Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth detailing the Rushcliffe Sport and Tourism Charter.

The Leader stated that it was hoped that this Charter would promote tourism and the visitor economy, by encouraging visitors attending sporting events to stay for longer and enjoy the Borough. He advised that high level talks had taken place with various local clubs, and whilst Nottingham Forest’s name was not currently included, the club was involved and fully supportive and the Leader was confident that the club’s name would be added to the Charter over the next few months.

Councillor Brennan seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Polenta referred to the importance of grass roots sports and felt that investing in sport was investing in healthier lives, with sport crossing social divides. She agreed that sporting events helped to boost the local economy, with tourism linked to that building resilience and strengthening communities. It was important to create partnership working, to ensure that everyone could be involved.  

Councillor S Mallender stated that whilst supporting the Charter, she was concerned that there was no reference in it to local residents, nor any commitment to promote active travel and public transport, to improve the parking problems faced by residents, especially when Nottingham Forest was playing. She stated that assurances had previously been given that the club would liaise with local residents; however, that had yet to happen and whilst wanting to encourage sport and bring people to Rushcliffe, it was important that local residents were not forgotten.

Councillor Plant reiterated those comments, and whilst acknowledging the huge contribution that the club made, the impact on residents and local infrastructure due to the lack of parking could not be ignored and some meaningful dialogue was required.

Councillor Gowland also agreed with comments made and stated that it was very hard to engage with Nottingham Forest, land was available for parking and local residents should be listened to.

Councillor Grocock agreed that tourism was a very important growth area for the Borough and referred to the Strategy’s importance to the East Midland Combined Authority (EMCCA). He felt that there was a “broadbrush” interpretation when considering the visitor economy for the EMCCA region, which simplified it into the City and rural Derbyshire. Councillor Grocock acknowledged the many rural areas in Rushcliffe, and the important role that they could play, which would mean interpreting sport on its broadest level. He felt that it was important to align sport with its broader role and questioned how the Charter and Strategy would fall within the broader interpretation of economic growth and how tourism businesses would be supported.

Councillor Chaplain struggled to think how community groups would deliver visitor-focused services and asked which groups the Charter was referring to. She also questioned the statement that there would be investment in sport-led regeneration, when the report stated that no financial implications had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30