Aspirations and Objectives for Regional and Sub-Regional Policy
Spatial planning at the regional scale is focussed on the new statutory Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs) that are currently being prepared in each English region, including the London Plan. The importance of addressing sport and active recreation within regional and sub-regional spatial planning has a clear grounding in Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17), which specifically states that the guidance will need to be taken into account by regional planning bodies in the preparation of Regional Planning Guidance (or any successor).  Guidance on the content of RSSs, contained within PPS 11 reaffirms this position (PPS 11 Annex A page 49).

The key strategic objective that PPG17 aims to deliver is a:

• Network of accessible, high quality open spaces and sport and recreation facilities, in both urban and rural areas, which meet the needs of residents and visitors, are fit for purpose and economically and environmentally sustainable (PPG17 Companion Guide para 1.3).

In addition to promoting the guidance in PPG17 Sport England has a number of spatial planning objectives for sport and active recreation which provide a clear framework for engaging with the regional and sub-regional spatial planning process. These strategic objectives are an expression of the Guiding Principles for Sport and Active Recreation and draw on the strategic objectives described in Planning for Sport and Active Recreation: Objectives and Opportunities.

The Contribution of Sport and Active Recreation

• Ensuring that the wide benefits of sport and active recreation and its contribution to environmental sustainability, community safety, local economic viability, quality of life, health and education standards is recognised within the long term spatial vision and strategy for the regions and sub-regions.

Protecting and Enhancing Sport and Recreation Resources

• Encouraging the designation and protection of Significant Areas for Sport, which are of sub-regional, regional, national or international importance.
• Promoting the protection and enhancement of existing strategic open space and green infrastructure, including the protection of existing strategic recreation routes, networks or corridors.
• Encouraging the protection and enhancement of existing strategic sports facilities and sporting opportunities of sub-regional, regional or national importance including those within designated areas such as: National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Green Belts, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
• Rationalising and investing in appropriate facilities for sport and active recreation in order that they are fit for purpose to meet contemporary needs.

Understanding Needs

• Identifying the distinctive needs of the region or sub-region for open space and built sports and recreational facilities, taking into account an assessment of the need for strategic facilities for those working in and visiting the region, as well as residents, and how the level of provision will be maintained.

The Provision of New Facilities and Opportunities for Sport and Active Recreation

• Ensuring adequate provision is made for sport and active recreation within strategic development and growth areas.
• Identifying strategic opportunities for new recreational routes, networks or corridors including improving access to the countryside.
• Identifying the opportunities for new strategic sports facilities and sporting opportunities of sub-regional, regional or national importance in line with identified needs and the Regional Plans for Sport.

These objectives are complemented by:

• A Stage-by-Stage guide to the consideration of sport and active recreation within Regional Spatial Strategies and related documents,
• A checklist which specifically indicates where Regional Spatial Strategies can help to deliver strategic objectives for sport.
• Examples of how Sport England has been engaging with the regional and sub-regional planning process