Draft Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document re-consultation - 2025

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the revised comments regarding the above.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Sport England recommends using its Playing Pitch Calculator to determine costs, ensuring alignment with the updated Playing Pitch Strategy.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Thank you for consulting Sport England. Sport England e-mailed our response today at 16:21 to the above proposals. Following sending this we saw the additional information uploaded regarding the Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations- Costing Update Paper. Can you please ignore our previous comments and take into our account our comments below.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Having reviewed that document it is noted that the capital (provision) costs for Outdoors Sports are derived from Sport England facility cost guidance (Quarter 3, 2024) and that maintenance costs for Outdoor Sports have been informed by Sport England lifecycle cost guidance. This is supported. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

If you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail that would be appreciated.

Sport England trusts the above is of assistance. If you have any questions or would like any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for consulting Sport England. Sport England e-mailed our response today at 16:21 to the above proposals. Following sending this we saw the additional information uploaded regarding the Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations- Costing Update Paper. Can you please ignore our previous comments and take into our account our comments below.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Having reviewed that document it is noted that the capital (provision) costs for Outdoors Sports are derived from Sport England facility cost guidance (Quarter 3, 2024) and that maintenance costs for Outdoor Sports have been informed by Sport England lifecycle cost guidance. This is supported. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

If you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail that would be appreciated.

Sport England trusts the above is of assistance. If you have any questions or would like any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for consulting Sport England. Sport England e-mailed our response today at 16:21 to the above proposals. Following sending this we saw the additional information uploaded regarding the Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations- Costing Update Paper. Can you please ignore our previous comments and take into our account our comments below.

As I am sure you are aware, Sport England has an established role within the planning system which includes providing advice and guidance on all relevant areas of National and Local Planning Policy as well as supporting Local Authorities in developing their evidence base for sport facilities.

Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport and creating opportunities for physical activity by enabling the right facilities to be provided in the right places based on robust and up-to-date assessments of need and strategies for all levels of sport and for all sectors of the community. To achieve this aim our planning objectives are to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment, ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose and meet demands for sport participation and physical activity now and into the future. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields. Further detail on Sport England’s role and objectives within the planning system can be found at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport

Sport England has considered the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of these planning objectives and Sport England have the following comments:

Chapter 14: Public Open Space

As mentioned in our previous comments dated 24/01/2025 the outdoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of. Reason being is this approach does not reflect the nuances of playing pitch/field provision, for example it does not explain what playing pitch provision should be provided, it could result in playing pitches/fields too small meet the needed playing pitch provision to mitigate the impact of the development and could have implications for maintenance costs. Sport England however recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The open space and recreation standards set out within the SPD are therefore reflective of those standards within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan so Sport England does not object to this.

On-site provision: Paragraph 14.16 of the SPD has been updated to acknowledge that an existing Playing Pitch Strategy is in progress to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This revision is supported.

Off-site provision: A footnote has been added noting that the cost estimates are based on the Infrastructure Costing Review – Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations SPD (July 2025). Having reviewed that document it is noted that the capital (provision) costs for Outdoors Sports are derived from Sport England facility cost guidance (Quarter 3, 2024) and that maintenance costs for Outdoor Sports have been informed by Sport England lifecycle cost guidance. This is supported. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

Chapter 15: Indoor Sports, including Swimming

Indoor sports facilities are sought based on a standards approach of which Sport England are not supportive of for the reasons explained above for indoor sports. Sport England recognises that a standards approach was adopted as part of the Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. The standards set out within the SPD are reflective of those within the Cambridge Local Plan and South Cambridgeshire Local Plan, therefore in this instance, Sport England do not object.

At paragraph 15.6 the additional wording regarding the reference of the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 is supported. Likewise, Sport England welcomes the inclusion of paragraph 15.16. You may wish to caveat this part of the SPD, to note that costs may be updated to reflect inflation in line with Sport England’s Facilities calculator.

If you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail that would be appreciated.

Sport England trusts the above is of assistance. If you have any questions or would like any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.