a proposal for a Multi-Use Games Area in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames following public consultation. The consultation received 760 responses, with 74.47% of respondents indicating they were unsupportive/very unsupportive of the proposal. Written comments indicated that a majority of respondents did not think the location was suitable for the proposal, and objected to the loss of green space near the riverside. The Police had also responded in support of the principle, but objected to the proposed location. As the consultation outcome did not satisfy the threshold established by the Committee in March 2026, it was recommended that the project not proceed.

Some members of the Committee expressed concern over the data presented as part of the consultation as they felt this did not accurately reflect the demographic that the proposal would appeal to. The Committee were reminded that a majority of respondents indicated that they were current users of the Memorial Gardens. Members of the Committee acknowledged that they would wish for the proposal to progress, but not on the proposed site.

The Committee resolved to

1.    Acknowledge the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed Multi-Use Games Area in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames;

2.    Agree that the current Memorial Gardens Multi-Use Games Area proposal should not progress in its present form and location, having considered the consultation outcome, site-specific issues, financial implications, legal considerations and deliverability matters; and

3.    Note that any future consideration of alternative recreation provision, alternative locations or lower-impact improvements would require a separate options report, funding route, consultation where appropriate, and relevant committee or successor authority approval.

The Committee resolved that future consideration of alternative recreation provision, alternative options or lower-impact improvements be brought to the next committee meeting.

Committee is asked to consider the commencement of a public consultation exercise for the proposed new Multi-Use Games Area to be built in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames.

The Committee considered authorising the commencement of a public consultation for a proposed new Multi-Use Games Area to be built in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames. Subject to satisfaction of the consultation, if supported, the Group Head Neighbourhood Services would undertake surveys, appropriate procurement exercises, and submit a planning application for the construction and installation of a new recreation facility at Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames. The Committee would be asked for final approval before the project proceeded.

The Committee noted the lack of proposed lighting for the site due to its location, but acknowledged it could be added later if required. The opening times could also be reviewed if there was demand for use, but the intention was for the facility to be self-managed.

Some members of the Committee raised concerns about the change of intention for the memorial gardens, but other members of the Committee felt the change would be beneficial to the area and provide younger residents with recreational opportunities.

Some members of the Committee expressed concern about the report being presented to the committee immediately before the pre-election period.

A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Clarke and the results were as follows:

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Authorise the Group Head Neighbourhood Services to commence a public consultation exercise fo the proposed new Multi-Use Games Area to be built in Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames

2.    Subject to the Group Head Neighbourhood Services and the Group Head Corporate Governance, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee reviewing the consultation responses and being satisfied that, on balance, the feedback indicates overall support for the proposal and that any issues raised can be appropriately addressed, authorise the Group Head Neighbourhood Services to:

a.    Appoint appropriately qualified ecological specialists to undertake the necessary ecological appraisals and surveys required to support the planning application for the proposed installation of a new Multi-Use Games Area;

b.    Undertake a procurement exercise to establish availability of resource and the indicative costs of the works; and

c.    Submit a planning application for the construction and installation of a new recreation facility, including associated fencing, safety surfacing, and site preparation works at Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames.

3.    Group Head Neighbourhood Services to report back to the Environment and Sustainability committee with feedback from the consultation, procurement exercise, and planning meeting.