Removal of statutory consultee status from Sport England

That this House strongly opposes the removal of statutory consultee status from Sport England from the National Planning Policy Framework; notes that Sport England’s consultee role was established in 1996 to provide specialist national oversight preventing the loss of playing fields; recognises that playing fields provide essential spaces for physical activity, supporting public health, children’s development, and community wellbeing, and that once lost, these fields are exceptionally difficult to replace; acknowledges the urgent need for more playing fields across the UK to improve access to sport and recreation; and calls on the Government to maintain Sport England’s statutory consultee status in order to safeguard these vital community spaces.