Sport + Recreation Alliance responds to statutory consultation on playing fields

Government has launched a consultation on reforming the role of statutory consultees in the planning system. The consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 13 January 2026.

In line with previous statements, Government is proposing the removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee for planning applications involving playing fields.

Responding to the launch of the consultation,  Sport + Recreation Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright MBE said:

“Whilst we understand the Government’s ambition to build more houses and stimulate growth, we are deeply concerned that the proposals to remove Sport England as a statutory consultee set out in this consultation will remove vital safeguards which protect playing fields and pitches from development.

“We’ve seen this summer the importance of these spaces. Without places to play, who knows where our next generation of Lionesses or Red Roses will come from. Once the concrete is poured and the bricks are laid, these vital spaces will be lost forever.

“Our own research as part of our Protect Where We Play campaign shows that playing fields and pitches deliver at least £2bn in improved wellbeing every year and help 4 million people to be active, including 1 million children.

“Ultimately, while we acknowledge the Government’s ambitions to stimulate economic growth and deliver increased housing, we firmly believe this must not come at the cost of playing fields, pitches and sports facilities which are vital community assets. Indeed, building more homes means we need even more places for local communities to be active.

“The Alliance will engage constructively through the consultation process to ensure the planning system supports growth as well as participation in sport and recreation, with all of the enormous health and wellbeing benefits it brings.”

SIGN the PETITION 

Alongside the publication of the consultation, the Alliance is launching a petition to protect Sport England’s status in the planning system as the next stage of our Protect Where We Play campaign.

The petition, which can be signed here, calls for the Government to ensure strong safeguards for playing fields, pitches and community sports facilities by maintaining Sport England’s status as a statutory consultee for planning applications involving playing fields.

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