The evidence is part of the long-term plan for the District's infrastructure which includes housing increases, open spaces and transport and is called the Local Development Framework.

The Council has worked with Sport England and a range of other partners to map out a profile of participation in sports and active recreation and detail current provision and future needs up to 2026.

Key points from the evidence base include the need to:

• Maintain existing swimming provision and upgrade the pool at Chase Leisure Centre (a redevelopment plan was approved by Full Council in December and was granted planning permission last month)
• Increase adult and junior football pitches in areas with deficiencies
• Current golf provision is sufficient
• Provide an extra four badminton courts by 2019
• Increase health and fitness stations by 80
• Provide sprung-floor dance facilities in three areas of the District (one already exists at Rugeley Leisure Centre)
• Investigate an athletics training facility, possibly on a school site

It is recommended that the evidence should be circulated for comment to partner agencies, sports clubs and national governing bodies for the individual sports. Using the key issues from the evidence base and the consultation feedback, a strategy to increase physical activity in the District will be developed during 2010.

Cllr Mick Grocott, Cannock Chase Council Leisure, Culture and Activities for Children and Young People, said: "The Council is committed to increasing opportunities for residents to take part in sport and active recreation. Creating healthier communities is one of our key priorities as the District is unfortunately the highest in Staffordshire for obesity levels for both adults and children.

"The evidence base will enable us to develop a strategy to increase physical activity and should help us to secure external funding. It is important to note, however, that providing extra facilities over the next 10 to 15 years could be financed and delivered by public, voluntary or private sector organisations."