Tougher Controls over Playing Field Sales

11.40.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Sep 2004

In response to growing criticism that the government is allowing too many playing fields to be sold for redevelopment, new rules have been brought in which will make it extremely difficult for councils to give permission for building on playing fields.

The decision has major local implications. A year ago the local council tried to make changes to the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which would have allowed building on the Craneford Way fields at Twickenham, Heathfield recreation ground, Collis school fields in Teddington, and elsewhere; but the government inspector ruled against the council. Nonetheless there has been concern that the council might try to override the inspector; and there are other developments which might involve encroachment on playing fields, like the Tertiary College proposal to build alongside the A316. Under the new proposals, councils will have to demonstrate that all other options are exhausted and that all the proceeds of any sale go back into outdoor leisure facilities.

Vincent Cable said that the government's new rules "will come as a great relief to local residents who have feared that remaining green spaces would be gradually concreted over to create space for profitable land sales and housing development. The present council was undoubtedly tempted to go down this route but will not how be able to."

"The community groups who fought development on playing fields have now been vindicated by tough new legal backing."