Dacorum Sports Network is asking members to oppose government proposals to remove the requirement for Councils to consult Sport England on planning applications including Local Plans. This would in turn lead to the disbanding of the Sport England team that manage this and provide their expertise not only to Councils but to organisations like ours and direct to clubs.
The work that Sport England do has been immensely beneficial over the years and especially to us at Dacorum Sports Network. They have prevented the loss of playing fields all over the country and ensured Councils and Developers have not been able to simply build on sports grounds and remove pitches. They are also the only regulatory body trying to ensure that new housing developments are made to contribute new facilities or contribute appropriately to the building of the necessary facilities to support the increased population. There is very little regulation governing sports provision by Local Councils and this oversight by Sport England over the planning process is about all that remains in terms of ensuring Councils are made to consider their community’s sporting needs.
The Government (MHCLG) started its consultation on the review of the statutory consultee system a few weeks ago. It is proposed that Sport England will be removed as a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. The consultation runs until 13th January 2026.
We strongly urge you to respond to the consultation by 13th January 2026. The Sport & Recreation Alliance have provided template answers if you would find this helpful and can be found here.