Decision details

The current Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) was compiled in 2016 and adopted by Wiltshire
Council in February 2017. We have been advised by Sport England this strategy is now out of date.

The PPS renewal will give Wiltshire Council a new, up-to-date strategy, data set and strategic framework to provide the necessary robustness and direction to inform decisions affecting the provision of playing pitches (inc. artificial pitches) and ancillary services.

The strategy covers the four main playing pitch sports of football, cricket, rugby and hockey, looking at both grass pitches, artificial turf pitches and ancillary services. There are four main parts: -

1. Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS): The strategy document.
2. Action Plan: Giving clarity on strategic priorities.
3. Community Area Profiles: Looking at more local needs within the Councils 18 community areas.
4. Needs Assessment: Research data to inform decision making and policy development.

A PPS strategy is required to be produced in accordance with national planning guidance to provide a robust and objective justification for future community sporting infrastructure provision throughout Wiltshire. An up-to-date Wiltshire PPS is a tool to assist in the planning process and is needed to underpin the new Wiltshire Local Plan as an evidence base to conform with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A renewal of the Wiltshire PPS can: -

• Provide a fresh strategic approach and direction to playing pitch provision with outlined priorities.
• Inform and provide a strategic evidence base in the Councils negotiation and securing of S106 developer contributions towards pitches and facilities.
• Provide a strategic view and options for the provision of pitches aligned to the Local Plan Review (LPR) for Wiltshire, helping to meet housing development strain on community sporting infrastructure.
• Be used as robust evidence to protect existing playing pitches and fields to help defend against inappropriate development or loss of pitches.
• Create an area-by-area community assessment of need adding support for local place shaping priorities.
• Outline a priority list of deliverable projects that will help to meet any current deficiencies, provide for future demands and feed into wider Council infrastructure planning work.
• Support increased formal club-based sport as well as social, casual and informal sporting opportunities helping all Wiltshire residents to get more active including those who face barriers to participation and/or experience multiple health inequalities.
• Provide evidence of need for a range of capital grants and help secure external funding.
• Provide for an integrated approach towards land use planning and playing pitch provision (inc. school playing fields) through the Council’s LPR and through decisions on individual planning applications.

The PPS renewal is managed and signed off by a Steering Group made up of stakeholders including Sport England, National Governing Bodies of Sport (Inc. RFU, ECB, WCB, FA, FF,EH), Wiltshire Active Partnership and internally LCC, Development Management, Spatial Planning, Education and Public Health Officers. LCC portfolio holder also has joined the Steering Group.

The Final signed of (by Steering Group) will be take to place leaders and Environment Select Committee before coming to Cabinet.