Agenda and draft minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were noted as a true and accurate record.

Guidance is available online to Councillors and co-opted members on making declarations of interest

Minutes 34 – 39.  Councillor Mike Goodman, Councillor sits on the management committee of Sidmouth Cricket Club.

Information on public speaking is available online

No members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting.

There were no matters or urgency.

To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including the Press) have been excluded. Thereare two itemswhich officersrecommendshould be dealtwithin thisway.

There were two confidential/exempt items (minutes 38 and 39 refer).

The LED Chief Operating Officer presented this report which provided an update on recent activities, highlighting both positive community initiatives and challenges such as increased competition and shifting user trends.  

The Forum noted the report.

The Forum received and noted key details of the performance of LED Community Leisure for November 2025.  Members briefly discussed attendance trends, site-specific impacts and the effects of competition. 

The Leisure Manager provided an update on the progress of the Cranbrook Leisure Centre scheme by the project team including the appointment of design consultants, engagement with Sport England, and plans for a public consultation in February.

The Forum noted the report.

The Leisure Manager presented an update on the draft Playing Pitch Strategy outlining the methodology, key findings, collaboration with local councils, and next steps for consultation with a view to finalising the Strategy and Action Plan by end March 2026.  He thanked consultants Strategic Leisure for their work on the project.

Discussion included the following points:

·         Auxiliary facilities such as changing rooms are part of the assessment process and, working with national governing bodies, the strategic plan will provide evidence of need which will support clubs to access grant funding.

·         It is important to get the Strategy agreed and protect the facilities required to influence and inform the delivery of the Local Plan.

·         The Strategy will become a key archive to hand over to the new organisation following Local Government Reorganisation, identifying what the challenges, opportunities and assets are, and ensuring there is an accurate record all in one place.

The Forum asked officers to consult with Parish and Town Councils on the draft key principles set out in the report along with the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy Executive Summary and Action Plan and return to Committee with feedback and final edition for endorsement.

The meeting went into private session.

The Leisure Manager introduced this update report and Rachel Fowler of Strategic Leisure delivered a presentation to Forum members. 

Members discussed the content and asked direct questions.

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet: to note the contents of this update.

The Forum received a verbal update on Flamingo Pool as part of the Leisure Project update (minute 38 refers).