Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
4th Report - Game On: Community and school sport
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 593
Published 20 April 2026
Government response
1st Special Report - Game On: Community and school sport: Government Response · published 26 Jun 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
16
Conclusion
Deferred
We are concerned about Sport England losing its function as a Statutory Planning Consultee.
Conclusion
We are concerned about Sport England losing its function as a Statutory Planning Consultee. Given the vital importance of playing fields to grassroots sport, Ministers in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport should be arguing strongly for the protection …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about Sport England's statutory consultee status, stating no decision will be made until feedback on consultation proposals has been fully reviewed. A government response will follow, and Sport England will continue to engage in the planning process regardless.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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17
Recommendation
Deferred
We recommend that the Government retain Sport England as a Statutory Planning Consultee.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government retain Sport England as a Statutory Planning Consultee. For its part, Sport England needs to redouble its efforts to turn its responses around swiftly. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52)
Government Response Summary
The government defers a decision on retaining Sport England as a Statutory Planning Consultee, pending a review of consultation feedback, and notes Sport England's commitment to swift responses, already meeting 99% within 21 days.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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18
Recommendation
Deferred
We recommend that any future planning reforms include a robust and enforceable mechanism to protect...
Recommendation
We recommend that any future planning reforms include a robust and enforceable mechanism to protect playing fields and sports facilities, safeguarding these vital community assets for future generations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 53)
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing protections in the National Planning Policy Framework and states they consulted on further changes to safeguard open spaces, with a response to be published in due course.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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