Blog: Protecting Our Spaces to Move

In March 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to remove Sport England from the list of statutory consultees in the planning system – a move that could have profound implications for the future of sport, physical activity, and community wellbeing across Kent and Medway. At the same time, the newly announced Landmark Devolution Bill promises a “new dawn of regional power,” offering local areas the opportunity to take greater control over decisions that affect their communities.

Sport England’s current statutory role ensures that developments consider the impact on playing fields, leisure centres and community activity spaces. Their consultee status ensures that planning applications are reviewed with an eye towards long-term health, wellbeing, and access to physical activity.

Without this oversight, local authorities may lack the resources to protect or enhance these vital assets – especially in areas without dedicated sports planning leads or up-to-date Playing Pitch Strategies.

The government’s rationale is to streamline planning processes and accelerate housing development, with a target of 1.5 million new homes. While we recognise the urgent need for housing, this must not come at the cost of our green spaces and sporting infrastructure. These are not luxuries – they are lifelines. Physical inactivity already costs the UK economy billions annually. Reducing access to active spaces will only deepen this crisis.

The Devolution Bill introduces a framework for ‘county deals’, allowing areas like Kent and Medway to negotiate bespoke arrangements with central government. These deals could include powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and crucially, health and wellbeing. For sport and physical activity, this opens up both risks and opportunities.

On one hand, the removal of Sport England’s statutory role could weaken national oversight and consistency. On the other, devolution could empower local leaders to embed sport and physical activity more deeply into planning, health, and regeneration strategies – if they choose to do so.

At Active Kent & Medway, we believe that any new devolved powers must be used to protect and enhance the infrastructure that supports active lives. That means:

• Ensuring local planning frameworks include robust evidence from Playing Pitch and Built Facility Strategies.
• Embedding sport and physical activity into wider health, transport, and regeneration plans.
• Maintaining meaningful consultation with Sport England, even if their statutory role is removed.
• Supporting Local Authorities to expand their knowledge by offering training, sharing best practice and supporting the implementation of strategic guidance.

We’re already working with partners across planning, health, and local government to advocate for a joined-up approach – one that recognises the value of sport and physical activity not just for recreation, but for community cohesion, mental health, and economic resilience.

Planning for homes must also mean planning for health. Let’s protect the spaces that help our communities move, connect, and thrive.

Published: July 2025