Leisure and Health Strategy - North Devon District Council

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Foreword
I am delighted to be able to introduce the new North Devon District Council (NDDC) “Leisure
& Health Strategy.” This strategy recognises the valuable role that physical activity, sport
and active leisure can play in contributing to healthy lifestyles and the well being of the local
population.
The strategy sets out the framework in which NDDC will operate over the next ten years, to
deliver on leisure and health targets. We will work closely with a range of local, national and
regional partners to ensure that we harness their energies and contributions to create a
more active and healthier North Devon.
The unique natural environment of North Devon provides huge opportunities for active
leisure (such as surfing, walking, cycling and horse riding) and it’s use should be promoted
wherever possible to drive up participation levels and create healthy lifestyles.
Physical activity and sport is also recognised in the strategy as having a role to play in
achieving many of the objectives set out in NDDC’s “Sustainable Community Strategy 2006”
such as social exclusion, accessibility of services and encouraging a prosperous, developing
and sustainable economy.
This strategy will provide direction and co-ordination for NDDC as it embarks on a more
holistic approach to leisure and health over the next ten years.
Councillor David Butt
Executive Member and Portfolio Holder for Youth and Diversity
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Active Devon
Active People
Survey
A Countywide partnership for physical
activity and sport
Survey undertaken by Sport England
and MORI (2006) to establish national
physical activity levels in sport and
recreation
ARA Amateur Rowing Association The National Governing Body for
Rowing
ASA Amateur Swimming Association The National Governing Body for
Swimming
ASB
Anti-Social Behaviour
BEF British Equestrian Federation National Governing Body for
Equestrian sports.
BSA British Surfing Association Surfing National Governing Body
CASC Community Amateur Sports Status for sports clubs allowing rate
Clubs
relief.
CDO
CHD
County Development Officer
Coronary Heart Disease
CRB Criminal Records Bureau Agency carrying out police checks.
CSN Community Sports Network Sport forum recommended by Sport
England
CSP County Sports Partnership See ‘Active Devon’
CSPAN Community Sport and Physical Devon’s name for Community Sports
Activity Network
Networks (see CSN)
DCC
DCMS
Devon County Council
Department for Culture, Media
and Sports
Devon FA Devon Football Association County Governing Body for football.
DGP Devon Golf Partnership Partnership of local clubs.
DYG Devon Youth games An annual inter-district sports
competition for young people
ECB England Cricket Board National Governing Body for cricket.
FE
Further Education
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HE
Higher Education
LAA Local Area Agreement County Document
LSP Local Strategic Partnership Multi-Agency Partnership from private
& voluntary sector
MCTI Market & Coastal Town Initiative Regeneration Programme
MUGA Multi Use Games Areas Artificial surface for multi-sports
NDDC North Devon District Council District Council of North Devon
North Devon SSP North Devon School Sport Partnership of all primary and
Partnership secondary schools in North Devon ,
aiming to ensure all 5-16 year olds
take part in 2 hours quality physical
education in school each week
NGB
National Governing Body
OSS Open Spaces Strategy District level strategy for open space
development.
PCT
Primary Care Trust
PEDPASS Physical Education, Daily Strategy for School Sports
Physical Activity & School Sport Partnerships
PSHE Personal, Social & Health Part of the National Curriculum
Education
RFU Rugby Football Union National Governing Body of Sport
RSBs Regional Sports Boards Responsible for allocation of regional
sports funding.
RYA Royal Yachting Association National Governing Body for Sailing
STPs Synthetic Turf Pitches Artificial surface for sport
Supersport
NDDC’s holiday activity programme
for young people
TDC Torridge District Council District Council for Torridge area of
Northern Devon
WRRC Western Regional Rowing Regional arm of the National
Council
Governing Body for Rowing
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Setting the scene
INTRODUCTION
This strategy presents a new vision for sport, health & active leisure in the North Devon
District:
Through effective partnership working, raise levels of participation in
physical activity, improving the health, well being and quality of life for
everyone in North Devon.
For the purposes of this strategy we have adopted the wide definition of sport used by the
Council of Europe:
"Sport means all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation,
aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social
relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels".
This inclusive definition reflects the fact that this strategy considers all forms of sport and
recreational physical activity... whether for competition, training or receiving tuition, socially,
casually or for health and fitness.
The key objectives of this strategy are:
• To highlight the Council’s key priorities for the next 10 years (2008-2018) –
both in terms of physical activity development and facility development.
• To improve the quality of life for North Devon residents by promoting sport,
active leisure and its impact upon health & well – being.
• To stimulate new sport & physical activity partnerships and communication
channels to create a platform on which local organisations can build a more
co-ordinated approach to the delivery of health and physical activity.
• To improve accessibility to active leisure opportunities for target groups to
ensure that all members of the community have the opportunity to live happy
and healthy lives.
To accurately establish the local context for sport, active leisure and health, consultation has
been undertaken with local clubs & stakeholders to establish their views and needs. Various
intelligence sources have also been considered, including the’ MORI’ Quality of Life survey,
Sport England’s Active People Survey (2006) and Local Community Action Plans. There has
also been dialogue with other partners sharing our common goals, including the North
Devon School Sports Partnership, Devon County Sports Partnership and Devon Primary
Care Trust.
It is hoped that all organisations that have an interest in sport, health and active leisure in
North Devon will support the aims in this document, and share in benefits resulting from a
partnership approach to delivery.
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The strategy document has been structured in a clear and logical way covering the following
sections:
• Section 1 Setting the Scene
• Section 2 National Agenda
• Section 3 Local Agenda
• Section 4 Facilities
• Section 5 Action Plan
• Appendices
LOCAL CONTEXT
Listed below are a number of key sources of local information that have been used in
the preparation of this strategy.
1. Quality of Life Survey 2006/7
Some of the key findings from the ‘MORI’ Quality of Life Survey 2006/07 of North
Devon District are presented in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Community and Leisure Satisfaction Survey results 2006/07
Satisfaction survey results
Compared to 2003, overall
satisfaction with sports and leisure
facilities has increased by 1% (58%
to 59%) and nearly three-quarters of
respondents think the sports and
leisure facilities have stayed the
same.
Levels of dissatisfaction are higher
in the lower age groups of under 35
(20%) and 35 – 54 (23%) than in the
higher age groups of 55 – 74 (11%)
and over 75 (5%).
Respondents living in Ilfracombe
were nearly twice as likely to be
dissatisfied overall (28%) than either
those from Barnstaple (15%) or
those from more rural areas (14%).
Respondents from deprived areas
are twice as likely to be dissatisfied
overall (28% vs.14%) and are less
Relevance to the strategy
This result indicates that sport and leisure
facilities have continued to satisfy the same
level of customers as five years ago. There is
the opportunity to change customer perceptions
through better service performance, and move
North Devon District Council into the top quartile
of the Comprehensive Area Assessments
nationally.
There is the opportunity to improve service
performance targeted at lower age groups whilst
maintaining the quality of services provided to
all. Continued good intelligence and feedback
through consultation will be key to meeting the
challenge of the higher expectations of the 35
and under age groups.
Satisfaction levels are significantly lower in
Ilfracombe than elsewhere in the District. A
number of access and facility issues are
identified later in this document.
There is the opportunity to target programmes
on the engagement of specific communities of
the District, in terms of sports development
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Satisfaction survey results
Relevance to the strategy
likely to be satisfied (52% vs.61%). programmes and facility development.
Respondents from deprived areas are also likely
to be at risk from health conditions associated
with sedentary lifestyles.
Aspects of quality of life, reported to
be most in need of improvement
were activities for teenagers (43%,)
along with traffic congestion,
affordable housing, earning a good
income, facilities for young children
(14%) sport and leisure facilities
(12%) and parks and open spaces
(7%)
There is support for improved service
performance targeted at the lower age groups
improved facilities and programmes of activity
targeting children and young people.
A central theme of the action plan will be to
improve opportunities for this group to take part
in healthy, safe and enjoyable sport and leisure
activities.
The results in Table 1.1 demonstrate the importance of ensuring that the strategy delivers
service improvements that specifically target key groups, for example:
• Children and young people
• Communities in priority neighbourhoods
• Communities with service access difficulties in the District
2. Active People Survey Results
Sport England and MORI recently carried out the largest ever survey of sports and active
recreation participation – the Active People Survey. Data was collected between October
2005 and October 2006, achieving 364,501 completed surveys. The data refers to those
over the age of 16 years.
The main objective of the survey was to measure levels of participation in sport and active
recreation and its contribution to improving the health of the nation. Sport and active
recreation includes formal and informal traditional sports, as well as recreational walking and
cycling.
The survey also included measuring the frequency, duration and intensity of sports
participation. Other key information gathered included details on club membership,
competitive involvement, receiving tuition or coaching, and contributing to sport in a
voluntary capacity. The survey also provides detailed demographic information to assess
participation by different social groups.
Some of the results of the active people survey for North Devon are presented in Table 1.2
over leaf.
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Table 1.2 Results from Sport England’s Active People Survey 2006
Participation rate 1
(Adult population aged 16+)
North Devon
Devon County Council England
District Council
% %
%
22.3 22.0 21
The results show that participation rates for North Devon are higher than both the county
and the national average. North Devon is in fact in the top quartile of the country for physical
activity participation.
Sport England will repeat the survey annually, providing a useful tool for measuring
participation trends.
The challenge for NDDC will now be to ensure that a 1% increase in participation rates is
achieved, in line with national targets. This will involve more detailed analyses of the survey
results specific to North Devon and identifying those target groups not currently participating
in regular physical activity. Subsequent programmes aimed at these groups will then form
part of the action plan for this strategy.
3. Community Action Plans
Community Action Plans are profiles of each community (their town or parish.) They set out
a vision of how the community sees itself in the future, and identifies actions, which can be
taken to reach that goal. The plans are intended to reflect the views of all sections of the
community through a high level of consultation.
A number of sports and leisure issues have been identified in the community action plans
that have been developed across the District, for further details contact Community &
Leisure Services at NDDC.
Recurring themes are:
a. Improving sports & recreational facilities (including parish/village halls, sports pitches and
public open spaces) and investigating the feasibility of creating new facilities.
b. Improving accessibility to facilities and recreational opportunities.
c. Developing & improving walking/cycling & outdoor recreational opportunities (including
improved pathways/cycle ways and promotional programmes & activities.)
d. Promoting & supporting events & festivals involving physical activity.
e. Support for talented and elite performers.
These key issues will be incorporated in the action plan of this strategy wherever possible,
particularly those which fit national agendas for physical activity and health.
1 3 x 30 minute sessions per week
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4. Sports Development Stakeholder Workshop
PMP consultants (specialists in sport & leisure consultancy) held a consultation event in
order to identify needs, and to inform the actions and policies to be developed in the Leisure
& Health Strategy. Key stakeholders (sports clubs, National Governing Bodies, Active
Devon and Devon County Council representatives) were able to provide valuable input at the
event.
Some key themes were...
a) More regional & county events
b) More support for clubs (financial, training & general advice)
c) Recognising the needs of older people
d) Links to school sport & physical activity
e) Improved communication between partners and the district council.
f) Facility development and accessibility
The notes from the workshop event can be found, in full, in Appendix 1.
As with the community plans, the key themes from these workshops will be used to shape
the strategy action plan.
LOCAL PARTNERS
In order to address the leisure and health issues highlighted in the local information sources
above, NDDC must work closely with local partners. Some of the partners sharing common
sport, leisure and health goals are listed below.
1. North Devon School Sports Partnership (SSP)
Central Government and the Youth Sport Trust have invested heavily in school sport and
some of this investment has gone into the creation of School Sports Partnerships. These
partnerships are groups of schools working together to develop PE and sports opportunities
for all young people.
The North Devon School Sports Partnership is working to a strategy known as “PEDPASS. “
PEDPASS is short for “Physical Education, Daily Physical Activity and School Sport.”
North Devon SSP aims to increase participation rates, because research shows that active
people live healthy happier lives. North Devon SSP supports the "Health and Well Being"
agenda for all young people.
A central part of North Devon’s SSP’s work is to work towards 7 x 60 minutes of moderately
intensive activity per week, for all the young people in the partnership aged 5 – 16 years.
In order to achieve this ambitious target of 7 x 60mins, much of the activity needs to occur
outside of the school environment, through extra curricular activity outside of school and
through “Active Lifestyle Activity (such as walking, swimming, cycling or active leisure
activities.)
North Devon District council aims to work in partnership with North Devon SSP in the
following areas:
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a. Increasing participation rates amongst young people in the existing structure of facilities
b. Increasing & strengthening school club links
c. Working in partnership with local schools on projects such as “Supersport” and the
“Devon Youth Games.”
d. Promote physical activity opportunities to PEDPASS target groups (as identified by
PEDPASS audit.)
North Devon SSP has gathered robust data around physical education and activity levels for
all 5 – 16 year olds in North Devon. This information, together with the information on
physical activity levels in the Active People survey, helps to create a detailed picture of how
active the population of the district is. This information will help to shape the action plan for
this strategy.
2. County Sports Partnership (Active Devon)
Active Devon is a countywide partnership for physical activity and sport and is one of 49
county partnerships supported by Sport England. Active Devon comprises a diverse range of
organisations involved in or with physical activity and sport all committed to achieving the
vision:
“Getting everyone in Devon active for life through local community based opportunities and
co-ordinated partnerships”
Active Devon is committed to the challenge of meeting the Government's target of achieving
a 1% year on year increase in physical activity participation in the adult population.
The partnership recognises that “Devon provides a wonderful county in which to pursue an
active lifestyle. A landscape including the Moor and many beautiful beaches and coastlines
provides the perfect playground for people to become more physically active.”
North Devon District Council will work closely with Active Devon, over the coming years in
order to meet the common goal of driving up physical activity.
3. Devon Primary Care Trust
Devon Primary Care Trust works with partners to “improve the health and develop better
health and social care services for almost three-quarters of a million people in the Devon
area.”
North Devon District Council aims to work closely with the Primary Care Trust, through
developing partnerships with it’s Health Improvement team, particularly the recently
appointed Health Trainers.
The National Agenda
The next section of this strategy will show that central government now recognises the role
that sport and active leisure can play in a wide range of social issues, particularly health. It
will show that is important that NDDC works with the partners & information outlined above
in order to align itself with the new National agenda.
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National agenda
1.0 Making the case for sport
1.1 Over recent years the role of sport and active recreation in delivering quality of life
benefits has been increasingly recognised at a national level and is driven by Game
Plan: a strategy for delivering the Government’s sport and physical activity
objectives (DCMS/Strategy Unit, December 2002). Game Plan outlines the
Government’s long term vision for increasing participation and high performance in
sport:
“by 2020 to increase significantly levels of sport and physical activity, particularly
among disadvantaged groups, and to achieve sustained levels of success in
international competition”.
1.2 The Government wants to encourage the growth of a mass participation culture, with
the ambitious target of ensuring that 70% of the population is active.
1.3 Game Plan’s remit is wider than sport alone. It recognises the link between physical
activity and improving health and the importance of focussing on young people. In
achieving these links and participation increases, there is recognition of the need for
more innovative solutions to sport and recreation provision.
1.4 The Framework for Sport is a new strategic vision for the delivery of sport until
2012. It details how Sport England proposes to deliver Game Plan’s targets of
increasing participation in physical activity and sport. Following from Game Plan, this
strategy also recognises the wider role that sport can have and outlines seven main
outcomes of change:
• Increasing participation in sport and physical activity.
• Improving levels of performance.
• Widening access.
• Improving health and well-being.
• Creating stronger and safer communities.
• Improving education.
• Benefiting the economy.
2.0 The Delivery System for Sport
2.1 The Delivery System, which is set out diagrammatically over the following pages,
was developed in response to:
• The Review of National Sport, Effort and Resources (Lord Carter of Coles,
2005) which identified that with so many interested parties, there was a clear
need to develop a system for the delivery of sport in England, which is simple,
systematic and joined up, overcoming the inefficiencies identified in Game
Plan
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• The Audit Commission and the National Audit Office 2006 joint report
Delivering Efficiently: Strengthening the links in Public Service Delivery
Chains which set out the importance of ‘delivery chains’ in the achievement
of central government PSA targets.
2.1 The Delivery System aims to set clear roles and responsibilities for the different
organisations and agencies and to also:
• Provide an opportunity for all sporting agencies to work together towards
agreed, shared goals.
• Reduce inefficiencies and create economies of scale.
• Provide the foundations so that it is easy to identify and fill gaps in local
provision.
• Enable non-sporting organisations to gain the benefits from working with
sporting agencies to achieve their own goals.
• Provide an effective measure of performance and improvement over time.
• Enable benchmarking and quality assurance.
2.2 The diagram set out overleaf, shows the relationship between the key partners and
how national and regional partners connect to the sub-regional and local components
of the system.
2.3 Sport England is the national organisation responsible for driving forward the
development of the Delivery System, with the ambition of ensuring that ‘everybody,
no matter where they live or their personal circumstances, is able to access high
quality sporting opportunities that truly meets their personal needs.’
2.4 The two key elements of the Delivery System at the local level are the County Sports
Partnerships (CSPs) and the Community Sport Networks (CSNs). The Delivery
system connects participants and local deliverers with policy makers and investors in
a simple and coordinated way to ensure that policy and investment are driven by
local need.
2.5 The two main outcomes of the Delivery System are:
• To increase the number of people taking part in sport and recreation,
especially amongst hard to reach groups; and
• To build clear pathways for people with sporting talent to achieve their full
potential.
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The Delivery System for Sport
National
Partners
County
Sports
Partnership
People
behind the
people
Regional
Partners
Community
Sports
Network
People
taking part
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2.6 As can be seen from the diagram, the Delivery System comprises a wide range of
partners, including:
• National partners – driven by Sport England, together with other government
agencies, specialist expert bodies, independent trusts and membership
organisations, including the NGBs. Plus other non-sporting partners,
including a number of Government departments and national agencies that
recognise the social outcomes sport can bring
• Regional partners – led by the Regional Sports Boards (RSB’s), who provide
a strategic context and have responsibility for the investment of Sport
England’s Lottery and Exchequer funding and will advise other regional
partners in education, health, regeneration, economic development and
planning and be responsible for ensuring effective partnership working
• County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) – the CSPs are helping to build the
Delivery System in their respective counties and will help to deliver both
locally identified priorities and provide coordination and strategic planning for
sport across their geographic area. “Active Devon” is the CSP for the county
of Devon.
• Community Sports Networks (CSNs) – the developing CSNs are networks
of local deliverers from a range of organisations and agencies with
responsibility for identifying local priorities and initiatives which will drive up
participation, widen access to opportunities and bring together the existing
priorities and targets of the key partners. NDDC will be instrumental in
forming a CSN for the District, working closely with all of the partners
mentioned in the earlier “setting the scene” section of this strategy.
2.7 Based on current knowledge and best practice Sport England is seeking to ensure
that at the appropriate level the sectors listed below are recognised as key players
within the Delivery System, although partners will differ from one area to another, to
reflect local need. However, in most cases, this will include organisations, with clear
links to:
• Community and voluntary sectors;
• Community safety;
• Children and youth sector;
• Economic development;
• Education (including schools, FE and HE and Skills);
• Health (PCT);
• Local and regional government;
• Private sector;
• Regeneration; and
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• Transport
3.0 Facility planning and development
3.1 The Government’s PPG17 Planning for Open Space and Recreation guidance
Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17) recognises that open spaces, sport
and recreation, form the backbone of people’s quality of life.
3.2 To ensure effective planning is undertaken for these areas, local authorities are
advised to undertake robust assessments of the existing and future needs of their
communities for open space, sports and recreational activities. This will involve
comprehensive public consultation with the local community and the setting of local
standards in relation to a range of sports facilities to allow more effective planning of
sports facilities now and in the future.
4.0 The drive towards sustainable communities
4.1 The case for sport is further illustrated in Sport Playing Its Part: The Contribution
of Sport to Building Safe, Strong and Sustainable Communities (Sport
England, 2005) which outlines how sport and active recreation has the potential to
contribute to strengthen community involvement, engagement, identity and civic
pride.
4.2 Sport and other cultural (or leisure) services can be a powerful tool to engage all
sections of the community and break down barriers between them. The report notes
that marginalised groups are often more willing to engage in such activities than
other government funded initiatives.
4.3 ‘Physical activity and sport can be used as a means of bringing people together from
different communities to share positive experiences and gain greater understanding
of each other’s ways of life’ Community Cohesion – An Action Guide, Local
Government Association, 2004.
4.4 Reinforcing the role that sport can play in meeting wider corporate objectives, the
report outlines a number of areas that sport contributes to, including:
• strengthening community involvement, engagement, identity and pride;
• improving community cohesion;
• reducing crime and anti-social behaviour;
• improving quality of built and natural environment and creating a sense of
place; and
• encouraging sustainable travel.
4.5 At a national level the Department for Communities and Local Government’s aim is to
create prosperous, inclusive and sustainable communities for the 21st century,
places where people want to live, that promote opportunity and a better quality of life
for all. At the core of all of its activities is one overarching aim – to create thriving,
vibrant, sustainable communities, which will improve everyone’s quality of life.
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4.6 The Sustainable Communities Plan, ODPM 2 (2003) was launched in 2003 and
outlines a £38 billion programme of action for economic, social and environmental
development in both urban and rural areas in England.
4.7 One key requirement for this plan is the provision of good quality local public services
including education and training opportunities, health care and community facilities
especially for leisure. This is central to what the Council aspires to provide the local
community. The analysis and subsequent recommendations will ensure that the
Council is providing high quality local public leisure services in the long term.
5.0 Health Improvement
5.1 Sport Playing Its Part: The Contribution of Sport to Healthier Communities
(Sport England) notes that improving the health of the nation and tacking health
inequalities are high priorities with clear messages about the importance of
preventative health, and on the contributions that sport and physical activity can
make. Regular participation in sport can:
• decrease the likelihood of ill health and illness such as cardio-vascular
disease, diabetes, some types of cancer and decreasing mortality risk;
• help tackle obesity;
• assist with recovery and prevent recurrence of health problems after illness or
injury;
• support healthy growth in young people, encouraging adoption of a healthy
lifestyle and a decrease in specific health issues such as substance abuse
and teenage pregnancy; and
• contribute to older people leading more independent lives.
5.2 These messages link directly to the health policy context and the Choosing Health
Government White Paper (2004), which identifies overarching priorities to which
sport directly contributes, namely increasing exercise and reducing obesity. In
addition there are many examples of how sport can also be used as the platform
through which to deliver other important health related messages, for example,
sexual health messages for young people.
5.3 Following from this the Choosing Activity Plan aims to promote activity for all, in
line with the Chief Medical Officers’ recommendations – 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity at least five times a week. The key outcomes of the action plan
include:
• improve information and raise awareness of the benefits of activity;
• support activity in the community by addressing barriers such as safety, cost
and locality;
• support activity in early years and schools and improve community access to
school facilities; and
2 Now the Department for Communities and Local Government
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• support and encourage everyday activities like walking and cycling.
6.0 Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS): initiatives and programmes
6.1 The DCMS is working to ensure that everyone has the chance to take part in sport
and physical activities as well as providing special support for world-class sports
people through the following programmes and initiatives:
• Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) – The CASC scheme
recognises the important role clubs play in their communities by distinguishing
between clubs and businesses for rates and tax purposes, ensuring money is
kept in sports clubs
• Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) - TASS awards
Scholarships to talented athletes committed to combining their sport and
education. It aims to reduce the drop-out of talented athletes from sport and
supports and develops the talent of today for sporting success in the future.
7.0 Audit Commission report – Public Sports and Recreation Services
7.1 In June 2006, the Audit Commission in association with Sport England undertook a
study to examine how local authorities in England are managing their approach to
providing their public sports and recreation facilities and their attempts to improve
access and value for money.
7.2 The study has involved; a survey of all local authorities in England, to which 95
councils responded; detailed fieldwork in 30 councils; and interviews and focus
groups with consultants, relevant national organisations and government
departments.
7.3 It has looked at the investment challenges and how councils have decided what the
future shape of their sports and recreation facilities should be.
7.4 For local authorities, key considerations for improving facilities included:
• assessing current and future sports and recreation needs locally and their
relationship to regional and national needs;
• collaborating with the private, voluntary, health and education sectors and
working across administration boundaries in the planning, procurement and
delivery of services;
• appraising the options for delivering sports and recreation services
systematically in an open and transparent way and testing the market to
ensure that the best value option is identified; and
• improving the collection, analysis and use of performance information in order
to demonstrate value for money, for example by including financial
performance and social outcomes in all contracts.
7.5 This strategic context provides a guide to the Council both in setting out its objectives
and actions for the strategy but also in its delivery.
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Local Agenda
1.0 North Devon Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement (LAA)
1.1 The overarching local strategic priorities for leisure and health are;
• To Provide and support cultural infrastructure – theatres, museums and galleries,
festivals, leisure centres, swimming pools sports facilities and drive improvement through
the development of partnership and joined up collaborative service models - (North
Devon Community Strategy 2006 - Economic Development and Enterprise).
• Devon’s children & young people have better physical & mental health to enable them to
enjoy life and achieve their potential. Schools to achieve new healthy schools status
including physical activity, healthy eating and emotional health & wellbeing and PSHE
(including sex, relationship and drug education.) Improve access to sport and active
leisure facilities through joint planning & resource use between school & community
sports services and public transport links. Tackling health inequalities – evidence of links
to most deprived neighbourhoods. (Children & Young People.)
• Promote healthy lifestyles targeting populations with higher levels of ill health. Reduce
obesity. Increase exercise. Improve diet. Improve access to cultural facilities. Provide
key infrastructure. Develop targeted programmes, eg walking for health. Develop dual
use of educational facilities. (LAA Healthier communities and older people).
• NDDC is actively supporting the development of a revised Local Area Agreement (LAA)
for Devon, the fourth block of which will be ‘sports, culture, economy and environment’.
NDDC is also engaged in the production of a joint sustainable community strategy and a
joint strategic partnership with neighbouring Torridge District Council (TDC.) This will
provide the partnership context for achieving the action plan of this strategy and for the
delivery of the LAA.
2.0 NDDC Corporate Business Plan (2007/2010)
2.1 In addition, the Council has identified four main priorities Good efficient Services,
Improving the Environment, Tackling the Housing Problem, and Economy and
Regeneration. Two further cross-cutting priorities which impact across all areas of the
councils work are engaging children and young people, and environmental sustainability.
2.2 One of the main forces shaping the council’s priorities is it’s Community Strategy. “North
Devon First” is the community strategy for the district and was developed and published
by the North Devon Community Alliance. This Alliance is the Local strategic Partnership
for North Devon, which brings together many organisations and people aiming to coordinate
and deliver better services for the people of the district. The Alliance’s vision is:
“To enhance the quality of life in North Devon for residents, workers and visitors by
protecting and enhancing the environment, creating a vibrant and diverse economy,
tackling social inclusion and improving health and the accessibility of services so that it
will be a place where everyone has the opportunity to live happily, healthily and
prosperously in tolerant caring communities.”
This vision clearly recognises that residents, businesses and local organisations are
placing health at the top of the local agenda in North Devon.
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2.3 The new Local Strategic Partnership is now, a joint partnership between Torridge &
North Devon. The aims & objectives contained in this strategy, provide the opportunity
for joint working between authorities to tackle leisure & health issues.
3.0 Regeneration
3.1 ‘’ Sport is a powerful activity to enhance the physical fabric of communities, stimulate the
local economy, provide jobs, and improve an area’s image with outside investors and
tourists.’’ (Sport England July 2006.)
3.2 It is now well recognised that sport and active leisure can play a key role in the
regeneration of communities through the development of new and improved
infrastructure, and the creation of programmes targeted upon specific sectors of the
community. NDDC has four aims attached to the priority of “improving the economy and
regeneration,” identified in it’s corporate business plan. These aims are to...
• Improve the prosperity of the people of North Devon
• Promote the continued development of Barnstaple as sub-regional centre
• Promote the regeneration of Ilfracombe as a coastal resort area centre
• Promote the regeneration of South Molton as a market Town area centre
Improved or new sports facilities and programmes of activity will be considered as part of
regeneration programmes in these towns in the strategy action plan.
4.0 Affordable access to sport and leisure activities
4.1 One of the most often cited reasons for lack of participation in certain activities and at
certain sports facilities is the cost of taking part. Cost can be a significant barrier to
regular participation.
4.2 In North Devon, there are four wards that fall within the 12% most deprived in England.
It will be important to align sports development initiatives with other initiatives including
priority neighbourhoods, health and rural isolation. Target groups can be identified by
analysing the results of Sport England’s Active People Survey more closely and through
work with community development officers (NDDC.)
4.3 Other target groups could include:
• Children under the age of five;
• Those under the age of 16;
• Young adults aged between 16 and 21;
• Unemployed or low income households;
• Families;
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• Full-time students;
• The disabled;
• Over 60s; and
• Members of certain sports clubs.
5.0 A hub club (multi-sport) model of facility provision
5.1 The development of sport and leisure facility provision needs to be effectively planned
and managed to ensure that facility providers derive maximum benefit from the available
resources.
5.2 The hub club concept, led by Sport England South West, is illustrated diagrammatically
in Figure 1 overleaf. The principle behind the concept is to encourage more effective
use of resources to drive up participation. Sport England is encouraging this approach in
response to the lack of impact of £181 million of lottery funds on increasing participation.
5.3 The club structure in the South West typically has the following characteristics:
• Small membership;
• Single sport focus; and
• Little capacity to deliver activity programmes.
5.4 This means that clubs do not have the economies of scale to employ lots of staff to run
wider programmes of development activity to reach local communities and often
compete for the same players and volunteer support.
5.5 The hub club concept comprises a single hub site and a group of four to eight satellite
clubs. The hub site provides a central base for social activities, training programmes and
management services.
5.6 It is Sport England South West’s aim to have 20 hub clubs per county and ideally three
per population centre. It is proposed that the hub club model be led and implemented by
the County Sports Partnership, Active Devon.
5.7 Barnstaple (a town of 15,000 people or more) is identified by Sport England as an ideal
location for hub sites in the North Devon area. (Sport England South West Regional
Bulletin no 4 “Supporting the development of multi-sports environments in the South
West.”)
5.8 There is the potential to develop a Hub Club network through consultation with the
Community Sports Network to inform investment in strategic centres in the District, and
access to key facilities, dual use, pay and play.
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Figure 1 Hub club concept
6.0 Activity Programmes
6.1 NDDC has co-ordinated a successful sports programme for 14 years. It provides a range
of activities for children between the ages of 4 and 15 years. It operates during the
Summer and Easter school holidays and activities range from adventure days to cycling
to football.
6.2 In order to deliver the priorities identified within this strategy, sports programme activities
could be developed within the District’s priority neighbourhoods, areas of rural isolation
or at hub sites. Programmes could also be designed for specific sectors of the
community including children and young people, older people, and women and girls. This
could impact positively upon the numbers of active people, and on health and wellbeing
in the District.
6.3 In addition there is the potential to develop rural access schemes along the lines of an
extended 5x30 programme, with partners Active Devon County Sports Partnership, and
a consortium of District Councils.
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6.4 There is also scope for aligning some of our targeted activity programmes with existing
festivals and events such as the North Devon Festival, Oceanfest and the Devon Youth
Games.
7.0 Health and well-being
7.1 National health facts regarding regular participation include 3 :
• Physically active adults (taking part in exercise three times a week for 30
minutes at each time) have a 20-30% reduced risk of premature death and up
to 50% reduced risk of major chronic disease such as coronary heart disease
(CHD), stroke, diabetes and cancer;
• Inactivity is one of the leading causes of death as it is responsible for 23% of
all occurrences of CHD, 17% of all cases of colon cancer, 15% of diabetes,
13% of strokes and 11% of breast cancer;
• 60-70% of men and women in the UK are not active enough to benefit their
health;
• In the last 25 years the distance people walk or cycle has fallen by 25%;
• Around 20% (and rising) of the population are obese; and
• The overall cost of inactivity is estimated to be in the order of £10.5 billion per
year.
7.2 In order to bring added value to improving the health of local communities, the strategy
recognises the key importance of working in partnership with the Devon Primary Care
Trust (PCT) and other health practitioners in the District.
• Increasing awareness that regular participation in sport and leisure activities
can improve the physical and mental health of communities.
• Delivering programmes targeted at specific sectors of the community.
• Developing joint facilities.
There is the potential to develop the Heath agenda programme in partnership with
the Health sector at the joint LSP.
8.0 Community Sports Network
8.1 There is the potential to improve communication and strengthen networking through the
formation of a Community Sports Network (as outlined under the “Delivery System for
3
Source: Chief Medical Officer’s Report to the Government (2004)
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Sport, in the “National Agenda” section of this strategy. The CSN, would have the
potential to represent the sector on the Joint Local Strategic Partnership. Developing the
North Devon Community Sports Network will be a priority for action for this strategy.
9.0 Community facilities and programmes
9.1 The community planning process has identified the need for a range of programmes
and facilities, a number of which are currently under development.
9.2 In addition there are a number of major infrastructure issues in the District, regarding
the refurbishment, redevelopment, and maintenance of key elements.
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Facilities
Introduction
The sport and leisure facility issues in North Devon have been identified using the
following approach:
• Market research to determine the existing level of facility provision using a
facility audit and supply and demand modelling approach
• Consultation with National Governing Bodies of Sport, sports clubs and other
sporting organisations to identify the needs of their sports in North Devon (the
list of sporting stakeholders that have taken part in the consultation exercise
can be found in Appendix 2)
• An analysis of key findings and development of key recommendations. These
will be reflected in the action plan.
This section is broken down under the following headings...
Facilities
1) sports halls
2) health and fitness gyms
3) swimming pools
4) climbing walls
5) gymnastics centres
6) bowls, halls and outdoor clubs
7) tennis, courts and outdoor clubs
8) outdoor grass and synthetic playing pitches for football, rugby, cricket and hockey
9) multi-use games areas
10) water sports facilities
11) equestrian facilities.
12) golf courses and driving ranges
13) ski slopes
14) ice rinks
15) skate parks
16) martial arts
17) walking
18) athletics
19) cycling
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The catchment area defined for the assessment is shown below in Figure 4.1. The map
illustrates the District of North Devon and a 5km buffer zone surrounding it. Including the
buffer zone in the analysis allows an analysis of the provision of facilities which fall just
outside the District but are still used by the District’s residents.
Figure 4.1 Catchment area map for North Devon and a 5km buffer area
Supply and demand modelling
For swimming pools, health and fitness gyms, sports halls and synthetic turf pitches,
the Council commissioned PMP to examine the provision of these facilities using its
bespoke supply and demand models that quantify the under or over supply of
facilities within a specified catchment area. These demand models are based on
Sport England’s Facilities Planning model.
For other facilities where no demand models exist, an examination has been
undertaken of current provision, local trends and the views of sporting stakeholders
to understand current and future needs.
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North Devon Leisure Centre
The Council is currently undertaking initial feasibility work to identify proposals for the
redevelopment of North Devon Leisure Centre, the main hub site for sport and leisure
activity in the District.
The sport and leisure needs in North Devon, as identified in this strategy, will inform
the next stage of work on this new development.
1. Sports halls
Introduction
1.1 It is estimated that there are over 1,500 sports halls in England. Whilst the ‘coverage’
nationwide is very good, there are still a number of locations that lack basic indoor
facilities and in many areas, the facilities that have been provided require substantial
refurbishment or, in some cases, replacement.
1.2 Due to the rural nature of the District, the residents of North Devon rely on village
halls to provide indoor spaces for sport and physical activity. Whilst the importance
of these is recognised, the focus of the supply and demand analysis is on purposebuilt
sports halls with at least three badminton courts (as per Sport England facility
assessment parameters).
Supply and demand models
Demand
1.3 Demand for sports halls has been assessed and the results show that:
Using 2001 Census information, current demand levels equate to a total of 34
badminton courts within the District and buffer zone. The demand model calculates,
using projected population statistics, which in 2010 this demand will increase to 35
badminton courts.
Supply
1.4 The profile of existing sports hall provision within the District and buffer zone is
illustrated in Figure 4.2 overleaf. The results of the supply analysis means that:
Nine sports halls are included in the model and when applying the modelling
assumptions regarding accessibility for dual-use sites (75% availability), the result
is a supply level of 20 badminton courts.
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Figure 4.2 Sports hall facilities within the catchment area – see notes pages
ID Site Name
1 Ilfracombe Community College
2 North Devon Leisure Centre
3 Chulmleigh Community College
4 Edgehill College
5 Park School Sports Facilities
6 Braunton School and Community College
7 North Devon College
8 Pilton Community College
9 South Molton Community College
10. North Molton Sports Club
11. Calvert Trust
Key:
District Boundary
5km Buffer
Public Facilities
Dual Use Facilities
Club Use Facilities
Supply and demand analysis
1.5 The results of the model are illustrated in Table 4.1 below.
Table 4.1 Sports hall supply and demand results
Scenario Demand Supply Oversupply/ Shortfall
Existing
situation
34 badminton
courts
2010 35 badminton
courts
20 badminton
courts
20 badminton
courts
Shortfall of 14 badminton
courts – the equivalent of
just over three four-court
sports halls
Shortfall of 15 badminton
courts – the equivalent of
nearly four four-court
sports halls
1.6 The supply and demand analysis has identified that by 2010 there will be a shortfall
of 15 badminton courts.
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1.7 A new sports hall is being built at West Buckland School near Barnstaple. with four
badminton courts.
Other research and consultation
1.8 The Council has examined the needs of individual sports that rely on access to
sports halls by undertaking consultation with National Governing Bodies of Sport and
other sporting organisations. Key findings from this consultation are presented
below:
Consultation findings (sports hall sports)
Badminton • Sport England’s Active People Survey identified badminton as the
eighth most popular sport in England
• The English Badminton Association has identified a need for one
development centre to be provided per 50,000 people and one
high performance centre per county
• A Development Centre is an indoor badminton facility with a
minimum of four courts available for at least 88 hours per week for
use by badminton clubs only. Any suitable sites should be
identified within the County Badminton Strategy
• There is no official badminton development centre within the
District (the District’s population is just under 90,000) and
therefore there is potential for one to be provided in the District.
Basketball • The Active People survey results identified basketball to be the
19 th most popular sport in England.
• The English Basketball Association has the following objectives for
the development of basketball at a local level (to be delivered by
March 2009):
- increase participation;
- increase the amount of regular playing
opportunities;
- improve access to reasonably priced indoor
basketball courts;
- increase the number of clubmark development
clubs;
- increase the number and quality of coaches,
officials and volunteers;
- increase the number of school-club links; and
- promote the recognition, recruitment, retention and
training of volunteers aligned to affiliated clubs,
regions, associations and leagues.
• Providing more dedicated indoor basketball facilities is a major
priority for the sport to allow it to develop and raise awareness
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through events.
• The recommended facility provision standard is one indoor
basketball centre (with 3-4 full-size, county standard, courts) per
300,000 people.
• The nearest dedicated basketball training centre is in Plymouth.
Netball • There is a lack of good quality dedicated indoor netball training
facilities.
• England Netball recommends that one indoor training centre per
District should be provided and ideally this would also have access
to floodlit outside courts.
• England Netball’s County Development Network Coordinator
expressed concern over the lack of sports development personnel
within the Council that can help develop the sport at a localised
level
• Current facilities in Bideford and South Molton are unsuitable due
to poor location and other issues with accessibility.
• Some current facilities (North Devon Leisure Centre, Park School
and Pilton School) are too expensive to hire and can be hard to
book because of lack of availability.
• Park School is the main hub site for netball activities although the
new outdoor facilities are currently out of use when the weather is
wet due to surfacing issues (issues are being resolved).
• Chulmleigh sports hall is now used for regional matches.
General • The meeting with sports clubs and other organisations highlighted
a need for indoor facilities suitable for hosting county and regional
events.
• A need has been expressed for facilities with equipment for indoor
cricket training.
• More affordable indoor sports hall space in Ilfracombe was
identified as a key priority.
Conclusions
1.9 The supply and demand model results indicate that within the District and 5km buffer
area there is a deficiency of sports halls equivalent to three additional four-court
sports halls. This result is supported by the consultation findings that highlighted the
need for more indoor sports hall space for the development of individual sports.
1.10 The demand model findings reflect that a high proportion of dual-use and clubuse/private
sport halls have limited access to the public. There are only two facilities
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that have a fully accessible policy, mainly North Devon Leisure Centre (seven
badminton courts) and Ilfracombe Community College (four badminton courts). All
others only allow public access in the evenings (dual-use) or for sports clubs and
schools only (club use/ private).
1.11 Barnstaple acts as the “hub” site for sports hall provision for the District and, because
of the transport links and population density compared to other areas in the District,
should continue to do so. North Devon Leisure Centre provides a seven-court sports
hall that is a very valuable facility and given the levels of deficiency identified by our
modelling should be re-provided when this facility is replaced in the future.
1.12 There is potential to negotiate a more inclusive access policy at the club, private and
school sites.
1.13 Figure 4.2 illustrates the geographical location of sports halls across the catchment
area. It shows that six out of nine sports halls are located in the Barnstaple, Bideford
and Braunton area. Only four halls are located in the more rural northern, eastern
and southern areas of the District. This causes the following accessibility issues:
• residents in Lynton and Lynmouth need to travel for over 45 minutes by car to
Minehead or Barnstaple
• rural settlements in the eastern and southern areas of the District have
access to sports halls in Barnstaple, South Molton and Chulmleigh, although
they have to drive 20 to 30 minutes by car
• the sports halls in South Molton and Chulmleigh have restricted (dual-use)
access.
1.14 It is recognised that because of the rural nature of the District, people are willing to
travel further to access sports facilities – even as far as Minehead, Tiverton, Credition
and Exeter. There is potential for provision of dedicated community sports hall
facilities towards the eastern (West Buckland/Brayford area) or northern parts of the
District (Lynton/Lynmouth area,) and for the upgrading/ refurbishment of village hall
facilities to allow them to be used for more sports and physical activities. Excellent
sports clubs already exist in both North Molton & Bratton Fleming. These clubs
should also be considered for further development/ investment when addressing
shortfalls in sports hall provision.
1.15 Netball is a popular sport played in school so there is significant potential to maintain
participation in this sport throughout later life if there are the right facilities and human
resources available.
2. Health and fitness gyms
Introduction
2.1 Health and fitness gyms are a core sports facility needed by local residents in any
area across the country. Health and fitness gyms appeal to a wide audience
because they provide strength and fitness training opportunities for people who are
training for their sport or simply just keeping fit.
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Supply and demand models
Demand 4
2.2 An analysis of the demand for health and fitness gyms has been undertaken and this
shows that:
Using 2001 Census information, demand levels equate to a total of 373 stations
within the District and buffer zone. The demand model calculates, using projected
population statistics, that in 2010 this demand will increase to 386 stations.
Supply
2.3 The profile of existing fitness gym provision within the District and buffer zone is
illustrated in Figure 4.3. There are 13 facilities within the identified catchment area.
Figure 4.3 Fitness gym facilities within the catchment area
ID Site Name
1 Ilfracombe Community College
2 North Devon Leisure Centre
3 Torridge Pool & Fitness Suite
4 Barnstaple Hotel Health & Leisure Club
5 Chulmleigh Community College
6 Fitness Factory Barnstaple
7GB Fitness
8 High Bullen Gold & Country Club
9 Lenwood Country Club
10 North Devon College
11 Pilton Community College
12 Smart Fitness
13 Studio 20
2.4 The analysis of the supply of fitness gyms means that:
13 health and fitness gyms are included in the model and the result is a supply
level of 308 fitness stations (existing situation).
4
Demand is measured by calculating the number of fitness stations required to serve the population. A fitness station is equal
to one piece of cardio-vascular equipment or a weight training machine (not individual free-weights).
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Supply and demand analysis
1.1 The results of the model under different scenarios are illustrated below.
Table 4.2 Health and fitness supply and demand model results
Scenario Demand Supply Oversupply/ Shortfall
Existing situation 373 stations 308 stations Shortfall of 65 stations
(one medium-sized
gym)
2010 386 stations 308 stations Shortfall of 78 stations
(one medium to large
gym)
Conclusions
2.6 The model results indicate that there is a deficiency of health and fitness gyms in the
District. This deficiency is equivalent to 65 health and fitness stations or one to two
individual small/medium sized gym facilities. This deficiency rises to 78 stations by
2010.
2.7 A very high proportion of the gym facilities are considered to be private facilities. These
gyms are not open to the public on a pay and play basis. Five of the facilities in the
catchment area are operated on a pay and play basis; North Devon Leisure Centre,
Torridge Pool and Fitness Suite, Ilfracombe College, Torrington Hall and Studio 20. A
majority of the facilities provide small gyms with between 10 and 30 stations. North
Devon Leisure Centre provides the largest gym with 69 stations.
2.8 One method of addressing the identified deficiency is to consider the merits of extending
some of the facilities in the area. Through partnership working with Torridge District
Council and the local schools/community colleges, it may be possible to extend provision
at the following sites:
• Torridge Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite;
• Pilton Community College;
• North Devon College; and
• Ilfracombe Community College.
2.9 The supply and demand model results support an extension of the health and fitness
gym provided in any replacement of North Devon Leisure Centre.
2.10 Eight of the health and fitness facilities are located in and around the Barnstaple,
Braunton and Bideford areas of the District. As per the analysis of sports hall provision,
the northern, eastern and southern areas of the District are not well provided for,
particularly at Lynton and Lynmouth. Consequently, all proposals for new, dedicated,
sports facilities should include consideration of health and fitness facilities. .
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3. Swimming pools
Introduction
3.1 It is estimated that there are over 1,300 public indoor swimming pools in the UK,
almost half of which were built in the 1970s. The situation is similar to that of sports
halls, as some areas are lacking in basic facilities and others are in need of upgrading
or refurbishment.
3.2 Swimming is the second most popular sport and physical activity (after recreational
walking) with 13.8% of the adult population participating at least once per month.
Supply and demand models
Demand
3.3 The assessment of swimming pool demand has revealed that:
Using 2001 Census information, demand levels equate to a total of 1,203m 2 of pool
space within the District and buffer zone. The demand model calculates, using
projected population statistics, that in 2010 this demand will increase to 1,246m 2 .
Supply
3.4 The profile of existing swimming pool provision within the District and buffer zone is
illustrated in Figure 4.4. There are eight facilities within the identified catchment area.
A detailed audit of facilities is shown at Appendix C.
Figure 4.4 Swimming pool facilities within the catchment area
ID Site Name
1 Ilfracombe Swimming Pool
2 North Devon Leisure Centre
3 South Molton Swimming Pool
4 Torridge Pool
5 Barnstaple Hotel Health & Leisure Club
6 High Bullen Gold & Country Club
7 Saunton Sands Hotel Swimming Pool
8 West Buckland School
Key:
District Boundary
5km Buffer
Public Facilities
Private Facilities
Club Use Facilities
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3.5 The model assumptions, as recommended by Sport England, exclude swimming
pools in private member clubs. Therefore, the model excludes three swimming pools.
Five swimming pools included in the model and the result is a supply level of 1,666
m 2 of pool space.
Supply and demand analysis
3.6 The results of the model are illustrated in Table 4.3 below.
Table 4.3 Swimming pool supply and demand analysis results
Scenario Demand Supply Oversupply/ Shortfall
Existing situation 1,203 m 2 1,666 m 2 Oversupply of 463m 2 – the
equivalent to a 25 metre
eight lane swimming pool
2010 1,246m 2 1,666 m 2 Oversupply of 420m 2 – the
equivalent to a 25 metre
eight lane swimming pool
3.7 The analysis shows that by 2010 there is an oversupply of swimming pools equivalent
to one eight lane 25m swimming pool.
Other research and consultation
3.8 Through carrying out consultation with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)
and through discussions with swimming clubs at the consultation evening, the
Council has collated further information regarding swimming needs in the District as
follows:
Consultation findings
Swimming • the ASA expressed some concern over two key swimming pools
in the District, North Devon Leisure Centre and Ilfracombe Pool,
which are coming to the end of their useful life and will need to be
replaced in the near future
• ASA recommendations are for one 25m, six lane pool with timing
equipment per District and one 25m, eight lane pool with timing
equipment per county
• in the case of North Devon, the ASA recommends that new
facilities should include a 25m eight lane short-course competition
swimming pool, a learner pool and a diving pool (these new
facilities should replace North Devon Leisure Centre)
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• the diving pool should be re-provided to help boost the profile of
this discipline and help Barnstaple act as a feeder area to
Plymouth
• the new pool should include water depths suitable for water polo
(1.8-2m deep) which is thriving in Barnstaple
• if Ilfracombe Pool is to be replaced this should be a 25m six lane
swimming pool with learner pool
• the ASA believe that local clubs would benefit from an improved
programme of use at all swimming pools which provide adequate
affordable access at times which are suitable for young swimmers
who may be training twice daily.
Sports club/ • a key need identified by Barnstaple Swimming Club was to retain
organisations the specifications of the existing pool at North Devon Leisure
event
Centre at the new facility
• the depth of the new pool for sub-aqua activity and other
swimming training was highlighted as a key priority
• a new swimming pool in Braunton was also identified as a need
for residents in this area.
Conclusions
3.9 The District and buffer zone area is well provided for in terms of swimming pool
provision. In fact there is an oversupply of provision equal to one 25m eight lane
swimming pool.
3.10 There is a good level of provision of public swimming pools with four separate pools
spread across the District area in Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe and South Molton.
One club-use only pool is also included in the model at West Buckland School. In
addition to this there are a number of privately owned swimming facilities such as
Barnstaple Hotel Pool, Ruda Holiday Park & Watersmeet Hotel. Opportunities to work
with the private sector on pool provision must therefore be explored.
3.11 There is an issue with a lack of provision in the Lynton/Lynmouth area as the nearest
swimming pools are in Barnstaple or Minehead. This is far outside the ten-minute
drive time catchment area recommended by Sport England.
3.12 In summary, there is little evidence to support any new swimming pools in the
catchment area. However, replacement and upgraded facilities should be supported,
where necessary, in the locations where they currently exist. The public pool in
Barnstaple (North Devon Leisure Centre) is the only public pool in the town and so
serves a large catchment area. It is essential that this pool is re-provided as part of
any new facility as a replacement for North Devon Leisure Centre and that the needs
identified by the ASA and the local swimming clubs are addressed where possible.
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4. Climbing walls
Research and consultation findings
4.1 Climbing walls provide an excellent all weather training facility to both recreational
and more established rock and mountain climbers. Climbing walls also act as a
visually appealing feature within leisure facilities and can be located in public areas of
these buildings for maximum effect.
4.2 These facilities are also relatively cheap to build and can be easily managed by an
external contractor. The key benefit of climbing walls is that they can generate more
visits to leisure centres by expanding the appeal of the facility to a wider market.
4.3 The current provision of climbing walls in North Devon has been examined. There
are six climbing walls as illustrated in Table 4.4 below.
Table 4.4 Climbing walls in North Devon catchment area
Name Location Postcode Height Access
Mill Adventure Climbing
Centre
Braunton School and
Community College
South Molton EX36 3NA 11m Public
Braunton EX33 2JL 10m Private
North Devon College Barnstaple EX31 2BQ 11m Dual-use
Pilton Community Centre Barnstaple EX31 1RB 8m Public
Ilfracombe College Ilfracombe EX34 8EG 10m Private
The Calvert Trust Kentisbury EX31 4SJ 8m Private
Conclusions
4.4 There is a good stock of climbing walls in the District with two facilities in Barnstaple
and a world-class facility at the Mill Adventure Centre which is accessible to most of
the District’s residents along the A361 at South Molton.
4.5 If North Devon College is to be moved from its current site and co-located on the site
of the new North Devon Leisure Centre, consideration should be given to the
provision of a climbing wall at this site. Climbing walls are a popular feature of public
sports facilities and can help extend the appeal of leisure centres to new audiences.
It would also continue to serve the needs of the college’s climbing clubs.
5. Gymnastics centres
Research and consultation findings
5.1 Gymnastics is one of the largest participation sports in Great Britain for young people
with an estimated four million young people taking part in schools and local clubs
(Mori 2002). Gymnastics helps to produce the qualities of physical fitness in young
people eg strength, mobility, endurance, flexibility, body control and coordination. It is
Page 35

estimated that circa 84,000 young people are currently on waiting lists for a
gymnastics club.
5.2 There are examples around the UK of very successful dedicated gymnastics facilities,
such as the GL1 Centre in Gloucester, which is provided by the City Council but is
managed by a group of local gymnastics clubs. This success is dependent on a
strong network of gymnastics clubs who would be prepared to take a leading role in
managing a purpose-built facility.
5.3 There are three gymnastics and dance clubs in the District:
• Falcon Gymnastics Club;
• Gazelles School of Gymnastics; and
• North Devon Display Gymnastics Club.
5.4 These clubs train in private facilities, rented out independently by the clubs. There
are also gymnastics facilities available at the Park Community School on a dual-use
basis.
5.5 Falcon Gymnastics Club attended the consultation event and described their current
home in one of the industrial units at the Pottington Industrial Estate as unsuitable for
their needs and limiting the expansion potential of their club.
5.6 Key objectives of England Gymnastics (the Governing Body responsible for the
development of gymnastics in England) include actions to:
• help clubs increase their capacity and convert waiting lists into participants
through setting up a network of satellite clubs in schools, leisure centres and other
community settings;
• continue to support Gymnastics Development Officers in each County to bring
together key partners through gymnastics development groups, School Sports
Partnerships and County Sports Partnerships to facilitate the development of more
clubs;
• support and encourage clubs to be safe and effective through the implementation
of the GymMark accreditation scheme; and
• create sustainable and mutually beneficial links between clubs and schools
through the County Development Managers.
Conclusions
5.7 North Devon District has a number of strong gymnastics clubs which all have the
potential to be even more successful if they can serve more members.
5.8 In order to grow their membership base, the clubs need access to larger, more
dedicated training facilities.
5.9 The clubs would also benefit from improved communication with, the County Sports
Partnership and the School Sports Partnerships to increase the amount of qualified
coaches and volunteers.
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6. Bowls halls and clubs
Research and consultation findings
6.1 Bowls as a sport was ranked at 14 th in Sport England’s Active People survey. Bowls
is a more popular sport than cricket, basketball and rugby union.
6.2 According to Sport England’s Facility calculator there is a need in Barnstaple for six
rinks (which is equivalent to one large centre).
6.3 There are two indoor bowls centres currently provided in the District. There is a fourrink
facility at North Devon Leisure Centre and one rink at High Bullen Golf and
Country Club in Chittlehamholt.
6.4 North Devon Leisure Centre provides the only public access bowls hall in the District
and is therefore a very important facility. Recent discussions over the future of the
facility, when the Leisure Centre is replaced have resulted in a decision by the bowls
club to explore the potential of an alternative site.
6.5 At the consultation event, the lack of indoor bowls facilities serving the District was
cited as an important issue.
Conclusions
6.6 The feasibility study for the new North Devon Leisure Centre should include an
assessment of whether it is viable to include a dedicated indoor bowling centre within
the proposed campus.
6.7 Alternatively, there may be the potential to develop covered or all weather facilities at
an existing outdoor club:
• Barnstaple Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club
• Braunton Bowling Club
• Byeways Bowling Club
• Combe Martin Bowling Club
• Lynton & Lynmouth Bowling Club
• Ilfracombe Bowling Club
• Rock Park Bowling Club
• South Molton Bowling Club
• United Services Bowling Club
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7. Tennis, courts, and outdoor clubs
7.1 Tennis features as the 9 th most popular sport in the Sport England Active People
Survey. The Tarka Tennis Centre in Barnstaple was opened in 2003, and has 12
courts: 6 indoor and 6 outdoor.
7.2 The indoor courts are made from plexicushion, along with a viewing area. They are
built to standard that allows international tournaments to be hosted at the facility. Of
the six outdoor courts, four are astro-style courts and two clay courts, all of which are
floodlit.
7.3 There are also a number of outdoor community clubs, including:
• Barnstaple Bowling, Croquet & tennis Club
• Braunton Tennis Club
• Lyn Lawn Tennis Club
• Park Lane Tennis Club
• Rock Park Lawn Tennis Club
• Ilfracombe Tennis Club
7.4 In addition, there are a number of courts located at schools, parishes, hotels and
other private venues.
Conclusion
7.5 Support the development of tennis through key facilities and the development of
programmes targeted at specific sectors of the community.
8. Outdoor playing pitches
8.1 As a priority, there is a need to develop a Playing Pitch Strategy, to guide the
development of provision in the District. However, the current Open Spaces Strategy
(OSS) has investigated the supply and demand issues related to playing pitches.
These are highlighted in this section where relevant.
8.2 The results of Sport England’s Active People survey highlight that football is the most
popular pitch sport. It is ranked fifth out of all sport and recreational activities that
people participate in. Cricket and rugby were ranked at 17th and 21st respectively
but this is still in the top 25% of all sports and recreation activities assessed in the
survey.
Table 4.5 Pitch sport results from the Active People Survey
Page 38

Rank
Order
(out of
74)
% of the adult
population (16
plus) taking part at Number of adults (16
least once a plus) taking part at
month
least once a month
Sport and recreational
activities
Football (all) 5 7.1 2,910,684
Cricket 17 0.9 380,366
Rugby Union 21 0.7 267,817
Research and consultation
Football
8.3 In the OSS, produced for the Council in 2001, recommendations for new provision
were made for the District including:
• the development of a mini soccer centre;
• the need for an ongoing review of the provision of pitches for junior football;
• at least one additional adult grass football pitch to serve teams in Barnstaple
(although a new, full-size, synthetic turf pitch replacing two grass pitches on the
Seven Brethren Bank would increase the capacity for football in Barnstaple.)
• two additional football pitches in Braunton and Swimbridge;
• upgrading adult and junior pitches at Marlborough Park;
• the provision of playing pitches as necessary to keep pace with development in
Roundswell; and
• one football pitch to meet North Devon League Premier Division requirements
(fenced off and dug-outs).
8.4 Consultation with the County Development Officer at the Devon Football Association
revealed that improvements to the quality of pitches are important in addition to
improving the quantity. Key development priorities were highlighted as follows:
• improvements to the quality of pitches and changing accommodation at
Ilfracombe College; and
• additional pitches at Combe Martin Football Club to serve its eight teams.
Rugby
8.5 The OSS also recommended that Ilfracombe be identified as a priority area for new
provision to serve the teams in this area.
8.6 Consultation with the County Development Officer (CDO) for the Rugby Football Union
(RFU) supported this view. Ilfracombe Rugby Club currently plays on a very poor pitch
Page 39

that is unsuitable for the team to develop further. The lack of additional small sized
junior pitches is restricting the development of the junior teams.
8.7 The CDO stated that the profile of rugby is high across the District, particularly in
Barnstaple. Barnstaple Rugby Club is a very successful club but would benefit from
additional floodlights to allow more balanced use of their training pitches. There are
issues with drainage and maintenance but a grant recently awarded to the club will be
allocated to address these issues.
8.8 South Molton Rugby Club is a strong developing club in the District with a strategy in
place to recruit junior team players. The issue the club has is the quality of its pitches
that are not up to RFU standards.
8.9 Overall the RFU highlighted the importance of improving the quality of rugby pitches
across the District and providing more floodlit, synthetic training areas with
programmed time for rugby clubs.
Cricket
8.10 The OSS recommended that new pitches are required in Swimbridge and Combe
Martin. We have been unable to consult with the England Cricket Board (ECB) to
confirm this view and to gain more information about the specific development needs
of these areas and elsewhere in the District. However, the ECB has published its
facility development priorities at a District level. The vision for the development of
District level cricket is:
• to ensure a network of District Development Centres is established to serve the
facility requirements of District development squad coaching and competition
programmes.
• Facility needs follows for the development of District level cricket are identified
as:
• regular access to grass match and practice playing surfaces;
• use of good quality pitch preparation and maintenance equipment;
• access to an indoor sports hall suitable for indoor cricket training (eg with nets);
• access to covers, sight screens and a scoreboard; and
• access to ECB minimum standard changing and social facilities.
8.11 Of these facility needs, the ECB is prioritising investment towards the improvement of
access to good quality (well-maintained) grass cricket pitches and suitable indoor
sports hall facilities.
8.12 On the development side, the ECB, through its Developing Partnerships programme,
has undergone an intensive two-year planning process to identify 1,453 Focus Clubs
nationwide. A Focus Club is one that has been identified for a clear strategic reason,
and one that is committed to long-term junior development. Each Focus Club will be
expected to do various things by the ECB in return for ECB resources (funding and
other guidance). These include the following:
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• achieve Clubmark accreditation;
• work with their District Development Group, to ensure integrated community links;
• produce a long-term development plan – to increase capacity and improve
quality;
• link with local school and community networks; and
• commit to monitoring and evaluation, demonstrating the impact made locally.
8.13 The Clubmark scheme is recommending that all cricket clubs should strive to achieve
Clubmark status as one way of working towards the Focus Club status. Clubs have
to demonstrate they have achieved targets covering:
• workforce development;
• player development;
• facility development; and
• competitions development.
Synthetic Turf Pitches (STPs)
Supply and demand modelling
Demand
8.14 Unlike sports halls, health and fitness gyms and swimming pools, there are no
detailed demand parameters for STPs. The most comprehensive parameter is a
normative parameter, which is the following:
"One STP should be provided for every 60,000 people within a 20 minute off-peak
drivetime" (Sport England).
Supply
8.15 The facility audit identified one STP in the catchment area, provided at Park School
as illustrated in Figure 4.5 below.
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Figure 4.5 STPs within the catchment area
ID Site Name
1 Park School Sports Facilities
2 West Buckland School
Supply and demand analysis
8.16 The results of the model, shown in Table 4.6 below, are that there is sufficient supply
of STPs to meet demand.
Table 4.6 Supply and demand modelling for STPs
Scenario Demand (no. Supply (no. Oversupply/ shortfall (no.
of STPs) of STPs) of STPs)
Existing situation
2010
2 2
2.2 2
Shortfall of 0 synthetic turf
pitch
Shortfall of 0 synthetic turf
pitch
8.17 There are half-size STPs in Pilton School and Chulmleigh School. Sport England’s
demand model parameters are based on full-size STPs and exclude half-sized STPs
because full-size STPs are recommended where possible. Half size pitches are,
however, valuable facilities that serve the needs of the local community.
8.18 New half-size STPs being provided at the following locations:
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• Braunton School;
• South Molton School; and
• Ilfracombe School.
Research and consultation
Hockey
8.19 It was not possible to consult with England Hockey directly with regard to the needs
of hockey in the District. However, England Hockey’s Development Strategy for
2005-2009 sets out how the sport should develop and includes information on the
organisation’s key objectives. These include aims to:
• bring more young people into the sport;
• develop a thriving club infrastructure; and
• achieve international success at the highest level.
8.20 It plans to bring more young people into the sport by improving links between
schools and hockey clubs at a local level and more clearly defining the development
pathways for individual players. This will be achieved through the School Sports
Partnership and Specialist Sports College Programmes.
8.21 It plans to develop a thriving club structure through developing a tiered club support
system, improving the quality and quantity of coaches, officials and volunteers and
allocating funding strategically to help improve the quality and quantity of facilities.
Conclusions
8.22 There is a need for a playing pitch strategy to identify appropriate provision for the
District.
8.23 There is potential to consider the provision of a full-size STP at the new North Devon
Leisure Centre site so that it can be used by North Devon College and the wider
catchment area.
9. Multi-use Games Areas
Research and consultation findings
9.1 Multi-use Games Areas (MUGAs) provide a valuable facility particularly in rural
areas. They are typically hard court areas that are marked out for at least four
different sports (usually basketball, 5-a-side football, tennis and netball).
9.2 The following MUGA’s exist:
• Atherington;
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• Burrington;
• Forches;
• Parracombe;
• Chulmleigh; and
• Woolacombe
9.3 Proposed MUGA’s: Georgeham, Combe Martin & Yeo Valley.
9.4 The OSS recommendations for new provision were as follows:
• in view of the need to provide such areas to cater for a wide variety of training
and competition needs in pitch and court sports, it is recommended that
proposals for MUGAs should be supported in all settlements of 1000+ and in
settlements of 500+ where demand is proven; and
• there should be at least two MUGAs in both Barnstaple and Ilfracombe and
one in each of Braunton, Chulmleigh and South Molton, preferably on school
sites with full community use.
9.5 Sport England conducted a review of the provision of Multi-use Games Areas in
2004 across the South West Region and made the following recommendations for
North Devon:
• as a first priority, provision of new MUGAs should be considered in the
parishes of Combe Martin, Georgeham, Lynton and Lynmouth, Mortehoe,
North Molton, Swimbridge and Witheridge.
Conclusions
9.6 There is a need for continued support for the development of appropriate MUGAs in
communities across the District.
10. Water sports facilities
10.1 The focus of our analysis of the needs for watersports facilities in the District has
focused on water sports disciplines as recognised by the Royal Yachting Association
(RYA).
Research and consultation
RYA accredited training centres
10.2 A good indicator of the popularity of watersports in an area is the existence of RYA
accredited training centres. These are strategically located in areas where there is a
strong demand for watersports activity. The training centres provide courses suited
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to both beginners and the advanced and are essential for those who want to take
part in watersports activities.
10.3 There are five RYA approved training centres within 20 miles of Barnstaple, which is
a good indicator of the popularity of watersports along the North Devon coastline.
The centres are at:
• Bideford and District Sea Cadets Corps;
• Calvert Trust in Exmoor;
• North Devon College;
• North Devon Yacht Club in Instow; and
• Skern Lodge Outdoor Centre, Bideford.
Dinghy and keelboat sailing
10.4 Dinghy sailing is a sport that is concentrated on the coast. It is a popular and
affordable entry activity into other water sports with established training programmes
from introduction to advanced skill level. It has a high profile due to it being Great
Britain’s most successful Olympic sport.
10.5 Dinghy sailing requires a range of berthing and mooring options, slipways and
associated shore side facilities. It also requires development centres and sailing
academies with good quality clubhouses, changing provision, secure boat storage,
disabled access and availability of appropriate craft. Most importantly it requires
access to high quality water that is both sheltered for the beginners and more
challenging for those with more experience.
10.6 There is one sailing and yachting club in the District: Watermouth Harbour Yacht
Club, located between Combe Martin and Illfracombe. This club has around 60
members and also offers opportunities for visitors to moor or hire boats. There is
also a thriving Yacht Club in Ilfracombe.
Windsurfing and surfing
10.7 Windsurfing and surfing are popular and accessible sports because boards are
relatively affordable and there are opportunities for “pay and play”. Beginner-level
boards are designed to make the sport easier to learn although the experience is still
perceived to be enjoyable and exciting.
10.8 Facilities for windsurfing need to be located near a range of water conditions ie
sheltered waters for learning and more exposed waters for experienced surfers.
10.9 Surfing is emerging as one of the most popular developing sports in North Devon
with a strong network of surfing clubs and schools. In North Devon, there are eight
British Surfing Association (BSA) approved schools:
• two in Croyde Bay (Surfing Croyde Bay and Surfing South West);
• two in Braunton (Point Breaks and Walking on Waves);
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• two in Barnstaple (North Devon Surf School and Atlantic Surf Seekers);
• one in Woolacombe (Nick Thorne Surf Coaching Club); and
• one in Georgeham (St George’s House Club).
10.10 Surfers in North Devon also have easy access to the BSA National Surfing School in
Newquay, which acts as an elite centre for aspiring and talented surfers from North
Devon to develop their skills.
Rowing, canoeing and kayaking
10.11 These water sports activities are mainly suited to calmer non-tidal waters. It is
relatively low cost in terms of equipment and so is an accessible water sport for
many people.
10.12 The South West is not a traditionally strong rowing area although the Western
Regional Rowing Council (WRRC) has recognised that, due to the high profile nature
of the sport at an international level, and the successes that the British team enjoys,
there is great potential to increase the popularity of rowing as a sport.
10.13 The WRRC aims to build up the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in
modernising and improving their facilities and equipment. Recent analysis by the
WRRC has identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:
• secure tenure of current club sites at Exmouth and Exeter;
• providing new or improved facilities to extend current activity at Bideford,
Plymouth, Salcombe and Wimbleball; and
• establishing a new site at Stithians Lake in Falmouth.
10.14 The nearest rowing club for residents in North Devon District is Bideford Amateur
Rowing Club (ARA) in Torridge District. The club is very successful and won the
2006 West of England ARA Championships. It is a Project Oarsome club and one
of the 50 rowing clubs entrusted with the delivery of this initiative to bring rowing
into 100 State Schools. The club has formed a partnership with Bideford College as
part of this initiative.
10.15 Bideford ARA also has two thriving canoeing and kayaking centres: Bideford Canoe
Club and Skern Lodge (an outdoor activity centre which also provides abseiling,
assault courses, rope climbing as well as surfing and canoeing).
Conclusions
10.16 The popularity of watersports in the District is evident by the abundance of facilities
and clubs, particularly for surfing. Bideford provides a hub for canoeing and
kayaking whilst Watermouth Harbour provides a key venue for sailing in the District.
A good network of RYA training centres supports all these clubs. One development
area is sailing which could be developed elsewhere along the coast subject to
finding suitable sites.
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11. Equestrian Facilities
Equestrian facilities
11.1 Participation in equestrian sport is supported through a vast range of facilities and
clubs in the District including riding and equestrian centres, show grounds, livery
yards, trekking centres and a variety of discipline-specific facilities.
11.2 Good quality, well-managed facilities and clubs are vital to encourage and sustain
participation at all levels and provide riders with the necessary environment to
realise their full potential.
11.3 The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has worked with all its member bodies to
produce the National Facilities Strategy for Equestrian Sport and Leisure. The
strategy has been developed to assist facility operators, funding bodies, local
authorities, education establishments and voluntary sector organisations in the
strategic planning and improvement of sustainable facilities that best meet the
developmental and competition needs of equestrianism at all levels.
11.4 The grass roots development of equestrian sports occurs through the Pony Club.
The clubs organise competitions in cross-country, dressage, eventing, and show
jumping. The Pony Club has core objectives to:
• encourage all young people to learn to ride and enjoy all kinds of sport
connected with horses and riding;
• provide instruction in riding and horsemanship and to install in members the
proper care of their animals; and
• promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby
cultivating strength of character and self-discipline.
11.5 There are currently two Pony Club centres in North Devon:
• North Devon Equestrian Centre in Barnstaple; and
• Mullacott Equestrian Centre.
11.6 Other riding centres in the District include:
• Spirit of Exmoor Riding Centre in Lynton;
• Roylands Riding Stables in Braunton;
• Keypitts Stables and Quads in Ilfracombe;
• Collacott Stables in Umberleigh;
• Dean Riding Stables in Barnstaple;
• West Anstey Riding Stables;
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• Bableigh Riding Stables;
• Woolacombe Riding Stables; and
• Arlington Court Carriage Driving Stables.
11.7 These centres provide a wide range of equestrian activities.
Conclusions
11.8 Equestrian activities are popular in the District and there is potential to increase
participation further.
12. Golf courses and driving ranges
Research and consultation
12.1 North Devon is fortunate in that is has many high quality golf courses in the District.
Table 4.7 below presents a full list of golf courses along with information about the
type of course it provides (9 or 18 hole) and whether it has a driving range.
Table 4.7 Golf Facilities in the North Devon catchment area
Name Postcode Courses Driving range
Portmore Golf Park, Barnstaple EX32 9LB 1x 18-holes,
Par 3 9-holes
1x 24 bays
Royal North Devon Golf Club EX39 1 x 18 holes No
Saunton Golf Club, Braunton EX33 1LG 2 x 18-holes 10 bays
Libbaton Golf Club, Umberleigh EX37 9BS 1 x 18-holes No
Willingcott Valley Holiday and Golf
Resort, Woolacombe
Ilfracombe & Woolacombe Driving
Range
EX34 7HN 1 x 18-holes No
EX34 7HF No 12 bays
Mortehoe and Woolacombe Golf Club EX34 7RH 1 x 9 holes No
High Bullen Golf & Country Club EX37 9HD 1x 18-holes No
Ilfracombe Golf Club EX34 9RT 1x 18-holes No
Chulmleigh Golf Club EX18 7BL 1x 18-holes No
Great Torrington Golf Club EX38 7EZ 1x 9-holes No
12.2 As illustrated, there is a good range of golf courses in the District from nine-hole
courses to 18-hole courses.
12.3 The Devon Golf Partnership (DGP) is a group of golf organisations with an aim to
promote participation in golf across the county. The Partnership is in the process of
producing a Development Plan that will have the following key objectives at its core.
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These objectives are in line with the Golf England’s Whole Sport Plan. By 2010 the
DGP will have:
• increased the number of individuals playing golf in Devon by 5%;
• at least 18 clubs accredited with GolfMark;
• increased the number of active members of affiliated clubs by 5% (including
10% increases in women, children, and 19-40 year olds);
• trained 90 PGA Level 1 volunteer coaches; and
• support and training available for all volunteers.
Conclusions
12.4 North Devon is a prime golfing destination and the provision of so many courses
which appeal to a wide range of people at different playing levels should be exploited
to boost the popularity of the sport even further.
12.5 There is potential to assist golf clubs to work together to promote the sport to young
people through more effective links with local schools. This will ensure there are
more clearly defined development pathways for the development of talent.
13. Ski slopes
Research and consultation findings
13.1 Within the UK, both the outdoor artificial and indoor ski slope scene is considered to
be dynamic, healthy and developing. Surveys by Mintel found that in 2004, 3.9% of
those questioned either regularly or occasionally took part in a snowsports activity.
13.2 Skiing appeals to a much wider section of the community than many sports, as
participants range from the under 5s to the over 75s among both sexes. It is an
activity that often appeals to young people who are not interested in the traditional
sports taught in schools and therefore helps to bring them into an active life for the
first time.
13.3 Skiing also has a good record for encouraging participation by the disabled, offering a
unique physical experience with a high degree of independence.
13.4 A significant number of Britain’s dry ski slopes are independently run, though some
are owned and operated by local authorities. The design and operating practice at
each slope varies. Use of the slopes is highly seasonal and peaks in the late
autumn/winter months, though the operation of outdoor slopes can be weather
dependant.
13.5 The English Ski Council recommends that a population of 200,000 within a 30 minute
drive time from a specified location should be sufficient to make a snowsports centre
viable. 30 minutes is defined as the average travel time for customers at most slopes.
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13.6 The Council’s research has shown that within a 30 minute drive time from Barnstaple
the catchment population is 126,500, which is expected to grow to 131,200 by 2010
(Census 2001). This population is judged to be insufficient to justify the provision of
a ski slope in Barnstaple. Because of the rural nature of the District, and the
likelihood that people are willing to travel further, local residents can travel for up to
40 minutes to use the ski slope at the Exeter and District Ski Centre.
Conclusions
13.7 Due to the low numbers of people in the catchment area, it is very unlikely that a
private sector operator would be interested in operating a ski slope in Barnstaple (or
elsewhere in the District). The Council would therefore need to provide an annual
revenue subsidy to support it, which is likely to be at the expense of other more
worthy facilities and activities.
13.8 No actions are recommended with regard to ski slopes.
14. Ice rinks
Research and consultation findings
14.1 The Council examined the provision of ice skating rinks in the Devon and subregional
area.
14.2 Ice skating has become very popular again in the UK and there are now
approximately 14 million visits to ice rinks each year. Large TV audiences tuning in
to watch shows like Dancing on Ice reflect this level of popularity.
14.3 There is also a significant appetite for ice rink developments by the private sector
due to cheaper construction methods becoming available.
14.4 Ice rinks, however, have high running costs which is only balanced out by a strong
catchment population of paying customers. There are industry-wide market
parameters that can be used as an indicator of whether an ice rink would be
financially viable in a particular location. We have applied these parameters to test
whether an ice rink in Barnstaple would be financially viable. The results are shown
below in Table 4.8.
Table 4.8 Examination of Barnstaple against market parameters for ice rinks
Ice rink market How Barnstaple 9or X
parameter performs against this
parameter
200,000 people within a 20
minute drivetime from the
proposed site
106,500 people are
expected to be living within
a 20 min drivetime from
Barnstaple by 2010
X
Monopoly on the market
within a 20 minute
drivetime (no competitors)
Yes 9
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14.5 Table 4.8 shows that the catchment population of Barnstaple is not sufficiently large
for an ice rink to be sustainable although, more positively, there are no other
competitors within the 20 minnute drive time catchment area.
Conclusions
14.6 The closest ice rink to Barnstaple is in Plymouth which is over one and a half hours
drive away. This is too far for people to travel on a regular basis which therefore
limits the development of any talented ice skaters from the Barnstaple/ North Devon
area.
14.7 Given the fact that ice rinks are expensive to operate compared to other leisure
facilities, and that the market analysis indicates it would not be a financially viable
facility, an ice rink is not be considered to be a value for money development and it
is therefore not considered a priority for the Council.
14.8 No actions are recommended with regard to ice rinks.
15 Skate Parks
15.1 Skating is a popular activity amongst people aged under 25. The existing street sport
provision within the district is limited. There are currently two designated skate
parks located in South Molton and Braunton, with a further two proposed in
Barnstaple (Rock Park) and Ilfracombe. Extensive consultation through the Market
and Coastal Town Initiative (MCTI) has driven the development at South Molton, as
well as highlighting the need for provision of a skate facility in Ilfracombe. Whilst
‘Barnstaple – Our Town’ community action plan has identified strong support for the
skate park developments within the sub-regional centre.
15.2 The development of adequate skating facilities has, and will continue to work towards
achieving the Councils cross-cutting corporate priorities and objectives by investing
in children and young people and providing a safer community. Adequate skating
provision provides social and leisure opportunities through engagement with this
particular group.
16 Martial Arts:
16.1 Martial Arts is growing in popularity in the district, and in response to demand a North
Devon Martial Arts Forum has been established and is co-ordinated by the Eastern
Arts Centre. It provides opportunities for clubs within the district to share and discuss
information on various topics such as training ideas, coach education, anatomy and
physiology. This forum is a way of raising standards through sharing best practice.
The forum meets on a quarterly basis and hold and annual exhibition at North Devon
Leisure Centre to promote the group.
The following clubs operate across the district
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• Barnstaple Kung FU
• Tenchi Ryu
• Devon Wado-Ryu Karate- Do Kai
• Mike Leverton Karate Club Limted
• South Molton Judo Club
Conclusion
16.2 The established Martial Arts Forum could be used as an example in the development
of a Community Sports Network in North Devon.
17 Walking
17.1 Recreational walking features as first activity in Sport England’s Active People
Survey, with 20% of the adult population taking part at least once a month. There
are a number of groups that operate in North Devon.
17.2 In an attempt to increase participation rates in physical activity, walking is
inexpensive, suitable for all age’s groups, and can make use of the local environment
of the moorland and beaches.
17.3 There are examples of ‘Walking buses’ to take children to school (across the country)
in a safe, environmentally friendly way that increase children’s activity levels.
Conclusion
17.4 Promote the use of the natural environment in North Devon for leisure and health
activities.
18 Athletics
18.1 Athletics is ranked 22 nd in Sport England’s Active People Survey. North Devon is
one of only three council areas in Devon that benefits from having its own athletics
track, with clubhouse and stand, in Braunton. It is widely used by North Devon
Athletics Club, schools and plays host to events. The facility underwent major
refurbishment in 2006 to maintain the provision to a high standard.
18.2 Additionally, in the UK Athletics facility strategy (2007/2012) it highlights the need for
the development of a new regional indoor facility in Devon or Cornwall.
Conclusion
18.3 Support club development.
19 Cycling
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19.1 The National Cycle Network has several routes in Devon, which pass through North
Devon. The Tarka Trail is one of the key cycle routes in the area; part of both ‘The
Westcountry Way’ and ‘Devon Coast to Coast’ routes.
19.2 Similar to walking, cycling has many benefits in that it is relatively inexpensive and
can make use of the natural environment. As part of Barnstaple regeneration, the
development of cycle routes in the town will promote cycling in a safer environment.
Conclusion
19.3 Promote the use of the natural environment in North Devon for cycling.
Action Plan
The facility issues and needs identified in this section have been considered in conjunction
with the local and national agendas for sport, leisure and health and have been used to help
formulate the attached action plan.
The action plan focuses on improving communication & infrastructure, improved partnership
working, facility development & investment, the unique natural environment of North Devon
and the wider leisure & health agenda.
This action plan will be reviewed annually by NDDC and it’s key partners.
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1. Create new partnerships & improve
communication
Objective Project/Activity Lead
Agency
Timescale Measure Baseline Nat
Indicator
Relevance
Resources
Improve communication
between NDDC and key
sports stakeholders &
partners.
Establish the North
Devon CSPAN &
sub groups, as
recommended by
the Delivery System
for Sport.
NDDC,
Local
Groups
Active
Devon
July-08
Effective
communication
framework established.
Improved satisfaction
levels regarding
communication
amongst local groups,
clubs.
Results of
club
consultation
evening.
NI4, PSA 21 Leisure & Health
officer time
Existing local
groups, forums to
have representation
on CSPAN.
NDDC
Local
groups
July-08
Effective
communication
framework established.
Improved satisfaction
levels regarding
communication
amongst local groups,
clubs.
Results of
club
consultation
evening.
NI4, PSA 21
Officer time
Maximise opportunities
for physical activity
through support and
empowerment of local
clubs.
Review existing and
establish a new
discretionary sports
rate relief scheme
for clubs.
NDDC Apr-09 More clubs providing
opportunities for the
public to undertake
physical activity.
No. of
existing clubs
claiming rate
relief.
NI8, NI4
Possible saving
through more
efficient service
Page 54

Provide information
on funding,
volunteer
development,
training
opportunities
through NDDC
website.
NDDC
SSP
Active
Devon
July-08
No. of hits on website. Active people
survey
results for
volunteering
& club
membership.
NI6, NI8,
NI3
Use existing
website
resources
Establish training
needs through
CSPAN sub groups
and role out
programme of
training courses &
funding workshops.
Active
Devon
NDDC
July 08 - 09
No. of courses,
workshops delivered
Current no of
courses
planned for
North Devon
NI6, NI8,
NI21, NI55,
NI56, NI57,
Officer time
Promote Clubmark
& NGB
accreditation
schemes to local
clubs.
NDDC
Active
Devon
NGB's
Ongoing
No of accredited clubs Current no of
accredited
clubs.
NI6, NI8,
NI21, NI55,
NI56, NI57,
Officer time, use
CSP.
Endorse/prioritise
accredited clubs on
website directory.
NDDC July-08 Accredited Clubs on
website
Current no of
accredited
clubs on
website.
NI6, NI8,
NI21, NI55,
NI56, NI57,
More efficient
service delivery
Page 55

Use
coaches/volunteers
from accredited
clubs for
programmes such
as Supersport &
Devon Youth
Games.
NDDC July-08 Community Club
involvement in
programmes
Current
involvement
of accredited
clubs
NI6, NI8,
NI21, NI55,
NI56, NI57,
Reduce costs
through
increased work
with volunteers
on existing
programmes
2. Improve Quality of Life by Promoting
Sport & Leisure & it's Impact on Health
Objective Project/Activity Lead
Agency
Timescale Measure Baseline Nat
Indicator
Relevance
Increase physical activity
levels amongst adults,
particularly amongst
target groups
Attend Active
People Training
course to utilise
diagnostic tool
more effectively.
NDDC
Active
Devon
Sport
England
July-08 3 staff trained 0 NI8, NI119,
NI121
Free training
Use Active People
Diagnostic to
identify targets
groups for adult
sports and physical
activity projects.
Programme
projects
accordingly.
NDDC
July - Dec 08 Increased activity levels
amongst target groups
Active People
survey
results
NI8, NI119,
NI121
Officer time
Page 56

Use sport as the vehicle
for delivering a wide
range of health
messages associated
with sedentary lifestyles
and poor diet.
Use Devon PCT
health trainers &
advisers to deliver
health messages
such as healthy
eating/smoking
cessation during
Supersport
programme and
primary school
conference.
NDDC
SSP PCT
July - Dec 08
No of joint projects
delivered
North Devon
Health Profile
NI8, NI119,
NI121
Enhancement of
existing service,
through
partnership
work.
3. Improve Accessibility to Active Leisure
for Target Groups
Make sport and health
activities more
accessible.
Investigate different
mechanisms for
discounted or
subsidised access
leisure facilities for
target groups for
whom cost is a
barrier.
NDDC,
PCT,
North
Devon
Homes,
Parkwoo
d
From July 08
More people from
priority neighbourhoods
engaging in physical
activity. Greater
satisfaction with service
in quality of life survey/
Ilfracombe.
Quality of life
survey,
NI140
Subsidise
activity through
external funding
In partnership with
Devon SSP, drive up
physical activity rates
amongst 5-16yr olds by
1% year on year, in
school and the
community environment.
Increase
participation rates
amongst the 5 - 16
yr olds in
community sport,
through provision of
opportunities for
target groups.
SSP
NDDC
July 08 - 09
Increase in current
rates of participation
Active
Student &
Pupil survey
results.
NI56 NI57
More efficiency
through
partnership
approach to
existing work.
Page 57

Increase &
strengthen school
club links, through
partnership work on
existing Supersport
programme, Youth
Games & North
Devon Festival.
SSP
NDDC
Sep-08
No of programmes
delivered, uptake of
new members in clubs.
SSP Audit
results,
Active People
Survey
results.
NI56 NI57
Possible saving
on existing
programme
4. Development of Key Priorities for Facility
& Programme Development
Review existing
provision of leisure
facilities in North Devon.
Increase number of
quality facilities, add
value to existing
facilities.
Use information
sources from Town
& parish plans,
PMP consultants
and future CSPAN
meetings to inform
future planning of
facilities. Use
information to
inform 106
allocations for North
Devon area.
NDDC Ongoing Capital investment in
leisure facilities,
leverage of external
funding.
Community
Action Plan
Analysis of
Sport &
Leisure.
Current
investment &
leverage of
funding.
NI8, NI21, 106
contributions &
external funding.
Add value to
existing facilities
through a coordinated
approach
to programming
amongst partners
within CSPAN.
NDDC Ongoing Greater co-ordination
amongst partners &
more joint up approach
to facility programming.
Current
users
NI8, N12,
NI4
None
Page 58

Review current
facility provision in
Ilfracombe. Plan
replacement or
refurbishment of
existing facilities
and develop in
accordance with
Sport England's
"hubsite" model.
NDDC
Ilfracomb
e CSPAN
subgroup
2008 -2018 Better facilities in
Ilfracombe, greater
satisfaction with service
provision.
Ilfracombe
facility review
document
(2006)
NI8, N12,
NI4
Section 106
contribution and
external funding.
Review current NDDC
condition of facility Barnstapl
provision in e CSPAN
Barnstaple. Plan sub
replacement, group
refurbishment or
relocation of current
facilities provided at
North Devon
Leisure Centre.
Seek to develop
Barnstaple's
facilities
accordance with
Sport England's
"hubsite" model.
2008 -2018 Project plan completed,
facility improvement
delivered.
Existing
condition of
facility.
NI8, N12,
NI4
External funding,
partner
contributions,
including land
receipts.
Page 59

Review current
facility provision in
hubsite of South
Molton and plan
renewal,
refurbishment or
relocation of
facilities, according
to local need.
SMASH
Greater satisfaction with
sports facilities amongst
South Molton
community.
Existing
condition of
facilities.
NI8, N12,
NI4
External funding
opportunities,
section 106
money.
Investigate school
take over of
Braunton Athletics
track, and funding
for marketing
specialist/sports
coach. Support
development of
club & facility.
NDDC
Braunton
School
DCC
2008 -09 Braunton School
takeover of track,
marketing post secured
0 NI8, NI55,
NI56, NI57
Saving to Trust
on rates.
Invest in village
halls and smaller
venues through
schemes such as 5
x 30.
Active
Devon
NDDC
Dec-08
Increased activity levels
in rural communities
Current
activity levels
in rural
communities.
NI8, NI119,
NI121
Possible partner
contribution from
NDDC, UP TO
£1,000
Page 60

Support the
development of a
new skate park
facility in
Ilfracombe.
Concrete
Surfers
Federatio
n, NDDC,
Ilfracomb
e Town
Council,
Transfor
m.
Dec-08 New facility delivered. Current
facilities
NI4, N110
Recognise North
Devon's unique natural
environment and
promote it's use for
active recreation and
healthy living.
Promote the use of
the natural
environment for
walking activities
NDDC
Natural
England,
PCT,
North
Devon
Festival
Ongoing
Increased facility
provision, participation
publicity
Active
People
survey
results
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121,
Officer Time
Promote the use of
the natural
environment for
cycling/mountain
biking activities.
NDDC,
Natural
England,
PCT,
North
Devon
Festival
Ongoing
Increased facility
provision, participation
publicity
Active
People
survey
results
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121
Officer Time
Promote the use of
the natural
environment for
kayaking, surfing &
other water based
activities.
BSA,
NDDC,
RYA,
PCT
Ongoing
Increased facility
provision, participation
publicity
Active
People
survey
results
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121
Officer Time
Page 61

Promote the use of NDDC,
the natural PCT &
environment for existing
equestrian activities equestria
and health related n
programmes. organisat
ions &
facilities.
Ongoing
Increased facility
provision, participation
publicity
Active
People
survey
results
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121
Officer Time
Promote golf
opportunities to
local community
and visitors to
NDDC and it's
contribution to
healthy lifestyles.
NDDC,
PCT,
existing
facilities,
NGB.
Ongoing
Increased facility
provision, participation
publicity
Active
People
survey
results
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121
Officer Time
Investigate
possibility of using
Oceanfest as a
vehicle for hosting
school extreme
sports finals (beach
volleyball, surfing,
beach football etc.)
NDDC
SSP
Festival
organiser
s
Jun-08
Festival to host events
in partnership with
NDDC, SSP
Oceanfest
2007
NI8,NI55,
NI56, NI119,
NI121
Continued
sponsor support
for festival.
Build stronger & safer
communities through
programmes of sport.
Support football
projects in Forches,
Gorwell and East
the Water. Assist
with coordination of
activities and facility
Safer
North
Devon,
Devon
FA,
NDDC
2008 - 2010 Improved football
facilities and coordination
of projects in
the area.
Current
activity
NI21 PSA
23
External
Funding
(Football
Foundation)
Page 62

provision.
Maximise benefit to
North Devon of 2012
legacy work through
recognition of it's
Extreme sports "Unique
Selling Point."
Attend Team Devon
Meetings. Promote
North Devon's
unique Selling point
as a venue for
extreme sports
featured in the 2012
Olympics.
Active
Devon
Team
Devon
From July
2008
Raised profile of North
Devon in lead up to
2012.
0 PSA 22 Officer Time
Approach
Oceanfest
organisers with a
view to promoting
potential 2012
demonstration
sports of
skateboarding,
surfing, BMX and
mountain biking.
Team
Devon,
NDDC,
Oceanfes
t
June 2008 -
2012
2012 themed events at
Oceanfest
0 PSA 22 Officer Time
Page 63

Use Cultural North From July No. of activities promoting alternative NI8,NI55, Officer time &
Olympiad as an Devon 2008 forms of "physical activity" NI56, NI119, existing sports
opportunity to Festival NI121, dev budget.
increase physical
PSA22
activity amongst
people not involved
in traditional sports.
Organise and
promote dance,
music and extreme
sports through
Cultural Olympiad
activities.
Page 64

Appendix 1 – Leisure Consultation Findings
Consultation evening North Devon 8/5/07
Purpose: to identify sporting needs to inform actions and policies to be set in the
Leisure Strategy
Group 1 key findings:
1) Corporate sponsorship opportunities – Can the council help
2) More regional and county events in Nth Devon
3) How can we plan for the future population
4) Club support:
a. Finance: business rates, lease and charges
b. Coach training
c. Marketing Advice
d. General advice to clubs
5) Needs of older persons
6) Floodlit facilities in partnership with schools
7) Prices and charges limiting participation, as well as the quality of facilities
8) Better communication between DCC, NDDC and facilities owners.
Other issues discussed in group 1 discussion:
• Indoor cricket facilities
• Clubs need advice on how to market the opportunities better
• More cooperation between clubs
• Sport overall needs to be better financed to help amateur sports clubs –rates.
• Funding to go into training coaches
• Better remuneration for coaches
• Community hubs, but how will they be funded (capital)
• Lack of suitable facilities for development of girls and boys football
Page 65

• Gymnastics at Pottington is poor, limiting the development
• Ilfracombe seems to lose out to Barnstaple
• Better partnership working with schools
• Poor football facility provision in Ilfracombe
• Key issue is prices
• Promoting the opportunities particularly for girls
• Improve facilities
• Dedicated gymnastics centre
• Issues with clubs paying business rates
• More general council support financially for clubs
• Costs of training the sports coaches to reach charter standards to support funding
applications
• Don’t forget the older people
• Floodlit facilities particularly STPs to help juniors.
Group 2 Key findings:
1) There is a great need for more access to public facilities, particularly at school sites, after
5pm and at the weekend. The other problem in Nth Devon is the isolation of some
communities due to lack of public transport. There is a need for basic sports facilities in
these areas.
2) Better liaison with the Council is needed. The Clubs feel there should be a dedicated sports
liaison officer within the council to provide practical information about funding
3) Opportunities and other guidelines to find help.
4) The quality of the facilities and the poor maintenance is a major problem. The Clubs feel
there should me more focus on community/ grass roots sports rather than economic
interests.
5) Coaching in all sports is expensive, therefore less people are willing to volunteer for the
community. Grants towards coaching education would help provide clubs with more
coaching resources, and increase clubs capacity for new members.
6) Finally, it is believed that North Devon does not offer enough opportunities to develop
performance. People generally have to travel great distances to access major facilities and
to be able to practice at a high level of performance.
Page 66

Other issues expressed in the group 2 discussions:
Rate relief would be a major help for clubs
Most clubs have seen an increase in memberships, which suggests that the demand for sport is
there, but not enough facilities are provided/accessible.
Group 3 Key findings:
There is not enough indoor / outdoor space in the area, and not enough time slots available on
existing facilities.
1) More competitive sport in schools would be welcome.
2) There is a need for delivery partnerships, for example hubs in partnership with schools.
However, these hubs should not all be located in Barnstaple, to insure access to more
remote communities.
3) Better communication between clubs, and with the council is essential. Also minority sports
would benefit from increased exposure through the local media.
4) Finance issues: rate relief would be a huge bonus to clubs, and some funding advice is
needed.
Facility needs:
• Football pitches in South Molton
• More grass pitches in the whole district
• Gymnastics dedicated building or space for the whole district and surrounding area.
• Swimming Pool in Braunton
• Indoor Bowling in the district
• Dedicated use of pool for Barnstaple Swimming Club and Ilfracombe Sub aqua to allow
more activities to be run and increase participation/income.
• MUGAs in every village
• Tennis courts in Braunton
• Some affordable indoor space in Ilfracombe
• Skateboard Park in Ilfracombe
Page 67

• Rugby Pitch in Ilfracombe
• All weather facility in Ilfracombe
• A gym in Ilfracombe
Other issues:
• Community use of school/private facilities and school use of club facilities
• Better communication / recognition
• Better transport to facilities
• A holiday programme cheaper and more adequate than the existing one.
• There is too much Barnstable bias, hubs need to be decentralised
• Deprived areas should be a priority
• Encourage schools to provide a fixtures list of competitive sports and non competitive.
• Liaison between schools and clubs
• More promotion of ALL sports in local media
• CRB checks (cost, need for several across sports)
Page 68

Appendix 2 – List of Attendees of the Leisure Consultation Event
Organisation
Active Devon County Sports Partnership
Barnstaple Rock Park Tennis Club
Barnstaple Rock Park Tennis Club
Barnstaple Rugby Football Club
Barnstaple Swimming Club
Barnstaple Swimming Club
Barnstaple Swimming Club
Barnstaple Town Football Club
Braunton Bowling Club
Braunton Football Club
Braunton Tennis Club
Braunton Tennis Club
Braunton Wanderers Football Club
Chittlehampton Football Club
Chulmleigh Cricket Club
Chulmleigh Playing Fields
Chulmleigh Sports Complex
Devon County Council
Devon Football association
Empowering Communities
Falcons Gymnastics
Falcons Gymnastics
Falcons Gymnastics
Filleigh Cricket Club
Ilfracombe Football Club
Ilfracombe Golf Club
Ilfracombe Golf Club
Ilfracombe Rugby Football Club
Ilfracombe Rugby Football Club
Ilfracombe Sub Aqua Club
Ilfracombe Table Tennis Club
Ilfracombe Tennis Club
Ilfracombe Youth Canoe Club
Ilfracombe Youth CC
Lyn & Exmoor Vision
NDDC
NDDC
NDDC
NDDC
NDDC
North Devon Cricket Club
North Devon Cricket Club
North Devon Development Group Cricket
North Molton Sports Club
Representative
Karen Jones
Trixie Downis
Angela Boulden
Trevor Edwards
Joan Squire
Mr M Bennett
Michael Elson
Goug Green
Willie Bradford
Ken Beavers
Judi Walker
Lynda Keightley
Nik Williams
Kevin Hussell
Rodney davis
Howard Meadows
G E Brewer
Jill Borrow
Hannah Buckley
Dave Lang
Mike Beagley
Dave Sloman
Martin Masters
Godfrey Tucker
Mike Edmunds
Jean Wills
Alastair Crighton
Andrew Burke
Dave Hutchings
Jack Stocks
Phil Goulding
Andrew Bryant
Carol McGill
Rob McIntyre
Jill Mills
Jan Kennedy
Lucy Tomlinson
Hannah Harrington
Jerry Lee
Andrew Austin
David Lea
M. Overton
Andy Davies
Colin Wallace
Page 69

Rock park Bowling Club
South Molton Junior Football Club
South Molton Junior Football Club
South Molton Rugby Club
South Molton Rugby Football Club
United Service Bowling Club
Watermouth Yacht Club
Barry Boucher
Kevin Hussell
Michael Lee
Shaun Clement
Andy Gudd
Fred Lee
Moira Allsord
Page 70