A proposal to relocate Poole Town FC from its current home at Tatnam Park to Branksome Rec was considered at a meeting of the council on Tuesday 9 June 2009.

Following a debate of the issues, councillors voted to approve the proposal.

Poole Town FC’s proposal includes:

• Refurbishment and modernisation of the Branksome Rec pavilion, including men’s and women’s changing facilities
• Improved social function facilities, including lift access to the first floor
• A new home for the football club with a seated stand for 150 people.
• One enclosed football pitch and three new all-weather, multi-use games areas available for use by local schools and the community
• Refurbished public amenities

The football club and external grant funding would fund the proposal, with the council also prepared to consider an application for developer contribution funding for elements with a community benefit, such as the multi-use games areas.

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: “Poole Town’s proposal has provoked a great detail of public interest and discussion and it was important that councillors were able to conduct a proper debate of the issues.

“The football club already does an excellent job running several football teams for many young people in our community. I firmly believe this proposal not only gives the club a chance to develop this work further, but offers an excellent opportunity to gain other community benefits and much-needed improvements to facilities at Branksome Rec at no additional cost to the council taxpayer.”

Poole Town FC’s proposal will be subject to planning permission and agreement with the council on a detailed lease.

The council’s agreement to a lease for the space and the enclosure of a pitch would also be subject to several conditions to ensure a significant and enhanced community benefit for all the people of Poole. Any lease would be tightly controlled in the terms and conditions of a legal agreement.

Members of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to recommend to Cabinet to proceed with Poole Town FC’s proposal.
The cross-party committee of eight members considered a report from the council’s Head of Leisure Services, as well as representations from various parties including Poole Town FC, Branksome Residents Action Group, Friends of Branksome Rec, Dorset Football Association and Branksome Cricket Club.

Four members of the committee voted to support the proposal, with four members voting against. A casting vote was made to recommend the proposal to Cabinet by Cllr John Rampton, Chairman of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Cllr Rampton said: “There was an equal debate of all the issues. Each member of the committee had the opportunity to ask questions and put forward their point of view before drawing their own conclusions and summing up. Having listened to all arguments for and against, I am persuaded that the proposal is the best way forward for Branksome and for Poole. This scheme represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance Branksome Rec and provide improved facilities for the local community.”

Poole Town FC’s proposal, which would be subject to planning permission, a detailed lease, and due diligence, will be considered by Cabinet on June 2, 2009.

The proposal was originally scheduled to be discussed on 6 April. However, the meeting was postponed to allow the club, resident groups and the council more time to gather relevant information.

Cllr John Rampton, Chair of Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Borough of Poole, said: “We chose to postpone the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee until May 5 to allow officers adequate time to produce a full report.

The council is determined that views from all sides are carefully considered in full and we have held several recent meetings with groups for and against the proposal to ensure this. We have now received the relevant information from all parties and this being collated in a fair and formal way.

The committee will now have the difficult task of studying detailed reports, minutes, statements and evidence before making their recommendations to Cabinet.”

EOSC will take place on Tuesday 5 May at 7pm in the Committee Suite, Civic Centre, Poole.
Members of the public are welcome to attend to observe the proceedings.