Comment

Representation ID: 4780

Received: 19/12/2022

Respondent: Sport England

HC18 is not consistent with national planning policy (NPPF para 99). As worded the policy could be perceived as relating to a playing pitch marked out at a point in time, not the wider playing field site and its ability to accommodate pitches. The policy should be revised to reflect para 99 of the NPPF. It is recommended that the supporting text highlights the applicant is encouraged to undertake an assessment in line with Sport England's needs assessment guidance for playing pitches and sports facilities. Criterion b solely relates to the replacement provision being of at least equivalent quality but omits quantity as per NPPF paragraph 99b. A further omission of the policy is the exclusion of paragraph 99c which is catered for within Policy HC17.