I am hugely supportive of the goals and vision of the CityEdge Project and add that the timelines around the delivery should be brought forward significantly. However, I wish to say that the CEO responses on the feedback submitted as part of the initial public consultation were inadequate in identifying playing facilities. These cannot be accommodated in Linear parks as intimated in the responses and should be incorporated as part of proper planning for this area as was the case in SDZ areas?

CE Response – “Municipal sports facilities have been developed in other parts of the County and may be considered in the future within City Edge, subject to available funding, and other Council priorities at the time.”

Dedicated playing pitch zoning is essential to avoid future shortages of outdoor sports facilities, which is already a challenge in the area designated for the City Edge project. This will be compounded by the future projected population growth envisaged under this much needed plan. For maximum use, these should be situated close to schools (which are not identified in the zonings proposed) and public transport  mobility hubs

.We request that both Councils and design teams:

•Include specific zoning for playing pitches aside from those which are included in linear parks

•Set a minimum number of pitches proportionate to population growth

•Ensure provision of:

oChildren’s play areas

oYouth and adult recreation spaces

oMulti-use open spaces suitable for organised sport for all ages (indoors and outdoors and all weather)