Playing fields are important community spaces and should be protected
Playing fields play a huge role in making physical activity a part of normal life for everyone. It is vital that we protect these spaces for the future wellbeing of everyone as active children grow into active adults and therefore they contribute to a healthy, thriving society.
The latest Government data released in December 2025 demonstrates that Sport England’s role as a ‘statutory consultee’ is having a positive impact on protecting playing fields from redevelopment. As a statutory consultee, Sport England ensures that development on playing fields doesn’t diminish community sports opportunities, and objects when it does. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 94% of planning applications affecting playing fields resulted in their protection or improvement.
Key findings for period April 23 to March 24:
- 1,038 playing fields were protected during the period.
- In 60% of cases where Sport England initially objected, further negotiations led to improved or safeguarded sports provisions.
- 55% of applications with objections were withdrawn or refused.
Providing sufficient sports spaces is more important than ever as 1.5 million new homes are planned over the next few years and there is a pressing need to provide accessible areas for physical activity. The rise in popularity of women’s football, spurred by England’s Euro success, also underscores this demand.
Sport England’s Chair, Chris Boardman, emphasizes that playing fields are more than just recreational spaces:
“They are the places where people of all ages come together, where communities form and where children first discover the joy of being active.”
From multi-use games areas and goal walls, to outdoor gyms and all-weather pitches, if you are a council, school or community organisation looking to upgrade your playing field, contact our expert team for advice and information on the latest playground and outdoor gym and sports products available.