Protecting Playing Fields

Why are we involved?

Sport England has been a Statutory Consultee on planning applications that affect playing fields since 1996 (Statutory Instrument 1817, as amended by Statutory Instrument 2009/453),  due to concern over the loss of playing fields. This means that any planning application that affects a playing field has to be referred to Sport England for comment by the local authority.

It is Sport England’s policy to object to any planning application, which will result in the loss of a playing field, unless it meets one of five exceptions as defined in A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England. Protection of playing fields was further enhanced in 1998 with Circular 9/98 (replaced in 2009 by Circular 02/09) which stipulates that where a local authority is minded to grant planning permission against Sport England’s advice on land owned by a local authority or used for educational purposes, then the application should be referred to the relevant Government Office for possible ‘call in’.

The importance of Playing Pitch Strategies

Sport England believes that to ensure that informed decisions can be made by local authorities on the future of a playing field, that all local authorities within England should have an up to date playing pitch strategy, either as a stand alone document or forming part of a wider open space strategy. This is in line with guidance contained within PPG 17, and not only seeks to ensure that an assessment of need is carried out, but also that a strategy is put in place in terms of improving accessibility and quality of pitches. Sport England has produced guidance on the undertaking of playing pitch strategies in Towards a level playing field and provided tools to help in the accompanying electronic toolkit.

Who to speak to in Sport England?

Statutory Consultations are processed by our network of regional offices, and it is strongly recommended that if you considering submitting a planning application that may affect a playing field, and likely lead to a Sport England objection that you talk to a planning officer in the relevant regional office.

The wider role of Playing Fields

Playing Fields also offer a valuable resource for informal sport and play areas. The Use of Public Parks Survey conducted in 2003 by Sport England, Countryside Agency, and English Heritage showed that a third of users of parks took part in informal sporting activity.

Even where a playing field may be seen as redundant for formal pitch sport, in accordance with PPG 17 it should be assessed for other sport and open space uses prior to being released for another land use. This should be assessed through the production of an Open Space Strategy, and guidance on undertaking these has been produced by CABE Space. Further guidance on aspects of play can be found via the NPFA, who also provide guidance on the long term safeguarding of recreational land.

Further information on the location of grass pitches to support strategy work can be found on Active Places Power (registered access) and the Football Foundation’s REFF website, which provides information on football facilities only.