§ Ms Rosie WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has issued about planning for sport, open space and recreation. [155261]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI am today issuing a consultation paper which proposes new, more robust planning policies for sport, open space and recreation. The proposed revision of Planning Policy Guidance note 17 Sport and Recreation (PPG17) follows our commitment in the Urban and Rural White Papers to creating more sustainable communities that offer a better quality of life.
The draft guidance contains key messages that planning authorities must take into account in preparing their plans and in making planning decisions. It advises authorities to:
253Wconduct assessments of the need for sport, open space and recreational provision in their areas;plan for additional sports and recreation facilities including playing fields, open spaces, parks, sports centres and stadia where there is an identified shortfall;protect the existing range of open air and built recreation facilities which are of value to local communities. Authorities should resist the development of open space unless it can be shown that it is not needed for outdoor recreation;
ensure that new developments are provided with attractive, good quality sports and recreation facilities;locate facilities so that they are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport: andlocate "intensive" recreation facilities such as indoor sports centres in or on the edge of town centres where possible so that they can lend vitality to them.It is essential to their quality of life that people have access to open space and a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities. We are proposing a systematic assessment procedure to assist local authorities in determining whether any shortfall in the provision of open space, sports or recreational facilities exists in their areas. This will help them in planning to remedy any deficiencies. The draft guidance reinforces current measures to safeguard existing open space and further protects playing fields, which are vital to the health and well being of our young people, as well as benefiting the wider community.
Copies of the consultation draft of PPG17 have been placed in the Library and Vote Office. It will be sent to local planning authorities, developers, sporting organisations and other interested parties, and responses to the draft guidance are invited by Friday 15 June.