The UK Government has recently opened an eight-week consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system in planning. One of the key proposals is the potential removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee on planning applications involving playing fields and community sports spaces. The consultation runs until 13 January 2026 and seeks views from organisations, clubs and individuals across England.
Why Does This Matter?
Sport England currently plays a vital role in safeguarding spaces for sport and physical activity. As a statutory consultee, it ensures that planning decisions consider the long-term health and wellbeing of communities. Without this oversight, there is a real risk that playing fields and recreational spaces could be lost to development without adequate scrutiny, impacting opportunities for people to be active and worsening issues such as childhood obesity and mental health challenges.
Research shows that playing fields and pitches deliver £2 billion in improved wellbeing every year and help millions of people stay active, including over one million children. Once these spaces are gone, they are gone forever.
What Can You Do?
Active Kent & Medway is urging clubs, community organisations, and local stakeholders to make their voices heard. Here’s how you can help:
- Complete the consultation survey via GOV.UK
- Share this information with your networks and encourage others to respond.
- Highlight local examples of how Sport England’s input has protected vital spaces for sport and physical activity.
Why Your Input Counts
This is a critical moment to advocate for the continued protection of community sport and activity spaces, ensuring access for all. By responding to the consultation, you can help ensure that planning decisions continue to support active, healthy communities.
