MILTON KEYNES Sports Development, Leisure Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy - REPORT
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MILTON KEYNES
Sports Development, Leisure Facilities
and Playing Pitch Strategy
REPORT
SECTION ONE
BACKGROUND
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October 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 6
The character of Milton Keynes .................................................................................. 7
The Geography ................................................................................................... 7
Population Growth ............................................................................................ 10
Deprivation ........................................................................................................ 13
Ethnic Minorities ............................................................................................ 15
Health Issues ................................................................................................. 15
Milton Keynes Health Profile ............................................................................. 15
Participation patterns ............................................................................................ 18
Milton Keynes Active People Findings .............................................................. 18
Background ....................................................................................................... 18
Overview of Milton Keynes................................................................................ 18
Sport/activity specific findings ........................................................................ 21
Satisfaction levels .......................................................................................... 24
Ethnicity ......................................................................................................... 25
Market segmentation information ...................................................................... 25
Policy context ....................................................................................................... 27
National ............................................................................................................. 27
Regional Strategies ........................................................................................... 30
County Sports Partnership ................................................................................ 33
Milton Keynes ................................................................................................... 34
Neighbouring Authority Strategies .................................................................... 36
Consultation .......................................................................................................... 38
Household survey – brief summary of methodology and key findings .............. 38
Sample and methodology .............................................................................. 38
Summary of findings ...................................................................................... 38
Facilities used ............................................................................................ 38
Satisfaction with facilities ........................................................................... 39
Focus groups/consultation event ............................................................... 48
Club survey ....................................................................................................... 49
Land Use Planning ................................................................................................... 57
Integration with planning policies .......................................................................... 57
Adopting the Leisure Facility Strategy within the planning system ....................... 57
Specific elements needing adoption .......................................................... 57
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Planning and Funding ........................................................................................... 60
Regeneration and Growth Points .......................................................................... 60
Sustainable Design and Operation ....................................................................... 61
Design Guidance .................................................................................................. 62
Planning Policies impacting on Milton Keynes ...................................................... 62
Regional Spatial Strategy (Draft South East Plan) ............................................ 62
Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy .............................. 62
Milton Keynes Local Plan 2001-2011 ............................................................... 63
Local Development Framework: Core Strategy Preferred Options, September
2007 .................................................................................................................. 64
Supplementary Planning Guidance on Planning Obligations for ....................... 66
Leisure, Recreation and Sport Facilities............................................................ 66
The Milton Keynes Urban Development Area Tariff: Supplementary ................ 66
Planning Document ........................................................................................... 66
Milton Keynes Partnership: Business Plan 2007/08 – 2011/12 ......................... 67
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FIGURE CONTENTS
Figure 1: Urban-rural classification ........................................................................ 8
Figure 2: Population Density in Milton Keynes ...................................................... 9
Figure 3: Population age structure 2007 to 2026 ................................................. 10
Figure 4: Strategy sub areas ............................................................................... 12
Figure 5: Growth by strategy sub area from 2007 to 2021, and to 2026 .............. 13
Figure 6: Index of multiple deprivation 2007 Milton Keynes ................................ 14
Figure 7: Health inequalities; a local perspective ................................................. 16
Figure 8: Participation amongst family group members ....................................... 19
Figure 9: Participation by Super Output Area ...................................................... 20
Figure 10: Walking by IPF nearest neighbour authorities ...................................... 21
Figure 11: Participation in swimming by IPF authorities ........................................ 22
Figure 12: Participation in key sports ..................................................................... 23
Figure 13: Participation by gender ......................................................................... 24
Figure 14: The percentage of the adult population satisfied with local sports
provision ............................................................................................... 25
Figure 15: Dominant Market Segments by MSOA in Milton Keynes ..................... 26
Figure 16: Levels of dissatisfaction amongst users ............................................... 39
Figure 17: Levels of satisfaction amongst users .................................................... 39
Figure 18: Area of residence ................................................................................. 41
Figure 19: Total sample – facilities used by households in Milton Keynes ............ 42
Figure 20: Location of facilities used outside Milton Keynes .................................. 44
Figure 21: Reasons for using facilities outside Milton Keynes ............................... 45
Figure 22: Satisfaction levels amongst users ........................................................ 46
Figure 23: Satisfaction levels by sub area ............................................................. 47
Figure 24: Priorities for investment by sub area .................................................... 48
Figure 25: Response to Questionnaire .................................................................. 50
Figure 26: Location of clubs that responded .......................................................... 50
Figure 27: Teams shown by gender ...................................................................... 51
Figure 28: Clubs’ percentage membership from “target groups” ........................... 52
Figure 29: Catchment areas of clubs ..................................................................... 52
Figure 30: Quality issues around pitch sport facilities ............................................ 53
Figure 31: Quality Issues for all clubs .................................................................... 54
Figure 32: Number of coaches in clubs ................................................................. 54
Figure 33: Issues impacting upon future growth of clubs ....................................... 55
Figure 34: Areas of assistance needed ................................................................. 56
Figure 35: Frequency of contact with sporting agencies ........................................ 56
Figure 36: Proposed facilities hierarchy ................................................................. 59
Figure 37: Core Strategy Preferred Options, growth of Milton Keynes .................. 65
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INTRODUCTION
This suite of documents examines the current sports development issues in Milton
Keynes. It then goes on to identify the future demand for leisure facilities and
playing pitches in the area and explores how these should be provided in order to try
and address the issues arising and to increase physical activity amongst all sections
of the community.
The Background section provides an overarching view of the Borough and
surrounding area and summarises the issues emerging from the wide ranging
consultation undertaken as part of this work.
The remainder of the document is divided into 3 separate, but linked, sections:-
• Sports Development
• Leisure Facilities
• Playing Pitches
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SECTION ONE
BACKGROUND
THE CHARACTER OF MILTON KEYNES
1. Milton Keynes is best known for its rapidly growing city, but the Borough also
encompasses some rural areas to the north and east, plus the separate town
of Newport Pagnell and several villages including Olney. The Leisure
Facilities Strategy takes into account the young population of the new areas of
the city, the aging population of the more established areas, and the very
stable populations of the rural areas. The emerging standards which will
guide planning policies for new provision are supplemented by an investment
strategy for the existing facility network, both for built facilities and playing
fields.
The Geography
2. The nature of Milton Keynes is probably best illustrated by a map showing the
rural and urban areas. Figure 1 is from the Active Places database of Sport
England, and it also shows the location of the sports facilities across MK.
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October 2008Figure 1: Urban-rural classification
(Source: Sport England, Active Places Power)
Symbol • Range
Urban > 10K
Town and Fringe
Village
Hamlet & Isolated Dwelling
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October 20083. This is a similar map to the one in Figure 2, which depicts the variation in
population density across all wards.
Figure 2: Population Density in Milton Keynes
(Source: Milton Keynes Council, 2001 census)
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October 2008Population Growth
4. In April 2008 Milton Keynes Council (MKC) produced a new set of population
figures for the whole of the local authority. The total population in 2007 was
estimated to be 226,581, with an anticipated growth to almost 298,000 by
2021, and 324,000 by 2026. The age of the population is illustrated in Figure
3. This shows that there will be an overall increase in population, particularly
amongst the younger age groups.
Figure 3: Population age structure 2007 to 2026
(Source: MKC, April 2008)
5. In order to make the findings and recommendations of the Leisure Facilities
Strategy and Playing Pitch Strategy specific to different parts of Milton
Keynes, the borough was divided into seven sub-areas. These were used in
the previous Playing Pitch Strategy and have proven effective in providing a
rationale for the location of new facilities. The areas are reasonably
homogenous within themselves, but when compared have markedly different
characteristics. The following is a very simplistic portrait of each area:
Central Milton Keynes – future focus for growth, includes the city centre and
surrounding residential areas, some of which now require regeneration.
North MK – well established area of MK with fairly limited additional growth.
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October 2008South – primarily the town of Bletchley.
West – area of relatively recent expansion and new housing, with further
major development planned and under construction.
East – area planned to have significant development, more than doubling its
population before 2026.
Rural East – rural area with villages but also including Newport Pagnell and
Olney. No population growth expected up to 2026.
Rural West – the primarily rural area to the north west of Milton Keynes.
Small population and no significant growth planned.
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October 2008Figure 4: Strategy sub areas
6. The populations across the sub-areas vary substantially, from just over 4,000
people in the Rural West area, to almost 57,000 in the North. Whilst it is
anticipated that most of the sub-areas will see substantial population growth in
the period up to 2026, the recent changes in the economic climate may
change the rate of housing completions, impacting upon the population
projections of February 2008 which are illustrated below in Figure 5.
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October 2008Figure 5: Growth by strategy sub area from 2007 to 2021, and to 2026
7. The standards of provision for sport and recreation facilities and playing fields
are based on these population projections. Should Milton Keynes grow more
slowly than anticipated, then the standards proposed will still remain valid, as
they are rates of provision per 1000 population. However, the phasing of the
delivery/ implementation of the specific facility proposals will be slower, in line
with the housing growth.
Deprivation
8. The Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (IMD) shows that Milton Keynes is
ranked 212 out of 354 Local Authority Districts (with 1 being the most
deprived). On the whole much of Milton Keynes could not be considered
deprived. In fact, 49 Lower Super Output areas (LSOAs) are in the least
deprived 20% in England. However, 15 LSOAs are in the most deprived
20%, with 6 of these being in the most deprived 10% of the country. The
most deprived areas are within Eaton Manor and Woughton wards. The
residents in these areas also have some of the lowest exercise participation
rates in the area. Figures 6 and 9 demonstrate a clear link between
deprivation and low participation in sport.
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October 2008Figure 6: Index of multiple deprivation 2007 Milton Keynes
(Source: MK Council)
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October 2008Ethnic Minorities
9. The following are key facts drawn from the 2001 Census:
• Milton Keynes has a primarily white population (90.7%);
• The non white population of Milton Keynes stands at 8.9%, well above the
4.6% average for the South East region;
• The largest ethnic minority groups in Milton Keynes are; white other
(2.5%), Indian (1.9%), white Irish (1.4%) and black African (1.3%).
10. Since the 2001 Census there has been in-migration of Eastern Europeans,
but the numbers, and therefore their potential impact upon the sport and
recreation needs of Milton Keynes, is uncertain. The BME population is
generally much younger than the white British one with proportionally more
children.
Health Issues
Milton Keynes Health Profile
11. The following are key points relating to health in Milton Keynes:
• Milton Keynes is a rapidly growing city with a younger population than the
rest of England;
• Life expectancy is increasing but there are large variations between
different income groups. Women in Milton Keynes can expect to live
shorter lives than the England average;
• While healthy lifestyles are similar to the England average, an estimated 1
in 6 adults binge drink. Over 1 in 5 are obese;
• The death rate from smoking is higher than the England average, with
smoking accounting for over 300 deaths each year. Early death rates from
cancer are also higher than the average rate for England;
• More people are admitted to hospital for alcohol specific conditions than
the England average;
• The rate of hip fracture in people aged 65 and over is higher than that for
England.
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October 200812. The local health priorities are as follows :
• Reduce cancer and respiratory disease mortality;
• Develop and implement tobacco control strategy including smoking
cessation;
• Continue to reduce teenage pregnancies in targeted areas;
• Develop and implement alcohol control strategy;
• Halt the further rise in obesity levels.
13. Figure 7 shows inequalities in life expectancy (2001-05) at birth for men and
women for the 5 local income groups within Milton Keynes.
Figure 7: Health inequalities; a local perspective
(Source: Association of Public Health Observatories. Department of Health. Milton Keynes
Local health Profile 2007)
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October 200814. Two reports produced in 2007 address the growing issues of adult health and
obesity. The “Adult Lifestyle Survey” (produced by Milton Keynes Council and
the PCT) is the first survey of this kind to fill the gaps in knowledge about health
and lifestyles locally. It has a series of key recommendations around physical
activity:
• Work with leisure providers to offer reduced admission charges to young
people and offer a buddy system to encourage more people to use the
facilities;
• Target activities at older age groups to encourage those not participating to do
so;
• Improve perception of safety on the Redway network to encourage greater
use through social marketing;
• Provide physical activity opportunities for people who are overweight and
obese to help them combat their weight.
15. The second report, Obesity Prevention Strategy 2007-2010” produced by Milton
Keynes PCT, calls for the need for a Physical Activity Strategy to assist
professionals and help the general public to develop programmes or behaviours to
increase physical activity. It highlights the need to improve the environment that
promotes, rather than hinders activity, having high quality PE in 85% of schools by
2008 and ensuring a programme of activities is sustainable. The main aim is to halt
the rise in obesity levels by 2010 through improving knowledge and attitudes
towards to healthier eating and physical activity.
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October 2008Participation patterns
Milton Keynes Active People Findings
Background
16. The Active People Survey was developed to assist in measuring and
evaluating levels of participation in sport and physical activity participation.
The survey was commissioned by Sport England and conducted by Ipsos
Mori in 2005/06. The primary aim of the Active People Survey is to measure
levels of participation in sport and active recreation. In addition, other key
variables were measured including memberships, competition and the
contribution to sport through voluntary activity.
17. The Survey captured data from 363,724 adult (16+) participants in England by
telephone interview. At least 1,000 interviews were conducted per local
authority.
18. This section provides a picture of levels of participation amongst the
population of Milton Keynes and where possible /appropriate compares those
figures to similar authorities. In relation to the assessment of participation,
local authorities can most effectively be compared using the Institute of Public
Finance (IPF) Nearest Neighbour groups. These are based on a number of
indicators to create 'family groups'. 'Nearest neighbours' does not refer to
geographic neighbours but to authorities that have similar characteristics for
example demographic, economic and social factors.
19. There are 15 comparator authorities in the IPF grouping. From these, the five
most comparable are used for the Leisure Facilities section of this report. The
ONS group consists of: Peterborough, Swindon, Telford & Wrekin, Thurrock
and Warrington.
Overview of Milton Keynes
20. Nationally, 21.0% of respondents to the Active People Survey participate in at
least 30 minutes of moderate sport or physical activity for 3 days each week
(KPI 1). In Milton Keynes the figure is 20.2%. Levels of participation compared
to the other authorities in the family group are shown in Figure 8.
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October 2008Figure 8: Participation amongst family group members
21. It was, however, stated by 49.2% of people in Milton Keynes that they
undertake no activity at all compared to 50.6% at national level.
22. The map at Figure 9 shows estimates of participation at Middle Super Output
Area level. These are maps based on the 3x30 Active People participation rate
and the estimates have been created using a model which takes account of
factors which influence sports participation such as deprivation, ethnicity, social
grade, employment status and educational attainment. It is important to note
that these are estimates, as the lowest level for which the Active People
provides actual results is the local authority level.
23. Represented in this way it provides a graphic demonstration of the overall
levels of activity in sport and active recreation and the differences between the
rural and urban areas of the authority.
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October 2008Figure 9: Participation by Super Output Area
(source, Sport England 2007)
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October 2008Sport/activity specific findings
24. According to the Active People Survey the rates for walking in Milton Keynes
are in the bottom 25% for the country as a whole. Around 17% of respondents
say that they undertake at least one recreational walk lasting 30 minutes at
moderate intensity in a 4 week period, as opposed to 20% of respondents at
national level.
25. Whilst informal walking and cycling have the potential to significantly
contribute to increasing levels of participation in physical activity, any
proposals in relation to facilities for these types of activity will be contained
within the MK Parks Strategy and MKC Open Spaces Strategy and do not fall
within the remit of this document which focuses on built facilities.
Figure 10: Walking by IPF nearest neighbour authorities
26. Rates of participation in swimming are low compared to the national and
regional averages and 4th from bottom in the IPF group. (Figure 11)
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October 2008Figure 11: Participation in swimming by IPF authorities
27. Figure 12 shows Milton Keynes performance compared to the national figures
in the 5 key activities of cycling, walking, swimming, football and gym. Of
these, only participation in recreational cycling and outdoor football are above
the national average. It is not possible to compare participation levels in other
sports as the numbers involved are too low to provide a statistically valid result.
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October 2008Figure 12: Participation in key sports
Participation in key sports
25
20
Percentage participation
15
Milton Keynes UA (LA)
National
10
5
0
Cycling Walking Swimming Football Gym
28. The levels of participation for males and females are similar to the national
picture but with the participation rate for men being slightly higher than the
national average.
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October 2008Figure 13: Participation by gender
Participation by gender
30
25
Percentage participation
20
Milton Keynes UA (LA)
15
National (NAT)
10
5
0
Male Female
Satisfaction levels
29. According to the Active People survey 78.3% of Milton Keynes residents said
they were satisfied with Milton Keynes’ sports facilities compared to 69.5%
nationally. The question asked is broad and does not differentiate between
different facility types. These results conflict with the findings of the household
survey and are explored in more detail later in this report.
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October 2008Figure 14: The percentage of the adult population satisfied with local sports
provision
(Age & Gender Analysis)
90
80
70
% 60
50 Male
40 Female
30
20
10
0
16-24 25-34 35-54 55+
Ethnicity
30. Because of the relatively small numbers involved it is not possible to use the
Active People survey results to provide robust information about levels of
participation in individual sports by ethnic groups across Milton Keynes.
Market segmentation information
31. Sport England has developed nineteen sporting segments to help explain
the nation’s attitudes and motivations towards sport. Using Active People and
Taking Part data, the data was analysed to identify groupings according to sport
and active recreation behaviour and attitudes. Significant work has been
undertaken to ensure that the results are statistically robust and reflect reality.
32. The data provides information on the types of activity likely to appeal to each
group or segment, their motivation (or lack of) in relation to physical activity and
likely lifestyle choices. A summary of the individual segments is set out in
Appendix 1 and mapped for Milton Keynes as Figure 15.
33. Data on the distribution of the market segments is available at Super Output
Area level. Using this information the dominant market segment has been
mapped for across the Borough. Viewed in conjunction with a summary of the
characteristics of each segment, it is possible to draw some conclusions about
the characteristics of the populations and the sports development interventions
and facilities that are likely to be most effective/attractive at a local level.
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October 2008Figure 15: Dominant Market Segments by MSOA in Milton Keynes
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October 2008Policy context
34. There is a vast range of key documents that these strategies will need to take
into account when looking at external influences on sports development, and
patterns and trends which may affect sports participation, health and physical
activity. The key documents have been summarised below.
National
Grow Sustain Excel - Sport England Strategy 2008 – 2011
35. With the Olympics and Paralympics due to come to the UK in 2012 the
government has asked Sport England to review its approach to community
sport in England.
36. The emerging strategy aims to ensure that:
• a substantial – and growing – number of people from across the
community play sport;
• talented people from all backgrounds are identified early, nurtured and
have the opportunity to progress to the elite level; and
• everyone who plays sport has a quality experience and is able to fulfil their
potential.
37. In the future Sport England’s role will be to focus exclusively on sport. Sport
can and does play a major role in achieving wider social and economic
benefits - notably on the health front. However, the driving force behind the
strategy and investment is to address the needs of sport participants across
the country. This provides a clear distinction with the physical activity agenda
being driven by a number of departments, including the Department of Health
and Department of Transport.
38. Sport England will continue to work with the Youth Sport Trust to ensure that
young people have the opportunity to participate in a min of five hours high
quality PE and sport each week – “the Five Hour Offer”. They will also jointly
focus on reducing the drop-off in participation at the age of 16 partly by
facilitating the development of a modern sports club network in partnership
with National Governing Bodies. The resulting multi-sport clubs will provide a
diverse range of opportunities to fit with modern lifestyles and needs.
39. As a result of these changes it is hoped that there will be increasing
participation in NGB-accredited clubs by a third of all 5-16 year-olds by 2010.
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October 200840. NGBs will be ‘commissioned’ by Sport England to deliver against the key
outcomes highlighted above. The NGBs will have greater autonomy over the
investment of public funds within their sport – along with greater responsibility
for the delivery of the outcomes.
41. During the second half of 2008 NGBs are developing their Whole-Sport Plans
to illustrate how they propose to deliver against these outcomes. These plans
will be assessed and reviewed by Sport England, with NGBs then being given
a single four-year grant to deliver.
42. Coaches and volunteers will continue to play a critical role in the achievement
of all three public outcomes – developing talent, improving satisfaction and
encouraging participation. Sport England will work with NGB’s to support and
develop this involvement.
43. As a consequence of its new strategy Sport England is committed to
delivering:
• 1m people doing more sport by 2012-13;
• A reduction in post-16 drop-off in at least five sports by 25% by 2012-13
(sports not yet identified);
• A quantifiable increase in satisfaction (actual measure to be determined1);
• Improved talent development systems in at least 25 sports (sports not yet
identified;
• A major contribution to the delivery of the Five Hour Sport Offer.
44. Youth Matters, the Government’s Youth Green paper was published in July
2005 and following a period of consultation, Youth Matters – Next Steps was
published in early 2006. This sets out the vision for empowering young people,
giving them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
45. Key to sport’s contribution is Chapter 3 on Empowering Young People:
Things to do and Places to go. This focuses on the opportunities that the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London will bring and provides a
tremendous incentive for all young people to participate in a whole range of
positive sporting, volunteering and cultural activities.
46. There is reference to the Extended Schools programme and central
Government support to increase sporting opportunities for older teenagers and
those not in school by investing in a network of local youth sport development
managers. In addition they will be piloting ‘opportunity cards’ to use on sport
and other constructive activities.
47. Published in January 2008, the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People
outlines the Government’s achievement to date and the future action required,
building on the previous Physical Education School Sport Club Links (PESSCL)
strategy. Additional work identified includes:
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October 2008• Creating new sporting opportunities for young people in the FE sector by
appointing FE sport co-ordinators, linked to School Sport Partnership.
• Investing in more coaching in schools, FE colleges and community sports
networks.
• Providing a more attractive range of sporting activity based on what young
people say they want.
• Creating a national network – one in each partnership – of multi-sport
clubs for young people with disabilities.
• Establishing a National School Sport Week, championed by Dame Kelly
Holmes, motivating young people to take part in competitive sport.
48. Improving the health of the nation and tackling health inequalities are high
priorities at the current time for both the public and the government. The Chief
Medical Officer (CMO) report 2004 confirms that regular participation in sport
can:
• Reduce the likelihood of ill health and illnesses and reduce the mortality
risk.
• Help to tackle obesity.
• Support healthy growth in young people and encourage the adoption of a
healthy lifestyle.
• Contribute to older people leading more independent lives.
• Reduce healthcare costs and workplace absence.
49. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published a
report in January 2008 on “Promoting and creating built or natural
environments that encourage and support physical activity.” The guidance
is for NHS and other professionals such as planners, who have a direct or
indirect role in – and responsibility for – the built or natural environment. This
includes those working in local authorities and the education, community,
voluntary and private sectors.
50. There are recommendations in relation to transport, public open spaces,
buildings and schools. The key message coming out is about ensuring the
potential for physical activity is maximised in any planned developments and
ensuring that local services are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. It also
stresses the need to ensure children can participate in physically active play.
51. All of the recommendations in the document will help to address the
government’s Public Service Agreement targets around :
• Improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people;
• Promoting better health and wellbeing for all;
• Increasing the uptake of cultural and sporting opportunities by adults and
young people aged 16 and above;
• Delivering a successful Olympic Games in 2012 and a sustainable legacy.
52. Two other significant documents produced in 2006 and 2007 come from Sport
Nation. This is an independent sports think-tank which aims to radically change
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October 2008views on key issues in sport in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics. The
panel is made up of some of the most influential thinkers in British sport,
business and academia.
53. The documents are entitled “Are we missing the coach for 2012?” and “A
Sporting Chance”. The former document examines Britain’s current coaching
structures and identified a number of barriers that prevent gifted and talented
young performers from reaching their maximum potential. These include:
• Weaknesses in the coaching system for ensuring that talented athletes
access appropriate coaching support, of sufficient quality, when and where
they require it;
• Funding deficiencies at the crucial developmental levels;
• A limited pool of talented coaches;
• An over-reliance on volunteerism as the backbone of our coaching
system;
• A filtering effect in sport which makes it less likely that sports participants,
who are members of minority groups, will progress to high performance
levels, coaching and to other sports delivery roles;
• A lack of any systematic strategies to address the issues raised by current
trends in family life that make it difficult for many families to support young
talented performers to the extent expected.
54. A Sporting Chance states that many children are missing out on sporting
opportunities because of the time of year in which they are born (i.e. Spring and
Summer). The report found that this had a knock-on effect in schools where
there could be a year’s difference in age between children in the same class.
Evidence showed that often the younger ones were ignored in favour of their
older friends. Potential solutions put forward included the need to review the
competition structure by each sport and to rethink game formats to widen
opportunities.
Regional Strategies
55. The Regional Economic Strategy’s (2006 – 2016) key objective is that by
2016 the south east will be a world class region achieving sustainable
prosperity. It focuses on 3 strands of economic development:
• Promoting excellence for global competitiveness;
• Smart growth spreading the benefits of competitiveness and lifting under
performance;
• Sustainable prosperity consistent with the principles of sustainable
development.
56. Promotion of a healthy workforce is an important part of all three of the above
strands and therefore links directly into a physical activity plan for Milton
Keynes.
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October 200857. There are a number of key strategic documents which make the link between
health and physical activity. A key issue also appears to be the need to develop
more work based activity programmes across the region.
58. The South East England Health Strategy was launched at the South East
annual public health conference on 7th February 2008. The strategy focuses on
six themes where partners working together can make the most difference.
These are:
• Reducing health inequalities;
• Promoting a sustainable region;
• Promoting safer communities;
• Increasing the positive relationship between employment and health;
• Improving outcomes for children and young people;
• Improving outcomes in later life.
59. The strategy acknowledges that whilst the south east region is one of the
healthiest regions in England, the statistics hide the enormous variations that
exist regarding life expectancy across the region. In addition, the work sickness
absence rate for the region is higher than the national average. It goes on to
say that lifestyle factors are also having a negative impact on child and
adolescent health, with levels of obesity rising and physical activity levels
falling.
60. Relevant key actions relate to:
• Developing and implementing a regional action plan for coordinating work
on physical activity;
• Encouraging the development of community-led play and leisure activities;
• Supporting the adoption of green space initiatives e.g. Green Gyms;
• Increasing levels of physical activity both during work and on the journey
to work;
• Capitalising on the 2012 Games to create opportunities for all children and
young people to take up sporting activities;
• Improving physical fitness among older people by encouraging regular
exercise.
61. “Choosing Health in the South East: Physical Activity” produced in 2008 by
the NHS/SEPHO (South East England Public Health Observatory) is the latest
in a series of lifestyle reports by SEPHO to support the delivery of the ‘Choosing
Health’ White Paper in the region.
62. The key messages coming out of the report are:
• Only 4 out of 10 men and 3 out of 10 women in the South East are active
at the recommended level (5 or more sessions a week of 30 minutes of at
least moderate intensity activity);
• In the South East, young people aged 16–24 spend around 2½ hours each
day on sedentary activities such as watching TV and videos, listening to
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October 2008the radio and music, and reading. This increases to around 4 hours each
day for people aged over 65;
• Lower socio-economic groups have lower levels of participation in sport,
but higher levels of overall physical activity (probably due to the
contribution of activity at work to overall physical activity levels);
• People in the South East travel further on average than people from any
other region, at over 8,000 miles per person per year. Most of this
difference is accounted for by travel by car. Three-quarters of people in the
South East travel to work by car;
• Among children and young people in the South East, 72% of boys and
56% of girls are active at the recommended level of at least an hour a day.
63. The report concludes that people in the South East are more car-reliant than
other regions. In contrast, however, more adults cycle in the South East than in
England as a whole.
64. There are also a number of key Sport England regional reports and strategies
which help to set the context for the new Milton Keynes Strategies. These
include:
• Mission Possible – The South East Strategy for Sport 2004-2008;
• The South East Investment Strategy for Sport – 2006 -09;
The core measure of success in the South East Investment Strategy for
Sport – 2006 -09 is to achieve 30,000 new participants in sport and active
recreation in the south east region by 2013;
• The Value of the Sports Economy in the Regions - South East
Report. This document is dated (2003) but nevertheless important in
determining how much sport brings into the south east economy on an
annual basis. This amounted to £2.1bn being spent by residents on sports
goods and related services in the region. These figures have since been
updated in “Mission Possible” stating that.
“Sport generates £6.8bn in annual turnover and £1.9bn in annual value-
added in the region. This accounts for about 1.5% of the region’s
economy.”
65. The plan has a strong focus on physical activity and sets out a wide range of
actions towards “making the South East an active and successful sporting
region”.
.
66. It should be noted that Sport England recently submitted its headline proposals
for its 2008 – 2011 national strategy to the DCMS. The focus of that work will be
to operate at a strategic level primarily with and through national governing
bodies of sport whilst drawing in other partners including local authorities. It was
also stated that regional teams would have a tighter focus working with county
sport partnerships on delivering specific outcomes.
67. “Women’s Participation in Sport in the South East of England” (updated
2007) by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation is a factsheet - used as a
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October 2008proactive tool for partner agencies in the region to promote and advocate
women's activity. Its data is taken from the Active People Survey and shows
that amongst others:
“Asian women are the least likely of all ethnic minority groups to take part
regularly in sport: just 13% of Asian women and 15% of African and
Caribbean women take part in sport or active recreation at least three times a
week for 30 minutes compared with 21% of White women and 18% of women
from the Mixed ethnic group”.
68. Whilst for many areas such as regular sports participation, volunteering and
membership of clubs, women in the south east exceeded the national figures;
the document provides a useful reference for sports providers and policy
makers across the region.
69. The purpose of “Older People, Sport and Active Recreation” (2007) was to
build on previous knowledge about sport and active recreation among the older
population, gathering data relevant to the South East and to focus on greater
qualitative detail from older people in the area concerning barriers to
participation and ways of overcoming these. The report is produced by Age
Concern and found that:
• Although there is evidence to suggest that uptake of this age group in
sporting activities is slowly increasing, their overall level of involvement is
relatively low;
• In the South East participation rates are higher than other regions in
England, but are still relatively low (c. 12%);
• Personal achievement is important and this age group want to engage in
activities that they can do at a more leisurely pace with an emphasis on
‘fun’ and ‘enjoyment’;
• Generally, the type of physical activities that individuals are likely to want
to engage in as they get older shifts from competitive contact and
organised team sports to other forms of physical recreation activities such
a bowls, walking and swimming;
• A key recommendation coming from the document is that service
providers need to better understand their target market through active
consultation and through better promotional techniques such as positive
images of older people;
• A further recommendation was that the social element of sport and
recreational activities should increasingly be promoted to encourage
participation amongst this age group’.
County Sports Partnership
70. In Buckinghamshire, the PESSCL Survey results 2006 produced by the Bucks
and Milton Keynes Sports Partnership provides an overview of PE, School
Sport and Club Links in the partnership. The report is a DFES survey and
summarises the findings for both Leon Specialist Sports College and Radcliffe
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October 2008School. For both schools the results were mixed but against a range of
indicators both were above or just slightly below the national average.
71. Two other documents produced in the last year (2007) relate to potential
opportunities presented by 2012. The first report produced by the Bucks and
Milton Keynes Olympic Coordination Group is entitled “2012 Games – Are You
Ready?” Recommendations with relevance to Milton Keynes include the need
to increase coaching and volunteering in community sports activities,
developing a programme for using the Games as a means of building
community cohesion in deprived areas and the need to “identify athletic talent
and ensure potential elite athletes of the future have access to training facilities,
sports medicine and dietary advice and support from a mentor with experience
of high level sport”. This report is backed up by the Bucks Sport report
“Maximising the Legacy for Bucks Sport – 2012 – The beginning not the
end” where key themes are identified around building a single system for sport,
increasing physical activity for 2012 and widening access around disability
sport. There is also a whole series of recommendations around young people,
coordinating Talent ID and development, increasing club capacity and
increasing workforce development.
72. Of importance to this report is the “Buckinghamshire Sports Facility
Strategy” (2007) produced for Buckinghamshire County Council. This report
excludes Milton Keynes although MK facilities are identified when looking at
shortfalls in provision across the area as a whole. It’s purpose is to audit all
facilities with the view of identifying priorities for investment in facilities
particularly with reference to the London 2012 Olympic Games and to county
and district wide community and sporting needs.
Milton Keynes
73. There are a large number of strategic documents at a local level which impact
on this research and on future recommendations.
74. The “Council Plan” was produced in 2006 and states that the vision is to “deliver
the best possible future for Milton Keynes by creating sustainable communities and
opportunities for all'.
75. There are a number of key priorities identified in the plan which have an impact on
sports participation. These include:
• To ensure that our communities are sustainable
• To be inclusive and welcoming to all
• To support our children and families
• To promote health and social well being
• To provide high quality services and community leadership
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October 200876. Specific targets are identified which include focussing on increasing membership of
the Passport to Leisure scheme, increasing the number of young people and
children involved in volunteering and a 10% increase in the number of people taking
moderate exercise.
77. The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) has recently refreshed the Milton Keynes
Sustainable “Community Strategy (2004 – 2034)” alongside the new Local Area
Agreement.
78. There are 4 overall LSP Action Plans in the document:
• Reinventing our city spaces and places;
• Delivering The Best Services;
• Facilitating Participative Communities;
• Managing change together.
79. Action Plan 1 contains specific statements in relation to sporting and leisure
provision.
“We aspire to be a modern, vibrant city with community, sporting, educational,
health, culture and leisure facilities and services appropriate for our growing
population and our sub-region..”
Specific targets include:
Increasing the number of:
• Adults participating in sport;
• Children and young people participating in high quality PE and sport.
80. The “Cultural Strategy 2006 – 2012” acts as a framework for supporting a
common strategic direction for culture across Milton Keynes. The document
states that “It will be used by all key entities as the over-arching strategy
connecting the priorities of supporting plans and strategies.”
81. Sport features heavily in the document and throughout the 4 Delivery Themes
of:
• Identity – Diversity, Place and The Centre;
• Engagement – Results, Resource and Recognition;
• Opportunity – Change and Wealth;
• Celebration – Ceremony.
82. There are a number of objectives which relate directly to physical activity and
sport. These include:
• Develop programmes that expand sporting participation and expand the
range of the Milton Keynes sporting 'offer';
• Support developments of new sporting infrastructure and wider
participation with existing sporting facilities;
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October 2008• Expand the BookStart programme and develop a complementary ArtStart
and SportStart programme;
• Support and develop sporting activities and new infrastructure
developments to maximise their impact for all community members.
83. The 10 year vision of the Parks Trust in Milton Keynes “A Strategic Plan for
the Green Estate” envisages under the heading of Animating the Parks, an
events programme with the majority of these organised and run by the
community. It also says that :
“The green estate will host numerous national and international sporting events
such as cricket, cycling, BMX, all terrain boarding, angling, model car racing
and bowls.”
84. The vision also goes on to say that “Physical activity in the parks will be
contributing to the improved health of MK citizens.”
85. The immediate 3 year action plan says that the Trust will “develop an events
strategy which considers the mix of events in terms of the size and nature.
More effort will go into organising large scale events and supporting the
community to deliver events.”
86. The aim of the “Community Safety Strategy 2005-08” is to not only to reduce
crime and disorder but also contribute towards an improved quality of life in Milton
Keynes. The document however, fails to see the potential that sport can contribute to
this agenda.
87. The Milton Keynes Council “Cycling Strategy 2007-08” is still in draft form but
builds on previous documents produced. It is not aimed at the sport of cycling but
focuses on the development of cycling routes throughout the city and the integration
of cycling into the public transport system. The overall aim is to ensure that cycling
needs are integrated into all relevant Milton Keynes strategies and plans and
integrated into new housing and infrastructure developments.
Neighbouring Authority Strategies
88. The main strategic document that could impact on future sports facility provision in
Milton Keynes is “Creating Active Places - Sports Facilities Strategy for the East
of England” and in particular recommendations relating to Bedfordshire. The
current facility proposals are listed below. Other than the proposal for a 50 m pool
and an 8 court sports hall, they appear to have limited potential impact on the
facilities required, or likely to be required, in Milton Keynes itself.
• Proposed rowing lake at Willington;
• A 50m pool in the county (unspecified location);
• Relocation of Luton Town FC;
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