Comment

Representation ID: 19690

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Sport England

Welcomes the principle of this policy in respect of the protection of open spaces that reflects paragraph 97 of the NPPF.

We are also pleased that it cites the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy that is currently being reviewed and will provide an up to date evidence base.

In respect of the part of the policy that states: ‘Where open space is to be provided, development proposals should ensure that…’

This part of the policy refers to standards. However, there is a move away from a standards approach.

The provision of new sport facilities should be identified by the sports evidence base and this could be either through new provision or enhancements to existing provisions in order to meet the new demand.

We would advise incorporating Sport England’s Sports Facility Calculator into the policy.