Decision details

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure Services seeking approval for the designation of Portswood Recreation Ground to become a Queen Elizabeth II field in trust.

To celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee there is an opportunity to nominate parks to become a QEII Field in Trust. The benefits of the scheme include; a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high profile national campaign, a method of demonstrating commitment to outdoor recreational space both now and in the future, an excellent and cost effective way to mark the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics, a platform to help achieve key targets around increasing physical activity and promoting the sustainability agenda and access to improvement funds restricted to Queen Elizabeth II Fields. Portswood Recreation Ground has been nominated for this designation, and a Cabinet decision is required to authorise completion of the non-charitable deed of designation. The designation will create a binding and perpetual restriction on future disposals of the site and on the maintenance and use of the site. However, given that this park is already protected under the Core Strategy and National Planning Policy Framework, it is considered that the benefits for the Council and the Local Community would out weigh the restrictions within the deed.

(i)  To approve the entering of a non-charitable deed of designation with the National Playing Fields Association in relation to the Portswood Recreation Ground;

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Economy in consultation with the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services to negotiate the terms of and finalise the non-charitable deed of designation, and undertake such actions necessary to give effect to this decision and the proposals contained within this report.

In order to proceed with the Fields of Trust designation, Southampton City Council must complete and sign the Non-Charitable Deed.

Do Nothing – Portswood Recreation Ground is already nominated, however, we could not sign the Deed of Dedication. This would mean that we would not get our registration number and would not then be eligible for certain unique funding opportunities.  The Friends of Portswood Rec are keen to see the park get QEII Field status and there could be loss of reputation to the Council if we do not deliver.