As the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system gets under way, Sport England chairman Chris Boardman has reminded Government of the continued importance of safeguarding playing fields.
The consultation, which closes on 13 January 2026, seeks views on reforming the role of statutory consultees in the planning system, of which we are one.
Sport England must be consulted whenever anyone wants to develop on a playing field. It maintains that it will always object if it believes sports provision in the community will be diminished as a result.
The consultation follows the publication earlier this year of the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Chris Boardman said: “We welcome the ambition to stimulate the economy and deliver housing. However, this must be balanced with protecting access to playing fields.
“History shows us that protecting playing fields requires more than national policy alone.
“Once a playing field is lost, it’s gone forever – and the impact is felt the most by communities that need them the most.
“Health is wealth – and healthy lives that are full of movement are essential for economic growth.
“We will work constructively with the Government to ensure that planning decisions can support growth and health.
“With almost half of our playing fields located within school grounds, safeguarding these spaces is essential to ensure future generations have decent access to community sport and exercise.”
