Sandwell Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Object

Representation ID: 1726

Received: 26/03/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Site constraints references the presence of 11 adult size football pitches, but omits to reference the presence of a bowls green, changing rooms, toilets, pavilion facilities and car parking to serve the use of the playing fields. These should also be expressly referenced.

Sport England wishes to put on record that whilst we welcome the inclusion of part a) of the policy that requires that the existing playing fields are not built on unless a mitigation package consistent with NPPF para 103 (now para 104) is agreed (SHW5), we have significant reservations that suitable site(s) are capable of being identified and agreed. Sport England presented detailed representations at the examination to explain why the sites referenced in para 6.70 of the proposed plan are unsuitable to provide equitable or better replacement provision, and the Council has not been able to put forward any alternative sites that could meet this policy requirement. We remain of the view that there is significant doubt regarding the deliverability of the proposed allocation.