Monks Lane Sports Hub inquiry to look at decisions made over project by West Berkshire Council

The now ditched Monks Lane Sports Hub project is to get its own inquiry.

West Berkshire Council’s scrutiny committee members approved an investigation into the project, which was approved by the former Tory administration and subsequently dumped by the incoming Lib Dems.

The inquiry will determine whether the Sports Hub project was value for money – the council was going to borrow around £4m to fund it.

It will also determine whether the project would have delivered on the council’s strategic objectives; if it was well managed; and whether reliable and consistent advice was given to members about the project to assist them in their decision-making roles.

The move will involve interviewing the key players in the development of the idea to lease the land from Newbury Rugby Club, which campaigners claimed would end up costing millions when it didn’t need to.

The inquiry will also determine whether the council’s decision to abandon the project in its original form was a strategically and financially sound one and establish whether the council intends to deliver any elements of the original project at Monks Lane - planning permission remains and project funds are being carried forward.

Council CEO Nigel Lynn raised a concern at last Thursday’s meeting that it would take up a lot of council time, at a time when the council was under considerable pressure.

He said the matter would take a lot of organising.

Internal witnesses include former and current councillors responsible for leisure services in the district, as well as five of the council’s most senior officers.

The inquiry will also ask for input from Sport England, Newbury Rugby Club, Newbury Community Football Club, the former leader of the council and any consultants who worked on the project before it was approved.