1. Estimating the demand generated by the total population of an area (e.g. the current or future total population of a local authority area)
The PPC should only be used to help estimate the demand that may be generated from a new ‘additional’ population.
For example, if the total population of an area is currently 100,000 and is projected to increase to 110,000 over the period a playing pitch strategy is looking at, the PPC should only be used to help estimate the demand that may be generated from the additional population of 10,000.
The demand from the existing 100,000 population and the extent to which this is met should be assessed as part of the assessment work which feeds into a playing pitch strategy. This can then be put alongside the demand that may be generated from the additional 10,000 population when informing the development of a playing pitch strategy and action plan.
2. Informing how the demand generated from an individual development should be met where a robust and up-to-date playing pitch strategy is not in place
The calculator requires information from a robust and up-to-date playing pitch strategy.
Furthermore, the calculator only provides an estimate of the likely demand for the use of playing pitches. It does not suggest how the demand should be met or the level and nature of provision that should be provided.
The results should be looked at alongside a robust and up-to-date playing pitch strategy to determine the most appropriate way of meeting any estimated demand.