Agenda item

At its meeting on 22^nd March 2023, Agenda item 15 Hyndburn Leisure Transformation – Investing in the Health of Hyndburn, Cabinet resolved:

 

That Cabinet:

 

(2)          Agrees to replace the current Mercer Hall leisure facility and Wilson Pavilion with a new facility at Wilson Playing Fields, as detailed in paragraph 4.5 and supported by the Site Options Analysis Study (Appendix 1);

 

(3)          Agrees to progress feasibility work to repurpose Mercer Hall, to ensure that it remains a community asset

 

In accordance with the Call-In Procedure for Cabinet Decisions, the procedure has been activated. The following documents are included:

 

Call-In Form

Copy of Cabinet Report from 23^rd March 2023 – Hyndburn Leisure Transformation – Investing in the Health of Hynburn

Copy of appendix to above Cabinet report – NEXUS Site Option Analysis

Copy of appendix to above Cabinet report – Mercer Hall Leisure Centre EIA

Extract from Minutes of Cabinet 22^nd March 2023

 

Recommended – That the Committee does ONE of the following:

 

 

·         To release the Cabinet decision in full for implementation; or

 

·         To release the Cabinet decision in part for implementation, and refer the outstanding part of the decision back to the decision making body for reconsideration, setting out in writing the nature of its concerns; or

 

·         To refer the decision back to the decision making person or body for reconsideration, setting out in writing the nature of its concerns.  The decision maker shall then reconsider amending the decision or not, before adopting a final decision.

 

The Chair explained that at its meeting on 22nd March 2023, Agenda Item 15 Hyndburn Leisure Transformation, Cabinet resolved:

 

That Cabinet:

 

Agrees to replace the current Mercer Hall Leisure Facility and Wilson Pavilion with a new facility at Wilson Playing Fields, as detailed in paragraph 4.5 and supported by the Site Options Analysis Study;

 

And;

 

Agrees to progress feasibility work to repurpose Mercer Hall, to ensure that it remains a community asset.

 

In accordance with the Call-In Procedure for Cabinet Decisions, the procedure has been activated. The following documents are included in the agenda for the convenience of members:

•           Call-In Form

•           Copy of Cabinet Report and appendices from 22nd March 2023

•           Extract from Minutes of Cabinet 22nd March 2023

 

Following the Council’s procedure for consideration of items called in, the Chair invited Councillor Colin McKenzie, Sponsor of the Call In to speak first.

 

Councillor McKenzie explained the headline reasons for the Call in can be seen on the Call in form, which is included in the agenda. They are, namely:

 

-       Concerns regarding objectivity and independence of the Site Options Analysis

-       Possible factual inaccuracies in the reports

-       Funding status

-       Concerns decision has been made based on poor information

 

He said that he had spoken to many residents regarding this issue, and he felt it was clear that there is distrust from the community in the decision that has been made and suggested the Council and Hyndburn Leisure were using the reports to try and justify a bad decision. He said that he, and many others, felt like building a new facility at Wilsons was always the preferred option by the Cabinet and Hyndburn Leisure and that any subsequent reports or surveys commissioned have been done so in a favourable manner to Wilsons.

 

Cllr McKenzie wished to shared the views of local residents and groups. He first referred to comments received from Great Harwood Otters, a local swimming club who raised the following points:

 

-       Major repair work was carried our previously on the pool at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre

-       Opening a new pool in Clayton-Le-Moors means there will be 3 pools in the Accrington area and none in Great Harwood

-       Since the club moved to Hyndburn Leisure Centre, there has been a lack of new children from Great Harwood joining

-       The planned 25m 4 lane pool is not big enough for club use, they don’t feel there will be enough public users to make it sustainable

-       The club have never been consulted with

-       Nobody wants a pool in Clayton-Le-Moors

 

Cllr McKenzie said that he was happy to see that the Site Options Analysis had been redone, he still had concerns:

 

-       RAG charts are objective

-       The criteria selected for scoring favoured Wilsons. It looks like it was created to fit the preferred option

-       Some of the scoring for Wilsons is questionable, particularly around accessibility, visibility and capacity.

-       Lack of work gone into establishing ownership details for the former gas holding site

 

Finally, Cllr McKenzie said that costs were a major concern. Sport England had objected to the planning application, so does this mean the £2 million is it a risk? In addition, if planning permission is granted, any conditions added such as improvements to the track, access routes and flooding will add significant costs and the project is in danger of spiralling.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr McKenzie and invited Cllr Marlene Haworth, the Portfolio Holder to explain the reasons for the decision.

 

Cllr Haworth said that the report to Cabinet on 22^nd March informed of a new site options analysis report carried out by an independent organisation after concerns were raised with the original analysis. That report, carried out independently, clearly shows that Wilsons is the most suitable site for the development of a new leisure centre. Many Councils across the country are shutting leisure centres. Building a new leisure centre is extremely positive. Unfortunately, Mercer Hall Leisure Centre is not viable and all evidence shows this. However, I am committed to consulting with Great Harwood residents to ensure the building is repurposed.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr Haworth and invited officers to speak on the matter. Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure spoke first. She said that the project is about investing in the health of Hyndburn. Hyndburn Leisure want to make Hyndburn a better place to live. Hyndburn has a worrying health profile and is significantly worse than average for many health statistics which can be improved by physical activity. A new fit for purpose facility will allow more people to benefit from health improvements. Wilsons is the best option and that is why it is preferred, and the independent reports which have been commissioned show this.

 

Martin Dyson, Executive Director (Resources) said he wished to respond to the financial comments. The budget for the project is £12 million. £5 million of this is from the Council’s reserves, up to £5 million will be from borrowing and £2 million from a Sport England grant.

 

The Chair indicated that he had a few questions and he would then open it up to the Committee for further questions. Lyndsey Sims responded to the outlined questions.

 

1.    Is there an update on the planning application objections received from Sport England, Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council?

 

 

2.    Have costs been determined for the refurbishment of Mercer Hall Leisure Centre? What are those costs?

 

 

3.    Has a traffic survey been carried out around the Wilsons site?

 

4.    Prior to the closure of the pool at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre, how many people were using it?

 

Cllr Colin McKenzie asked additional questions, which he had received from a member of the public regarding the Active Travel Plan and need to resubmit a planning application after a new sites options analysis had been produced. Jane Ellis, Executive Director (Legal Services) responded. She said that any Planning decision is separate from this Cabinet decision that has been called in. Whilst the Site Options Analysis informs an important part of the decision breaking process for the Cabinet, independent specialist advice has said that this document would not be of material consideration to the planning process. Lyndsey Sims added more detail regarding the Active Travel Plan and the potential for additional parking.

 

The Chair asked for clarity on the flood risks identified at the various sites on the Site Options Analysis. The Leader of the Council responded and added that Planning may be able to provide more detailed information on flood risk zones.

 

Cllr Paddy Short said it seems that the objections to the planning application will be resolved which is very positive. He asked if there will be extra costs to resolve the objections. Lyndsey Sims responded. She said the only likely additional cost due to objections would be drainage works on the pitches which would be required in a few years, however, it is likely drainage work would have had to be carried out anyway even without a new leisure centre on site.

 

Cllr Carole Haythornthwaite asked about potential school use of the new site. Lyndsey Sims responded. Generally school swimming is covered by the 2 current pools at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and Accrington Academy. Schools in close proximity are likely to use the new site however she is keen to limit the number of coaches travelling to the new centre. She does however forecast 600 children on the new learn to swim programme.

 

The Chair asked if the £12 million budget was comparable to other similar builds. Lyndsey Sims responded and said it was. She also said the design and build procurement process meant that prices were locked in with very low risk of overspend.

 

Cllr Peter Edwards asked about car parking issues. Lyndsey Sims responded. The guidance for a site of this size is 60-90 spaces. The site will have 113. There is also early consideration being given to additional parking on the Warwick Avenue side of the site and relocating the park run start/finish to this point.

 

Cllr Paddy Short asked if the £2million Sport England grant was available for any of the other considered sites. Lyndsey Sims said no.

 

Ken Moss said he wished to raise several points regarding the concerns voiced by Cllr McKenzie. He said:

 

-       There are huge benefits to co—locating the new facility alongside other sporting facilities

-       Every large planning application raises concerns over traffic, but LCC had not objected and a traffic survey did not show any major problems

-       Cost efficiency is vital in order to continue to provide facilities to members of the public. Wilsons is the most cost efficient site. Improving Mercer Hall Leisure Centre would not be cost efficient.

-       Asked if a Labour controlled Council would invest in maintaining a swimming pool at Mercer Hall

 

Cllr Andrew Clegg pointed out that this was a non-political committee and he had always treated it as such. Politics should not be brought in to any decision. Cllr Danny Cassidy said he agreed with this point. He also said a Leisure Centre will serve the whole borough. Not just the people who live nearest to it.

 

The Chair invited Cllr McKenzie to sum up. Cllr McKenzie said that he had raised a number of concerns and in summing up:

 

-       Why has fixing Mercer Hall been discarded as an option, as opposed to fitting the proposed new facilities into this site?

-       Wilsons is the not the best site for this facility. The risk to the Council is far higher as this site will not be used by enough people.

-       Great Harwood would be much better, has a higher footfall, more houses within walking distance and the added benefit of town centre businesses benefitting

-       The public are not happy with this decision and it should be reconsidered.

 

The Chair thanked Cllr McKenzie for his contribution and asked Cllr Haworth to respond.  Cllr Haworth made the following points:

 

-       Wilsons is the best possible site and all evidence points to this

-       She understands the public concern and remembers similar concern when the dance hall at Mercer Hall was replaced with the pool

-       She is committed to consulting with the people of Great Harwood on repurposing Mercer Hall

 

The Chair thanked Cllr Haworth and the Officers for their contribution.

 

Cllr McKenzie moved a recommendation;

 

“To refer the decision back to the decision making person or body for reconsideration, due to the concerns outlined in the call in form and discussed in today’s meeting.”

 

The recommendation was seconded by Cllr Bernard Dawson. The recommendation received 2 votes in favour, 5 against and 2 abstentions, therefore was not carried.

 

Cllr Danny Cassidy moved the following recommendation:

 

“That the decision be released in full for implementation.”

 

The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Loraine Cox. The recommendation received 5 votes in favour, 2 against and 2 abstentions.

 

Resolved        -           That the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee releases the Cabinet Decision which was subject to call in, in full for implementation.

 

The decision released in full is as follows:

 

“That Cabinet:

Agrees to replace the current Mercer Hall Leisure Facility and Wilson Pavilion with a new facility at Wilson Playing Fields, as detailed in paragraph 4.5 and supported by the Site Options Analysis Study;

 

And;

 

Agrees to progress feasibility work to repurpose Mercer Hall, to ensure that it remains a community asset.”