Government Proposes to Remove Sport England as Statutory Consultee for Planning

It is proposed that Sport England will be removed as a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields if Government reforms are adopted.

Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) oppose the proposals and are urging its partners to lobby the Government to rethink its approach, for the benefit of everyone in our local community.

Why we need to keep Sport England as a Statutory Consultee?

• Given the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes over this parliament, the proposal to remove Sport England as a statutory consultee from the planning system will remove critical safeguards which protect playing fields from development and risks the loss of vital community assets for current and future generations. Once a playing field is gone, it is gone forever.

 

• Playing fields and pitches are essential to our local community being active, healthy and happy. They deliver at least £2bn in improved wellbeing every year and help support almost 4 million people to be active. They are particularly crucial for children and young people – supporting 1 million children to participate in a wide range of sports and activities and, for some, to take their first steps towards becoming our future sporting stars. They are also places where our communities can come together, enjoy being active outdoors and connect with nature.

 

• Hertfordshire has a vibrant community sport sector with 2,500+ voluntary sports clubs who collectively make a massive contribution to community life in Hertfordshire through the opportunities they provide for our residents. Many of those clubs are wholly dependent for their existence on the availability of local playing fields, and as such we are deeply concerned by the Government's proposals to weaken planning protections for these.

John O’Callaghan (HSP Partnership Director) commented:

“Removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee will reduce the weight given to sport, recreation and physical activity in the planning system and negatively impact the quality and provision of wider community sports facilities, which are essential to improving health and wellbeing. So it essential that we show solidarity and do all we can to oppose these changes.”

Local partners are encouraged to respond to the consultation and sign the petition – further details can be found here.