An open letter calling for the protection of the UK’s playing fields, led by led by Fields in Trust President Jill Scott MBE and signed by the TCPA, has been published by the BBC and the Guardian.
At present, Sport England is a statutory consultee when planning applications impact playing fields, acting as a crucial safeguard in the planning system and providing vital oversight. However, the government is looking to remove them from this position as part of proposed planning reforms.
Playing fields are a lifeline for many communities, boosting both physical health and mental wellbeing, and providing somewhere for children and young people to practise sport and play together.
The letter calls on policymakers to ensure that any planning reforms retain a meaningful mechanism to protect playing fields and sports facilities for future generations.
The letter which has been signed by the TCPA’s Chief Executive Fiona Howie, has signatures from 87 leading sporting figures and organisations, including Sir Mo Farah CBE, Ed Clancy OBE and Tessa Sanderson CBE.
