Playing fields should not be built on unless they are surplus to requirements or a like-for-like replacement is provided.

Some playing fields are well protected, for example, school playing fields and those used for football, rugby and cricket.

However many other sports are not offered the same level of protection. Playing fields provide many sport and recreation opportunities beyond the traditional sports and the full range of these benefits should be recognised.

Background

• before 1996 there was no specific protection for playing fields
• legislation was introduced make it harder to build on school and public playing fields
• national planning policy backed this position
• the Alliance is a member of the School Playing Fields Advisory Panel which reviews the sale of all playing fields to ensure there is sufficient supply.

Current status

• the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has replaced PPG17 as national policy in relation to playing fields
• it states that playing fields must be replaced if they are built on.
• the Department of Education is reviewing policy relating to school playing fields to give schools extra flexibility.

Action Points

• local councils need to create local plans based on the NPPF – get involved to help sport and recreation
• the Department of Education is reviewing policy relating to school playing fields – new guidance and regulations should maintain protection for existing facilities.

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