§ Kate HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will provide a breakdown by region in England of the number of planning consultations received by Sport England in relation to change of use of playing fields in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and how many of these had planning permission granted. [57628]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 20 May 2002]The breakdown by region in England of the number of planning applications affecting playing fields received by Sport England for the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01 (figures for 2001–02 are not available); and how many received planning permission are shown in the following table:
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Region 1999–2000 Planning Permission granted 2000–2001 Planning Permission granted East 38 21 93 65 East Midlands 33 21 75 55 London 31 8 37 17 North East 39 22 36 28 North West 95 64 132 93
Region 1999–2000 Planning Permission granted 2000–2001 Planning Permission granted South East 152 106 226 147 South West 57 33 43 25 West Midlands 111 89 162 121 Yorkshire 101 67 98 60 Total 657 431 902 611 Planning applications affecting playing fields can often involve a change of use that benefits sport rather than resulting in the outright sale of playing fields or their development. It should also be noted that where planning permission is granted this does not necessarily mean that the proposed development or change of use went ahead. Comprehensive data is not collected centrally on whether planning applications are actually implemented.