§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the number and acreage of (a) school and (b) public playing fields which have had their use changed in each year since 1980; and whether any forecast has been prepared for similar change of use in coming years. [HL2834]
§ Baroness BlackstoneInformation on the acreage of public playing fields which have changed their use since 1980 is not available. Sport England does, however, monitor the number of planning applications concerning playing fields in its role as statutory consultee.
The amendment to Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act in October 1998 was brought in to halt the policy of forcing schools to sell off playing fields. Local authorities and state schools 201WA now need to ask consent for the sale of school playing fields from my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (DfES). In making her decision my right honourable friend will take into account a number of criteria, including consultation with the community and user groups, whether the proceeds will be used for education or used to enhance sports provision and whether the remaining playing fields fully meet the needs of local schools and the communities.
My right honourable friend gave approval for: six applications to dispose of or change the use of 109,345 square metres of school playing fields in England in 1998; 37 applications to dispose of or change the use of 540,300 square metres in 1999; 28 applications to dispose of or change the use of 351,394 square metres in 2000: 27 applications to dispose of or change the use of 401,705 square metres in 2001; and five applications to dispose of or change the use of 90,500 square metres in 2001. Of these approved applications, over one-third were in respect of sports pitches at closed or closing schools. In over one-half of cases at operating schools, the sale proceeds have been used to provide new or enhanced sports facilities, including sports halls, all-weather pitches or improved grass pitches.
No forecasts have been prepared for similar change of use in coming years. Figures show that local education authorities are now only submitting applications to dispose of or change the use of school playing fields which meet DfES's criteria.