Prior to introducing the report, the Contracts Manager confirmed that he had a personal interest in this matter as his son played for Little Common Football Club (LCFC). 

In order to allow football teams to participate in different leagues of County football, football grounds were required to meet certain criteria set by the Football Association (FA).  Members were advised that LCFC had requested that further ground grading work be undertaken at Pitch 4 at Little Common Recreation Ground.  In order for LCFC to continue to play in their current league, the FA had advised that capacity be increased to the spectator stand and a fence be erected around the pitch.  It was noted that LCFC would meet all costs.

Members were advised that the first team currently played their home games at Eastbourne United (EU).  EU had given notice that LCFC would not be able to play at their ground after the current 2019/20 season.  LCFC had until 31 March 2020 to notify the League as to where they would be playing home games for the 2020/21 season.  It was noted that ground grading improvements had already been undertaken to enable LCFC to progress and continue to play at Little Common up until the end of the 2016/17 season.  Erection of a fence could imply the loss of public open space.  LCFC proposed to keep the pitch accessible by including gates in the fencing which would be open at all times except on match days when a closed gate would be necessary, which would be advertised in advance.  Planning permission would be required for any alterations and a route diversion for a public footpath as identified on Appendix C to the report would need to be applied for.  All costs would be met by the Club.

Legally, the Council was required to advertise the proposed disposal of public open space in the local paper for a two week period and consider any objections received.

Members were supportive in principle and after discussion, it was agreed that the proposed disposal of be advertised in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 and that subject to no objections being received, an eight year lease at £500 per annum be granted to LCFC until 2027 when the pavilion lease expired.  Should objections be made a further report would be made to Cabinet to agree the disposal or not. 

RESOLVED: That:

1)     the proposed disposal by lease of Pitch 4 at Little Common Recreation Ground, shown at Appendix A, be advertised on two consecutive weeks as required by Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972;

2)     if objections are received a further report be presented to Cabinet; OR

3)     if no objections are received, a lease be granted to Little Common Football Club for a term of eight years at £500 per annum rent to tie in with the expiry of the pavilion lease and other terms and conditions to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, without further recourse to Cabinet.