Through policy advice and a network of town planners in each of our regions, Sport England gives advice on what type of sports facilities are needed and where by communities in the future. We also advise on how to protect and improve the current stock of facilities. In particular, Sport England has a specific remit to protect playing fields. Key areas of work are:

advising and liaising with central government and other national agencies on the development of planning policy and the planning process insofar as it affects sport and active recreation;

contributing to the development of Planning Policy Statements and other policy guidance;

advising strategic and local planning authorities on matters affecting sport and active recreation in development plans and related documents;

advising local planning authorities on statutory and non-statutory consultations on planning applications affecting sport and active recreation; and advising sports bodies on national and local planning issues.

These pages offer guidance on the role of Sport England and the promotion of the interests of sport and active recreation within the planning system. Three aspects of the planning process are considered:

Policy Context

The interests of sport and active recreation need to be considered at a variety of scales. Sport England has policy interests at local, regional and national scales. This section maps out the principal relationships and is a reference point for the preparation of policy and its delivery, both through planning and other means. Documents of particular significance to the interests of sport are identified, along with an indication of who is involved, where and how.

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Developing Policy for Sport

Policies for sport and active recreation can be embedded into regional, sub-regional and local planning documents. These form the reference points for ensuring that the interests and benefits accruing from sport are recognised and delivered at a variety of scales. Sport England has developed objectives and guidance on the preparation of policy for planners and others to use in responding to the needs and aspirations of their audience. Opportunities presented by Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks are given particular attention.

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Putting Policy into Practice

The application of policies for sport and active recreation is carried out through a number of means, including direct implementation through development plans, the influencing of decision-making and the setting of standards for development which is aspired to. To this end, Sport England has gathered together a suite of practical examples of how the interests of sport and active recreation can be promoted. These include policy objectives, the preparation of additional planning guidance, and templates for the negotiation of planning obligations to the benefit of sport.

Find out more about Putting Policy into Practice