One of our policy officers, Martin Key, takes a look at the latest news on the thorny issue of changes to the planning system from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Eric Pickles was widely quoted yesterday saying that bowling greens would be given ‘special protection’ under new planning rules. This is news to us because everything we have seen in relation to the new planning system shows that sport and recreation facilities will be much more vulnerable to development.
So what has triggered this response by the Secretary of State? It could be the action of bowling clubs across the country writing to their MP in response to a joint initiative by Bowls England and the Alliance to raise awareness of clubs under threat. Insiders have told the Alliance that the Department has been inundated by letters from clubs and MPs asking what will be done to protect bowling greens.
The charm offensive could also be designed to divert attention away from the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which undermines protection for open space, sport and recreation facilities. The current draft makes it much easier for developers to build on facilities and it also removes the requirement to provide like-for-like replacement of playing fields.
Pickles hopes that new community powers will protect vulnerable facilities, however we are far from convinced. Local Green Space designation is not appropriate for most green areas and can still be built on in certain circumstances. Moreover, the community’s right to buy facilities simply means that locals must put together the highest bid - something which they have always been entitled to do in the unlikely event they are able to raise the money to compete with a commercial developer. All the new proposals do is buy communities some extra time.
The current planning regulations, while not perfect, do at least afford specific protection to our sport and recreation spaces. We all recognise the need for economic growth and planning reform can make a contribution but growth should not come at the expense of our happiness, health and wellbeing. Under the proposed planning system the default position for our beloved sport and recreation facilities will be less protection not more. This is why we are campaigning to strengthen the NPPF to ensure that valuable facilities are not lost. To find out how you can help us please visit the planning section of our website or contact Martin Key via email or phone on 020 7976 3904.
