34.27.1 The 1991 Census shows that Ponteland has an above average proportion of younger people (10-19 years) and also in the age group (40-54 years). An adequate provision of formal recreational open space is required to meet the differing needs of these sections of the population.

34.27.2 The following areas of formal playing fields for organised games exist in Ponteland:-




At the Ponteland Leisure Centre the playing fields are fully used by the local community.

34.27.3 In Ponteland a demand has been established for tennis courts and hockey pitches and land is available to the east of the Leisure Centre, amounting to 4.66 hectares, in the ownership of the Council, to meet this need. The land is let on an annual agricultural tenancy and available to compensate for any other land needs arising from other changes of use within the existing Leisure Centre site. Car parking associated with the construction of the new swimming pool is currently being assessed to monitor its adequacy. Should provision prove to be inadequate, this land would be available to relocate the rugby pitch in order to provide new car parking to meet the needs of the swimming pool and to provide additional recreational facilities.