Sport England, in partnership with the Department of Communities and Local Government, has published a new guide to planning applications aimed at sports clubs who want to improve their facilities.
We know that poor quality facilities are a significant barrier to increasing participation in sport at a grassroots level. All too often the planning system is viewed as an obstacle as opposed to a means of securing the best possible outcome, and when approached incorrectly can result in frustration, financial loss and damaged relationships.
Making a planning application provides practical advice that will help clubs across the country prepare their case and application in order to maximise their chances of success.
Step-by-step guidance is provided on the five stages of applying for, and securing, planning permission:
- Reviewing the options
- Preparing the application
- Submitting the application
- The decision
- Implementing the decision.
The handbook has been drawn up with help from the Planning Officers Society and a working group that included The FA, the RFU, the ECB and British Tennis.