Will Sports Stars Lose Their Playing Fields to New Reforms?

A coalition of prominent sports figures and governing bodies in England has raised serious concerns regarding proposed government planning reforms, which could jeopardise access to playing fields and sports facilities. The open letter from Olympic champions, including Sir Mo Farah and Jill Scott, underscores the potential consequences of removing statutory protections currently afforded to these spaces, which are vital for grassroots sports participation.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The UK government is contemplating sweeping reforms that could significantly alter the protection of playing fields across England. As part of a broader initiative to accelerate housing development, the government is considering removing Sport England's statutory role as a consultee in planning applications. This change has sparked alarm among sports stars and governing bodies, who argue that it could lead to the rapid loss of essential sports facilities at a time when participation rates are on the rise.

Key takeaways

• Top athletes and governing bodies have signed an open letter expressing concerns over proposed planning reforms.
• The reforms could strip Sport England of its statutory consultee role, risking the loss of playing fields.
• Over 16,000 people have signed a petition opposing the changes, highlighting public support for protecting sports facilities.

Timeline: how we got here

The discussion around planning reforms has been unfolding over several years, but key dates include:

• 1980s-1990s: An estimated 10,000 playing fields were lost due to planning decisions.
• 1990: Sport England was established, tasked with protecting sports facilities.
• October 2023: Current proposals to remove Sport England’s role as a statutory consultee are made public.
• 31 October 2023: Open letter from sports figures and governing bodies is published, raising alarm over potential losses.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include the publication of an open letter from athletes and sports leaders, urging the government to reconsider its plans. This letter highlights the importance of preserving playing fields, particularly for grassroots sports.

What was already established

It is well-documented that the UK has seen significant losses in playing fields over the past few decades. The role of Sport England as a statutory consultee has been a crucial line of defence against further losses. The current proposal threatens to weaken this protection, raising concerns about the future of community sports.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The potential loss of playing fields could directly affect local communities by reducing access to spaces for physical activity. This is particularly concerning given the rising demand for sports participation, especially among young people and women. The loss of these facilities may lead to increased health disparities, as communities with limited access to green spaces are already at a disadvantage.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses related to sports and leisure, the removal of playing fields could mean fewer opportunities for grassroots events and local sports clubs, which rely heavily on these facilities. The knock-on effect could impact jobs in the sports sector, particularly in community coaching and event organisation.

Policy and regulation

The proposed reforms are part of a broader government strategy to meet housing targets, aiming for 1.5 million new homes by 2029. However, critics argue that this approach neglects the importance of community infrastructure. Upcoming consultations will be pivotal in shaping the final decision regarding these proposed changes, with the government reportedly keen to expedite housing developments.

Numbers that matter

• 10,000: Estimated number of playing fields lost during the 1980s and 1990s due to planning decisions.
• 1,000: The number of playing fields that Sport England reportedly protected last year.
• 16,000: Number of signatures on the petition opposing the removal of Sport England’s statutory role.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Statutory consultee: An organisation that must be consulted on planning applications by law.
• Grassroots sport: Organised sports at a local level, often involving community participation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, the focus will be on the government’s consultations regarding the planning reforms. Stakeholders, including sports bodies and community groups, will engage with policymakers to advocate for the preservation of playing fields.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As consultations conclude, the government will likely announce its final decisions regarding the proposed reforms. This could lead to new regulations that either strengthen or weaken protections for playing fields.

Signals to watch

• Outcomes of the government consultation process.
• Responses from community groups and sports organisations advocating for playing field protections.
• Changes in government policy on housing and sports infrastructure.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the government's consultations and decisions regarding planning reforms.
• Support petitions and campaigns advocating for the protection of playing fields.
• Engage with local councils to express your views on community sports facilities.

Don’t

• Assume that protections for playing fields are guaranteed; stay proactive.
• Neglect the importance of grassroots sports in your community.

Checklist

• Check the progress of the government’s consultation regarding planning reforms.
• Sign petitions supporting the protection of playing fields.
• Engage with local sports clubs to understand their needs.
• Monitor local news for updates on housing and sports policies.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the government has stated that strong protections for playing fields will remain, the actual implications of the proposed reforms are still uncertain. The outcome of the consultations will be critical in determining the future of these protections. Additionally, the broader context of housing demands may overshadow community needs, leading to potential conflicts of interest between development and preservation of green spaces.

Bottom line

The proposed planning reforms pose a significant threat to playing fields across England, which are crucial for grassroots sports and community health. Stakeholders from various sectors are urging the government to reconsider these changes and maintain essential protections, highlighting the importance of these spaces for future generations.

FAQs

Why are playing fields important?

Playing fields are essential for grassroots sports, providing spaces for community engagement, physical activity, and overall well-being.

What is Sport England's role?

Sport England acts as a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting sports facilities, helping to protect playing fields from development.

What can I do to support this cause?

You can support this cause by signing petitions, engaging with local sports clubs, and advocating for the preservation of playing fields in your community.