§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government will extend to all playing fields the procedural protection provided for school playing fields; and if he will make a statement. [36379]
§ Ms KeebleI have no plans to extend the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields) (England) Direction 1998 to cover all playing fields. Development or change of use of playing fields already requires planning permission from the local planning authority. In considering such applications, planning authorities must have regard to the policies in their own development plans and the guidance set out in Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Note 17: "Sport and Recreation". PPG17 makes clear that playing fields should be protected unless there is an excess of provision.